It’s only a few days until the 12th Annual Loose Caboose Festival in downtown Newton.

     Opening ceremonies will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. with a welcome to veterans by  Mississippi State Veterans Memorial Cemetery Director Henry Gruno. A fly-over by the L-17 Formation Group of Meridian will follow.

    Newton Chamber of Commerce Director Leigh Anne Whittle said this year’s festival – which will kick off with a full-sized carnival on Friday night – will include new and exciting attractions for all ages.

    “We have over 100 vendors coming this year and 10 of those are food vendors,” Whittle said. “There will be everything from homemade ice cream, sausage dogs, funnel cakes, pork skins, kettle corn and something a little different this year will be our rib-eye steak sandwiches and crawfish.”

    In addition to food, a variety of vendors will offer unique and trendy items for all ages, including handcrafted jewelry, metal works, handmade pottery, essential oils and health products, bird houses, sports memorabilia, sand art, handcrafted wood furniture and a storm shelter display.

     A live petting zoo and the Easter Bunny will be at Knabusch Park (behind the Historic Newton Depot) from 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Admission is $1 and each child will receive a surprise egg from the Easter Bunny.

    Live entertainment will be presented throughout the day, and a free afternoon concert will feature Southbound from Philadelphia. Other attractions include two kids zones, water walking, car and motorcycle show and mini-train rides.

    “Bring your lawn chairs and come enjoy a day of family fun in our town,” Whittle said. “We have a lot to show off.”

    For more information, contact Newton Chamber of Commerce at (601) 683-2201.