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 Friday, Aug. 30 and Saturday, Aug. 31 with a festival and then fireworks Saturday night.

Carnival rides return to Stearns Park 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.

Saturday 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 and will be closed beginning at 8 a.m. on Aug. 31.

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.

A zumba class begins at 3 p.m. and yoga at 4 p.m. in Stearns Gym, all sponsored by Tryon Fitness. The Little Detroit Car Club will host a cruise-in along Gibson and Ward Streets downtown from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

There will also be an open mic/music area led by Steve Whiteside beginning at 5 p.m. A dog obedience and training demonstration site, sponsored by Purrrfect Bark, runs from 1-3 p.m. also on the Stearns Lawn.

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

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

8-9 a.m. NC-108 closed

10 a.m. ABC Amusements – Rides begin

Farmer’s Market Salsa Contest

11 a.m. Farmers Market Salsa Contest winners

Antique Cars lining up on Gibson and Ward

Noon Car show

1 p.m. Dog demonstrations

Car show

2 p.m. Dog demonstrations

Car show

3 p.m. Zumba – Stearns Gym

Car show

4 p.m. Yoga – Stearns Gym

5 – 8 p.m. Music – open mic / karaoke

8 – 9 p.m. Music – open mic / karaoke

Fireworks

9 p.m. Festival end

– article submitted by Jonathan Kanipe