By Haley Mitchell Godwin

The third annual Friendliest City Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Luverne at Douglass Park, offering a full day of family-friendly activities, food, live entertainment and unique shopping opportunities.

“The Friendliest City Festival is a wonderful, family-friendly event that offers something for everyone,” said Kathy Smyth with the Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce. “It’s the perfect way to enjoy the fall weather and bring the community together for a day of fun and entertainment.”

One of the highlights of the festival is the Pet Costume Contest, which will be held alongside a costume contest for both children and adults. Registration will take place from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., at the gazebo with a $5 entry fee. The pet competition will have one category, while the children’s contest will feature age groups 0-5, 6-12, and 13-17. Adults can also compete in an 18-and-older category. First-place winners in each category will receive a $100 prize, with all proceeds going to benefit the local Animal Tails Rescue.

For those looking to get a jump start on their holiday shopping, a variety of vendors will offer unique products, including candles, baked goods, personalized items, handcrafted decor, jewelry, clothing and more. 

The festival will feature approximately 50 vendors, including, DI Candles, Fancy Fusions by Sonya, Sugar Mama Sweets, Flamingo Shaved Ice, The Crafty Coles and more. Food favorites like Dixieland Kettle Corn, Grit + Grind Coffee, The Tipsy Gypsy, The Wacked Out Weiner and 2 Brothers Frozen Treats will also be on hand, ensuring there’s plenty to eat and drink.

Adding in churches and other local organizations that will be present offering a mirage of activities and items, there will be close to 70 filled slots at the festival. 

The day’s live musical performances will kick off at 9 a.m. with “Two of a Kind” from Greenville, followed by the Crenshaw Community Choir at 10 a.m. Mason Lee will perform from 10:45 a.m. to noon under the gazebo at Douglass Park, while La’Roy Bodiford & Band will be the festival’s featured performers, taking the stage from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For those looking for a bit of fun between shopping and music, the festival will offer a range of children’s and family activities. LAF Lawn Games will return, featuring popular oversized games like checkers and chess as well as a few new surprises. Candid Events 360 will also be back, providing festival-goers with the opportunity to capture fun selfies and videos throughout the day. Gather ‘Round Entertainment will be present to keep fans up-to-date on their favorite sports games via big screen TVs.

The Crenshaw County Historical Society will also have a presence, offering historical publications and genealogy information for those interested in exploring their local roots.

Merica Tisdale of Luverne attended the festival last year with her daughter Emily Kelly and her grandson Caden.

“The atmosphere was great, a southern fall day with lots of fun free activities for the kids,” Tisdale said. “Rock painting was one of my grandson Caden’s favorites. We even went downtown and added them to Peanut the Python. I loved the sound of SEC football and the amazing bands that were playing. There were so many food vendors and so much to do in one spot made for a wonderful day of family fun.”

With something for everyone, this year’s Friendliest City Festival promises to be a fun-filled day celebrating community togetherness. The Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to attend. 

Following the festival “Treats on Us” will begin at 5:30 p.m in Downtown Luverne in front of the Courthouse.  Glenwood Avenue will be blocked off for  pedestrians. Live music by “The Usual Suspects” & “Sweet Tea Trio” will be performed from the Courthouse steps. Jumping Maniacs Inflatables will be featured on the First Baptist Church lawn, Bluey & Bingo will be on hand, food/bev trucks, MRE Arcade, Candid 360 Booth and more!