Watch out for the June Bug

Published 11:54 am Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The third Annual June Bug Festival is just around the corner and promises to be packed with events and fun for the entire family.

“We’re hoping to draw a much bigger crowd this year, and to keep them cool in the shade,” said event chairman Barney Everett.

The event, being held Saturday, June 18, will be held on West Howard and Warren Streets, in the Millennium and Veteran’s Parks area.

The day will begin at Millennium Park with musicians on stage all day, starting at 9 a.m. and lasting until 9 p.m., including headliner Herold White, a barbershop quartet, 50s and gospel bands.

Just about anything with a motor or wheels is allowed to participate in the parade, which will be held promptly at 3 p.m., and that includes lawnmowers, tractors, ATV’s bikes and golf carts.

“I have a unicycle. I’m looking for somebody to ride that thing,” Everett laughed.

There is no entry fee for parade participants.

Soon after the parade, an old fashioned ice cream making contest will be held. There’s no entry fee and special prizes will be given for the best homemade ice cream to be judged by the crowd.

The ‘June Bug Market’ will be full of arts, crafts, yard sale and farmers market items. Food vendors will be on hand with barbecue, hamburgers, hotdogs, sausage dogs, seafood, nachos, snow cones and countless other goodies.

“You name it. There’s going to be all kinds of stuff there,” Everett said.

The biggest obstacle and challenge for event planners has been the June heat and coming up with ways festival goers can keep cool.

Water activities will be available for the kids all day and tents will be set up throughout the area. Everett said they are still in need of more tents. If anyone would like to donate the use of a tent for the day contact Everett at the number listed at the end.

“We hope to make it so people can walk from one shade (tent) to the next,” he said.

At 9:30 starts one of the largest car shows ever held in this area, according to Everett, with at least 200 cars expected to be on display. Awards will be given for first and second place in 16 categories including: best of show, best of interior, best of paint and best motor.

A fireworks show will take place at dark, after a day of music, crafts and great food.

Preparation for June Bug began immediately following the 2010 event. Everett said much work has gone into the planning and promoting of this year’s festival. Last year, the festival drew 1,500 to 2,000 people, but the heat and lack of constant activities forced the crowds away.

However, this year, Everett said festival goers will not be disappointed. He expects at least 5,000 to 6,000 people to attend the day’s event, not counting those who will be drawn to the festival’s fireworks finale.

Vendor booths are 12’ x 12’ $35, food vendors $55. Anyone interested in being a part of the adventure can call Everett at 386-364-1006 or go by Big Wheel Market Place at 127 W Howard St., or go to liveoakpartnerhip.com and click on June Bug Festival.