Mayfest to be held May 23

By ANNABELLE ROBERTSON
Item Staff Writer
arobertson@theitem.com

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 23. It will feature a wide variety of events, food and music.

"This is the first time anything like this has ever happened," said Natalie Gooden, event planner. "I'm excited. It's an event that I want to grow, hopefully into an annual thing."

The mission of the festival, she said, is to celebrate the "wonderful city of Wedgefield, its cultural standing and today's talents."

"It's a great idea for the Wedgefield community to dedicate a day in the park," said Wedgefield resident Harry LeSagne. "Since there is so much crime in the surrounding area, it will bring lots of unity."

Special guest Margaret Goodman will give a speech about the the history of Wedgefield and together with DNK Entertainment Productions and Katherine Taylor, Natalie Gooden will be spearheading numerous activities, such as praise dances and a performance by Stage 3, a Sumter band.

Representatives from the Sumter County Community Riders will also offer horse-and-buggy rides for children as well as horseback rides for adults. The rides will take place throughout the park.

"If other cities in the area can have festivals like the Black Cowboy Festival and the Iris Festival, why can't Wedgefield have an annual event to celebrate their city?" said Gooden.

Mayfest will take place in the park across from Wedgefield Baptist Church. Gooden recommends those attending bring folding chairs and blankets to sit on.

Contact Staff Writer Annabelle Robertson at arobertson@theitem.com or (803) 774-1250.