Loose Caboose gets under way this weekend

Published 4:02 am Tuesday, March 22, 2016

    It’s full steam ahead for the community of Newton’s annual spring celebration – the Loose Caboose Festival.

    Now in its 13th year, the two-day event – which draws more than 10,000 people each year – will kick off on Good Friday with a full midway carnival and a free live concert featuring Dr. Zarrs’ Amazing Funk Monster.

    “We have something planned for everyone, and I hope everyone will celebrate Easter weekend with us,” Newton Chamber Director Leigh Anne Whittle said. “I believe this year’s festival is going to be the best one ever.”

    Saturday’s events will begin at 8 a.m. with a 5K/2-mile walk. Registration begins at 7 a.m. in the parking lot of the old hospital on South Main Street. Newton High Career Center will host the run and will receive 60 percent of the proceeds. The event is sponsored by Delta Directional, Southern Pine and Miller’s Gymnastics

    Opening ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. with a tribute to veterans and the military by Sen. Terry C. Burton, followed by a flyover by the L-17 Formation Group of Meridian.

    Immediately following opening ceremonies, children will have the opportunity to join the Easter Bunny in an old-fashioned Easter parade down to the historic Newton Depot for an Easter carnival in Knabusch Park.

    “Once the children get to the depot, they will find indoor carnival games and an outdoor petting zoo – complete with pony rides, face painting and a bounce house in the park,” Whittle said.

    More than 130 vendors will be on hand, selling a variety of food and crafts.

    “We will have crawfish and homemade ice cream again this year,’ Whittle said. “But one new food vendor we are excited about is the self-serve shaved ice. I think it will be a lot of fun for the children – and a few adults, too. You can make your own and mix up the flavors anyway you like them.”

    One lucky vendor will be presented the Golden Egg at the end of the festival.

    “So be sure to visit them all and see what they have to offer for you to place in your loved ones Easter baskets,” she said.

    In addition to food, unique and trendy items will be available for all ages and tastes, including handcrafted jewelry, woodwork, clothing, vintage items, spring plants, monogrammed items, sports-related items and Easter baskets.

    Other attractions throughout the day include:

    — Performances by church choirs, gospel groups and praise bands on the main stage, located on West Church Street, in the gravel area near the main intersection.

    — An open car show on North Main Street. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The show is sponsored by BankFirst.

    — A dance showcase hosted by LA Dance of Newton in the front lot of the depot. The event is sponsored by Regions Bank.

    — A Smash Bash hosted by Smash Fitness in their parking lot on Scanlan Street. The event will also feature a live performance by Pinnishook, a rock and roll band from Philadelphia.

    — A miniature train ride will serve as a shuttle service throughout the day for $1 per ride. Pick up locations will be at the Newton Depot and corner of North Main and Third Street. Southern Pine Electric is sponsor of the shuttle service.

WANT TO GO?

What: Loose Caboose

When: Friday, from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Downtown Newton

For more information: Contact Newton Chamber of Commerce at (601)683-2201.