Clarke County hosts annual festival

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
Oct. 3, 2003
Clarke County's natural scenic beauty will be the spotlight of the 14th Annual Forestry and Wildlife Festival on Saturday.
Archusa Water Park in Quitman will be the site for the event which begins at 9 a.m.
The festival has been held on the first Saturday in October since its inception in 1990 when it was rated among the state's top seven events in the "Look Around, Mississippi" program.
Attendance for the festival in 2002 was more than 2,500. Patty Combest with the Clarke County Chamber of Commerce said an even larger crowd is expected this year.
In conjunction with the festival, the Pascagoula River Basin will hold a ceremony that includes the unveiling three Pascagoula River Basin Alliance Quilts and an announcement of updates on alliance activities and plans.
The festival is sponsored by the Clarke County Chamber of Commerce in an effort to promote forests for economic development and spotlight outdoor recreational facilities and abundant wildlife.
Activities are planned for every age group.
A giant children's area will feature Nickelodeon-type games, pony rides, the Hay Bale Express, the Hamasa clowns, face painting, popcorn and cotton candy. Adults can enjoy everything from arts and crafts to heavy equipment and live entertainment. A portable sawmill will be on exhibit and a chain saw carver will demonstrate his art.
Country recording artist Angela White of Quitman will perform at 11:30 a.m. followed by other local performers. The county's 1st Annual Fall Festival Pageant will begin at 10 a.m. in conjunction with festival activities.
For more information, contact Combest at the Clarke County Chamber of Commerce, (601) 776-5701.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
What: 14th Annual Clarke County Forestry and Wildlif Festival at Archusa Water Park
When: Saturday, 9 a.m.
Where: Archusa Water Park in Quitman
Admission: $1 per person
9 a.m.: Exhibits open
9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Casting for kids
10 a.m.: Fall Festival Pageant begins
10 a.m.: Pascagoula River Basin Alliance's ceremony
10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Archery competition
11:30 a.m.: Angela White performs
1 p.m.: Steve McKenna of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks holds seminar to inform deer hunters about new regulations.