After two years of disruption in normal operations, Caledonia Days are returning this weekend to a full two-day event at Ola J. Pickett Park.
Because of COVID-19, the celebration was canceled in 2020 and was shortened down to one day in 2021. The event is returning to normal this year with festivities beginning Friday evening.
Caledonia Days chairwoman Shana Scarborough said the excitement for the full return of the event has reached the vendors, and she has sold out all vendor spots even after adding more.
“This year marks the first year since 2019 that we’re having a two-day event, and people are really excited,” Scarborough said. “We have some really good vendors this year, and we have a good variety. I think people are going to be excited to see all of the arts and crafts vendors we have.”
Scarborough took over in May, and she is preparing for the festival with the help of friends and family. There will be 138 arts vendors and 18 food vendors.
This year marks the 18th year of Caledonia Days, which began in 2003 to celebrate the 100th birthday of the town. Because of the COVID disruption, this will mark the town’s 119th birthday, Vice Mayor Tammy McCool said.
The Friday night events will begin at 6 p.m. and last until 11 p.m. with musical performances by Southern Discomfort, a rock and country cover band, and The Jason Miller Band, a country band.
On Saturday, Scarborough said more local talent, like Columbus singer Mississippi Mason, is expected to take the stage. Saturday events will span from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to music and vendors, there will be activities for various interests including a 5K run, a car show, a costume pet parade, a pumpkin decorating contest for 5- to 18-year-olds and a designated children’s area.
Scarborough is expecting a large crowd of more than 5,000. Parking will be available at the soccer complex behind the baseball fields at Ola J. Pickett Park, and once that parking lot is full, there will be parking at Caledonia Elementary School across the street.
With a full slate of vendors, musicians and events, Scarborough encourages all to come out to enjoy the two-day event.
“It’s going to be a nice day, and we want everyone to come out and see what we have going on,” Scarborough said.
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