By By Janet Little Cooper
Mayfest 2006 is just around the corner with a few new twists added to the yearly event that will be held in Tom Byrne Park on Saturday, May 6.
Special guest, Barney Fife and Gomer will be joining everyone for the big day in the park. They will be circulating through the crowd talking with festivalgoers and taking pictures.
If you aren't careful, they may even write you a ticket for littering in conjunction with the Leadership Atmore Class of 2006, Chamber of Commerce and the city for their anti-litter campaign.
"The Barney and Gomer impersonators are actors from North Carolina," Chamber director Emilie Mims said. "I think everyone is going to enjoy them. They are great."
The two are featured on this years Mayfest T-shirt alongside Atmore resident Mark Elkins who has worked for many years keeping the streets of Atmore clean.
"I am pleased that we are able to coordinate the Mayfest t-shirt with the anti-litter campaign, Atmore Pick-up, spearheaded by this years leadership class," Mims said. "The t-shirt features a local character, Mark Elkins, who is well known in the city for keeping Atmore clean."
This years Mayfest will feature a wide selection of arts and crafts, a children's carnival, pony rides, a several Relay for Life teams. Local and commercial vendors that are sure to satisfy anyone's cravings will offer a variety of food.
A beautiful baby contest and a Mutt Strut will be held center stage under the gazebo as well. The beautiful baby contest, sponsored by Atmore Children's Clinic, Cynthia Worrell-White, M. D., will start at 9:30 a.m. All participants, ages 3 months to three-years-old, must be registered before 9 a.m. to qualify. A $12 registration fee is required prior to the event and $15 the day of. Each participant will receive a free "Little Deputy" t-shirt and prizes will be awarded to the runner-up and winner in each category.
The event will also feature a student photography contest for student's grades six through 12. Deadline for entries is April 26 at 5 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winners by First National Bank &Trust. Five honorable mention winners will receive a complimentary photo session and an 8 x 10 color portrait from Captured Moments Photography.
All entries will be on display during Mayfest at the park and will then be displayed at Annie's Community Cup from May 10 to June 10.
Another attraction of the day is "Mayberry Memories" sponsored by Alabama Power, Swift Lumber, Southern Real Estate and The Securance Group as well as appearances by Polka Dot the Clown who is sponsored by United Bank.
Great entertainment will fill the day at the gazebo. GECA will be one of the many groups performing.
"We will be bringing musical selections from "Godspell' on the main stage from noon to 1 p.m. following the five city run," Phil Johnson of GECA said.
GECA is home of the largest amateur theater company in the southeast.
If you are more of a sports enthusiast, a girl's softball tournament and Babe Ruth baseball tournament will be taking place throughout the day in the sports complex that surrounds the park.
"Everything is on track," Mims said. "We are extremely excited about the venues scheduled that day. " We are looking forward to a beautiful day."
Pepsi and Gulf Winds sponsor Mayfest 2006, a project of the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce and corporate partner, Poarch Creek Indians.
For more information about Mayfest contact the Atmore Chamber of Commerce at 368-3305.