KANNAPOLIS ó Village Fest 2008 gets under way today.
Presenting sponsor is the North Carolina Research Campus. Other sponsors include the Cabarrus Events Association and a number of businesses.
Bring a chair or blanket to a 6:30 p.m. open-air concert hosted by Ford Broadcasting and Central Baptist Church, featuring The Hoppers.
Groups from local churches, including Central Baptist, will also take the stage.
At 7 a.m. Saturday, there will be a hot air balloon launch.
“We strive to make the festival more fun every year,” festival executive director Brenda Drye said.
West Point Baptist Church will have an expanded children’s free play and entertainment area. Look for the Kidz Zone banner. West Point will also host a hospitality tent for visitors who want a spot to sit.
“All the food and crafts vendors will be on site Saturday with plenty of temptations, too,” Drye added.
Festival stage performances start at 9 a.m. Saturday with a showcase of young talent from local dance studios. WCNC newsman and on-air personality Alex Reed will emcee beginning at 11 a.m.
Professional music groups take the stage at noon, including The Craig Woolard Band and Center City Groove Band with a variety of traditional and contemporary beach music tunes.
At 7 p.m., country music takes center stage with County Line.
The festival closes at 10 p.m. with fireworks, underwritten by Turner Construction.
“We are very grateful for the support and cooperation of Kannapolis’ Village merchants and downtown landlord Atlantic American Properties,” Drye said. “This festival wouldn’t be possible without the financial support of many wonderful area businesses. We hope when you visit, you will patronize each of them.”
For more information about visiting Village Fest, go online to cabarrusevents.org.
Friday
6:30 p.m. ó Central Baptist Church
7 p.m. óThe Hoppers
10 p.m. ó Hot Air Balloon Glow
Saturday
7 a.m. ó Hot Air Balloon Rally
9-11:30 a.m. ó local dancers
Noonń2:30 p.m. ó Craig Woolard Band.
2:30-5 p.m. ó Center City Groove Band
7-10 p.m. ó County Line
10 p.m. ó Fireworks
All times are approximate.