Published Monday, June 29, 2009

Downtown events include parade, Market Day, Ice Cream Festival

From STAFF REPORTS

news@newnan.com

Main Street Newnan has big plans for this year's Fourth of July.

In addition to the annual parade and Rotary Club-sponsored fireworks, the community will be able to enjoy Market Day, the annual Homemade Ice Cream Festival, attractions from Starwalk Enterprises and music from Pickin' on the Square.

Market Day will kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning and continue throughout the day. More than 60 vendors will be around Newnan's Court Square showcasing the best homemade, homegrown and handmade items in the area.

The annual Homemade Ice Cream Festival will begin at noon, with area non-profits selling their best homemade ice cream for $1 a scoop. Main Street Newnan will hold a judging at 12:30 p.m. for the top three best flavors.

"The annual Homemade Ice Cream Festival is not only a fun time to sample some of the best homemade ice cream around, it is also a great opportunity for local organizations to raise money for a good cause," said Ashley Daniel, Main Street coordinator.

Starwalk Enterprises will be setting up several rides and attractions on South Court Square beginning at noon on the Fourth. Tickets will be sold for $1, with the number of tickets varying by ride. Tickets can be purchased during the event in the attractions area.

"Some of the attractions coming from Starwalk include the Spin Out Ride, The Turbo Swing and The Monkey Bungee Trampoline," said Main Street Newnan's Director Linda Kee. "This is definitely going to be a fun addition to the day's events!"

Musicians gathering for Pickin' on the Square, an event normally held the second Saturday of every month, will be performing acoustically throughout the day July 4.

The annual Fourth of July Parade will begin at 6 p.m. with the Grand Marshal being the Veteran's Memorial Park Committee. The parade route will begin on the corner of Temple Avenue and Jackson Street and continue south through downtown and out LaGrange Street to end at Newnan High School.

"This year's Fourth of July will be a celebration of our wonderful country and those who have fought for our freedom. We hope the community will come out and celebrate with us!" said Kee.

Fireworks sponsored by Newnan Rotary Club with the help of the City of Newnan and Coweta County will follow the parade at dusk at Drake Stadium.

For more information about the parade, contact Ashley Daniels, Main Street Newnan coordinator: office, 770-253-8283; cell - 404-606-4251 or fax, 770-253-8753.