Excitement Builds for the 52nd Annual Gopher Hill Festival in Ridgeland!
Mark your calendars, folks! The charming town of Ridgeland is gearing up for its 52nd Annual Gopher Hill Festival from October 3 to 5. This year, attendees can expect a splash of color throughout the event as the festival adopts a special theme: “Breast Cancer Awareness: Paint The Town Pink.” All those cheerful hues of pink aren’t just for decoration; they play an important role in raising awareness for breast cancer, and October happens to be recognized nationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Honoring Survivors and Fighters
Under the leadership of Chairperson Linda Dailey, the Gopher Hill Festival committee has planned some heartfelt tributes. This year, they will be honoring both breast cancer survivors and those who are currently undergoing treatment with a special float in the Gopher Hill Festival Parade on October 5 at 10 a.m. How cool is that? These brave individuals will be the Grand Marshals of this year’s parade, serving as a reminder of strength and resilience in the heart of the community.
Kickoff with the Gopher Hill Children’s Parade
The festivities will kick off on October 3 with the delightful Gopher Hill Children’s Parade that will begin at 5 p.m. Starting at the Farmer’s Market on Main Street, the parade will make its way to the Gazebo on Main Street. Kids will surely be excited to show off their costumes and enjoy the festive atmosphere, and who knows, maybe a few surprises will await them!
A Smorgasbord of Fun Activities
But that’s just the start! After the children’s parade, festival-goers can look forward to a wide variety of events. Get ready for some fun-filled turtle races, test your skills in a friendly talent contest, or whip up your best dish for the baking contest. And don’t worry about going hungry – there will be plenty of food vendors on hand to satisfy your cravings.
Friday Night Entertainment
On Friday, the fun continues with live music! Head on over to Railroad Avenue where the Nautical Wheelers will hit the stage at 5 p.m., followed by the rockin’ East Coast Party Band starting at 8 p.m. Imagine dancing the night away with friends and family – it’s going to be a blast!
Parade and Races on Saturday
Saturday is packed with events you won’t want to miss. The grand parade begins at 10 a.m. and will travel down North Jacob Smart Boulevard, which is sure to be filled with vibrant floats and loud cheers. Plus, those looking to burn off some of that festival food can participate in a 5K walk/run starting at 8 a.m. The race kicks off from Ridgeland Baptist Church – a perfect way to stay active while enjoying the festival spirit!
More Activities and Performances
As Saturday rolls on, don’t miss the car and truck show from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at 601 S. Green St. Later in the afternoon, the opening ceremonies will set the stage for a fun-filled day, commencing at noon. Keep an eye out for a captivating Dunamis Karate demonstration and several musical performances that promise to keep you entertained. Magic Mark, a magician hailing from Savannah, GA, will also bring some magic to the festival – everyone loves a good magic show!
Saturday Night Lineup
As the sun sets on Saturday, the excitement continues! Get ready for a great evening lineup with Cherry Grove opening at 6:30 p.m., followed by the much-anticipated Charlie Daniels Legacy Band. It sounds like the perfect way to wrap up an incredible festival with friends, family, and cherished memories.
Find More Information
Want to learn more about the Gopher Hill Festival? Visit the festival website for all the details. We can’t wait to see you all there, celebrating unity, resilience, and a whole lot of fun!
