Friendship Festival July 5 in Bear Creek

BEAR CREEK - Patriotism will soar to an all-time high at Bear Creek Saturday, July 5, as the town celebrates Independence Day weekend with its annual Friendship Festival.

The goal in bringing back the festival several years ago was to make sure the festival did not conflict with other area firework shows and events, stated Bear Creek Mayor Rob Taylor.

Early on Saturday, July 5, vendors will be coming into Twin Forks Park, located beside Bear Creek lakes off County Highway 79, where the entire festival will take place, Taylor said.

Registration for the car show, sponsored by Christian Hot Rodders, will begin at 8 a.m. behind ball field 1, with  $20 charged for each vehicle, organizers said.

The festival will officially begin at 10 a.m., with food as well as arts and crafts vendors, organizers said. Vendors who would like to secure a spot for the festival need to remember that vendors pay $30 for each 12X12 spot, Taylor said.

The deadline for food vendors to register is this Friday, June 27, due to food permit regulations,  with the deadline for arts and crafts and other vendors Tuesday, July 1, according to Twin Forks Campground Manager Melissa Taylor.

Vendors needing to register need to contact Melissa at (205) 269-3554 or email her at twinforks@yahoo.com.

Sons of Confederate Veterans will be on hand to do periodical cannon demonstrations throughout the festival, according to Taylor.

“It’s the community getting together, having a good time,” Mayor Taylor stated. “Food, fellowship, everybody get together and have a great time, listen to some great music, see some beautiful cars and an awesome fireworks show.”

Entertainment will begin at 1 p.m. on the park’s stage and will continue throughout the day, leading up to the 9 p.m. fireworks show.

Joseph Baldwin will perform first, followed by Mike Jones, Dustin Busby and Nathan Sandlin, the band Bound South and headliner L.A. Shepherd.

The mayor stressed the festival will begin and end with prayer.

After the headline act, the public can view a fireworks show held at one the ballfields. The show, Taylor said, is expected to last 20-30 minutes, so attendees need to bring their chairs and find a good spot to set up at the park, organizers said.

First responders in attendance will be recognized as a group, since the festival is honoring Independence Day and the sacrifices that were made for the country’s freedom, Taylor indicated.

“The world couldn’t turn without them,” Taylor said. “It would be terrible if we didn’t have folks who were willing to give their time to help people in need.  We’ve been really fortunate that we’ve got an abundance of folks who are willing to give their time to help people.”