The second annual QV Sykes Labor Day Blues Fest is scheduled Sunday, Sept. 3 at the QV Sykes Baseball Complex in Meridian — this year with the words “Horse Ride” added to the name.

“We’ve actually decided to add the Showtime Horse Show for the kids,” event promoter Kino Mosley said. “Last year was a phenomenal experience for the area. It’s family-oriented atmosphere.

Gates will open at 9 a.m. for the all-day event, which is presented by Elite Marketing, BigLittle Productions and We Dem Boyz.

The event will feature artists Big Yayo, Lady T, Mr. Campbell, Nathaniel Kimble, LJ Echols, Avail Hollywood, Tyree Neal, King Russell, Ms. Mary, Dave Mack, Shai Symone and Katrenia Jefferson.

Mosley, a Meridian native who now lives in Tupelo, said he hopes to see a bigger turnout than last year’s estimated 2,500 attendees.

“I can only see it growing from last year,” he said. “There will be people from all over — Memphis, Tupelo — and people coming as far as Texas and Florida are coming this year.

“It’s great for the city. People come in and get hotel rooms and shop at our mall. It kind of helps with revenue for our city.”

Mosley said the music will begin at 3 p.m. and go until the last artist “plays his or her last track.”

There will also be plenty of food vendors and games for the youngsters. Attendees are encouraged to arrive as early as possible and bring their grills, coolers and tents.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the gate. They are available at Sam’s Fashion, Hair Queen and Ticketmaster. Children under the age of 10 get in free.

Proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Club.

Traffic and noise concerns

A concern among residents relating to this event is traffic. Mosley said there will be two entrance lines into the park and a separate exit route to keep traffic flowing.

“Parking was fine last year, but we will also utilize the soccer field parking in the event of overflow traffic,” he said. “That’s another reason we are opening the gates at 9 a.m. [versus] 1 p.m. last year so that we can get them in sooner and situated.”

Meridian Parks and Recreation Director Kelvin McGruder said he plans to meet with Mosley to work out the specifics of controlling traffic.

Nearby residents last year also complained about the noise.

“I don’t know how much we can do to control that,” McGruder said. “He is willing to make provisions as long as it doesn’t hurt his concert.

“I don’t want to put a lot of stipulations on him… We’re not going to please everyone, but our job is to try to come to some kind of amicable solution.”