Mayfest explodes with new activites

The Rector Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for a Mayfest event sure to draw regional attention and provide a day of family fun and entertainment long to be remembered.

Set from 10 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the Downtown Park, Rector Mayfest 2010 will feature continuous music on stage by some of the area's best entertainers, a motorcycle show, a trike show, an antique tractor display, carnival games, air rides, the National Guard rock climb wall, a National Guard humvee, lots of booths with items displayed by local stores, crafts, face painting, political representatives and military information, along with a fantastic lineup of food vendors.

Rector's own Cole Thomas will take the stage at 10 a.m. singing country music. Another of Rector's best, Sherry Jennings, will sing '70's music and southern rock from 11 to 11:45 a.m.

Gospel bluegrass music by Rector's Clyde Watkins will begin at noon and continue to 12:45 p.m. Patrick Patterson of Piggott, who has wowed crowds at the Rector Labor Day Picnic, will play a mix of country and rock from 1 to 4 p.m.

The motorcycle, trike and antique tractor displays will open at 10 a.m. and continue through 3 p.m. Carnival games and air rides will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a coins-in-the-haystack for little ones will be held in the morning.

Food vendors will include: the Rector Lions Club, selling hot dogs and hamburgers; Rector's Big Mouth Bar-B-Q; Dry Creek Concessions, selling snack items, tea, lemonade and more; Cat's Candies, featuring delicious homemade candies by Cathy Louder of Rector; Balzas Shaved Ice; Cuppy's Coffee and Smoothies, and possibly funnel cakes, homemade cakes and pies and more.

Booth space still is available at a cost of $20 for each 10'x12' space. Vendor forms are available at the Northeast Arkansas Innovative Training Center (NEAITC) on Main Street in Rector. Those interested also may call Tom Diddle at (870) 595-2300.