Excitement building for this year’s Forest Festival

By Randy Grider
randy@casscountynow.com

Fall ushers in the excitement surrounding fairs and carnivals across the country.  And while the feel of autumn is still a few weeks away, the enthusiasm for Atlanta’s annual Forest Festival is in the air.
At a recent Atlanta Lions Club meeting, Forest Festival Board President Robin Betts gave an update on plans for this year’s event. The festival runs from Oct 19 through Oct. 22. 
“We are looking forward to the Forest Festival,” Betts said. “We think it’s going to be bigger and better, especially based on how SummerFest went.”
On Wednesday, Oct. 19,  Free Gate Entry Night will kick off the festival. The remaining nights will require a $5 gate fee for adults and $2 entry charge for those 12 and under in addition to  the cost of the rides. Carnival ride bracelets will be available for purchase each night of the festival.
On Thursday, Oct. 20, the entertainment will be Offering, a Christian country/praise band, starting at 6:30 p.m. 
On Friday, Oct. 21 the festival will host Megastars of Country Show, starring Doug Brewin and Larry Turner (From Legends in Concert) as Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Brooks & Dunn.
On Saturday, Oct. 22, the festival entertainment feature will be  Donny Edwards and his The Next Best Thing to the King show. Edwards’  Elvis Presley tribute is backed by the FEVER Tribute Band.
Betts encourages everyone to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the entertainment.
Edwards also will served as the grand marshal for the annual Forest Festival Parade on Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. This year’s theme is the 1950s. Anyone wanting to participate in the parade has to complete a form by Oct. 19. It can be downloaded at www.atlantaforestfestival.com/parade and returned to the Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce or by conctacting Sarah Stailey at sarah.stailey@atlantatexas.org.
Betts said the festival is still looking for additional sponsors. Sponsorships information and vendor applications can be found at www.atlantaforestfestival.com.