Published: November 02, 2009 09:24 pm      

Bullard fest honors vets

By Nathan Straus

nstraus@jacksonvilleprogress.com



Red, White and Blue Festival preparations are under way in Bullard.

The annual event promises to please all residents and guests. The event begins Saturday morning and will continue until about midnight.

Prudy Arnold, a Bullard Chamber of Commerce employee, said the one-day festival will feature arts, crafts, rides, a petting zoo, food vendors, an antique car show, a parade and much more.

“Vendors will begin manning their booths from 7-9 a.m., and the parade is at 10 a.m.,” Arnold said.

She said the parade will wind its way through town, passing through the four-way stop area and in front of Bullard City Hall.

Most of the vendors will set up shop in the green area running through downtown Bullard.

Brian Capps, president of the Bullard Chamber of Commerce, said the festival is meant to honor the veterans of Smith and Cherokee counties. In addition, Capps said he hopes the festival will do its part to promote the Bullard area for businesses.

“People should come on down and let the veterans know we appreciate them and support them wholeheartedly,” Capps said.

Among the 80-plus vendors scheduled to attend the festival is a veterans appreciation booth.

According to Capps, the event boasted upward of 4,000 visitors last year. This year, he said he hopes to see 5,000-6,000 in Bullard for the festival

The event has several sections for visitors to enjoy. The northern area will contain the carnival and all the rides and attractions usually associated with a carnival atmosphere. The center of the festival will house the vendors, and there will be a stage nearby with live bands set to perform until 10:30 p.m.

Capps also said the Bullard Volunteer Fire Department will conduct a live demonstration for the crowds.