For the first time, the Town of Columbus is hosting a Labor Day weekend festival. Community members are encouraged to bring their families to downtown Columbus as the town celebrates the holiday weekend on Saturday, Aug. 31 with a festival and fireworks.

This year’s Fabulous 4th Festival was hampered by tremendous rainfall, but the town wanted to provide another weekend for residents, visitors and all to enjoy spending time in downtown Columbus.

The festival begins at 11 a.m. and will conclude at 9 p.m., with fireworks between 8:30 and 9 p.m. About 37 vendors (food, craft and non-profits) are committed, and town staff is busy planning events and games for all to enjoy.

The festival will take place on Mills Street, between Walker and Peak Street, which will be closed beginning at 8 a.m. on Aug. 31.

Carnival rides return to Stearns Park and begin Friday, Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. The rides will continue Saturday until the conclusion of the festival.

Bracelets and tickets will be available for purchase at Stearns Park beginning on Friday, Aug. 30 at 5 p.m.

The Columbus Tailgate Market will run during its usual time beginning at 8 a.m. on Courthouse Street.

The town has partnered with the Columbus Tailgate Market to host a Labor Day Weekend Salsa Contest, and entries are welcome.

More details are to come, but the town asks that community members make plans to visit downtown for the festivities.

For additional information, contact Columbus Town Hall at 828-894-8236 or visit the town’s website at www.columbusnc.com.

– article submitted by Jonathan Kanipe