CRAWFORD — The Crawford Day Festival is once again around the corner.
Crawford Mayor Deane Parson said the festival, also known as the Crawford Cotton Boll Festival, used to just be a one-day community event. But now that the festival is in its 16th year, it has grown into three days of musical performances, food, games and more.
“It really has increased, and people are coming from everywhere,” Parson said. “Some people come from all over back home for Crawford Day.”
The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday with a celebration behind Crawford City Hall. The event will include special music by Falisa Janaye and DJ Steamboat, along with food, games and door prizes.
Thursday’s event acts as both a customer appreciation celebration and a celebration of Lowndes County Justice Court Judge Peggy G. Phillips as the town’s “unsung hero” of the year, Parson said.
“Everybody loves Judge Phillips,” Parson said. “It’s been 57 years on the bench that she’s been serving as judge, I think. … And I don’t know how many years she’s served in the school system. So they want to give honor to her and thank her for what she’s doing in the community.”
Festivities start up again at 6 p.m. Friday, with performances by DJ Reddmann, Mark Selvie, Mr. Rogers, Artistik, Young Guy and Vic Allen.
Friday’s event, Parson said, will be held in memory of Cadillac Don, a young musical artist originally from the Crawford community who passed away. While Cadillac Don lived in Georgia when he passed, he would still come home every year for Crawford Day, she said.
“He always participated in stuff that we have and was always giving back to our community,” Parson said.
This year, Parson said, Crawford Day Festival also includes a health fair and Walk-A-Thon on Saturday morning, which will be raising money for St. Jude. Registration begins at 8, while the health fair and walk begins at 9.
“I had a nephew – his name is Brandon Thomas – he was at St. Jude’s for several years,” Parson said. “And they did a real good job, and every year, the community gives back to St. Jude in honor of him.”
Later in the day, music will start up again with a gospel show hosted by Cleo Sanders. The show will include DJ Jampony, Tim Frierson, The Clark Family and MS Traveling Stars.
Then, at 6 p.m., music continues with the 601 Band Jackson, MS, Crossroad Band, Karen Wolfe, Marcellus the Singer and the PC Band. Rick “Don’t Go” Mason will host Saturday evening’s performances.
He said the festival will include southern soul, gospel, rap, R&B and other musical genres to appeal to all audiences. While he has been hosting festivals in the area for years, he said he always looks forward to Crawford Day Festival for its energy.
“It’s a great, fun time,” Mason said. “A family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a … very, very small town, but it brings a lot of great entertainment. A lot of positive entertainment. Also, kids come out to do different things throughout the day.”
Parson said community members who have moved away often return for the festival as a good opportunity for a homecoming, but anyone and everyone from the area is invited to come out to enjoy the event. All events are free and will be behind City Hall, including at the pavilion and the baseball fields behind the building.
“If you want to enjoy, bring your lawn chairs,” Parson said. “Sit down, enjoy the music. … The food is off the chain. And all you have to do is sit there, eat and relax.”
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