File photoGood food, music and fun are all on tap for the Q.V. Sykes third annual Labor Day Blues Festival on Saturday in Meridian.

If you are a fan of the blues and food, then Q.V. Sykes third annual Labor Day Blues Festival may be the place you will want to be on Saturday.

The talent lineup includes nationally known blues artists Lady T., Ms. Mary, Chris Ivy, David Bristol, LJ Echols, Big Ro Williams, Ms. Jody and Le Velle. Ms. Jody has sold more than a million albums, according to promoters. Echols hails from Dallas and Big Ro is from Birmingham.

“We’re expecting people from as far away as Dallas, Atlanta, Alabama and surrounding areas,” said one of the event promoters, David Loyd with Elite Marketing. “We look for around 1,000 plus people.

“We Be Them Boys,” are also promoters of the show.

“We want to thank the City of Meridian, Ricky Hood with the Boys & Girls Club, Supervisor Joe Norwood, Mitchell Distributing, First Mississippi Federal Credit Union, Comfort Inn, Elite Marketing and We Be Them Boys RV Club for helping us put this on,” Loyd said.

Some of the money raised from the event will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of East Mississippi, Loyd said.

Some issues raised in the past with neighbors complaining about noise have been worked out, Lloyd said. Parking will not be an issue as there has been added staff to assist with designated parking. The festival will conclude between 10:30-11 p.m. and Loyd said they abide by Meridian city ordinances regarding cut-off times and parking.

Delta Sigma Sorority, Inc. will be registering people to vote at the festival.

BYOB, tents and grills are welcome. Vendors will have food for sale. Promoters said it is important to bring a designated driver if you intend to partake in alcoholic drinks. No glass containers are allowed and the event is only for those 18 years or older.

Tickets are general admission only and may be purchased through Meridian area businesses: Sam’s Fashions, Hair Queen and Paramount Package Store in DeKalb for $20. Ticket prices will increase on the day of the show to $30.

The park is located at 866 Q.V. Sykes Lane, Meridian. VIP tickets, which include food and a cocktail, will be available for early bird purchase of $30, $40 at the gate. 

Gates will open at 9 a.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m. In the event of rain the show will be rescheduled. There will be no refunds.

For more information, call Loyd at 601-917-4793 or Lamont Shaffer at 601-480-4635.

Other events this weekend

•Meridian Main Street and the Meridian Area Farmer’s Market invite you to shop Saturday for their in-season festival of fresh produce and the best in local products, including baked goods, flowers, jams , jelly and much, much more. Meridian Art Walk and Earth’s Bounty will be held at Singing Brakeman Park located at 1800 Front Street, Meridian. For more information, call: 601-485-1944.

•Country music recording artist, Tracey Lawrence will be in concert at the Pearl River Resort Silver Star Casino Saturday night with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $20 and may be purchased through PearlRiverResort.com. The resort is located at 13550 MS 16 in Philadelphia.

•If you’re looking for speed and competition, Whynot Motorsports Park will hold its Sixth Annual Durrence Layne Southern Street Car Nationals beginning Friday night with free grandstand for spectators to see drivers and cars prior to the race Saturday. According to Phillip Hatchcock, one of the organizers, 360 cars are expected to participate from several states and local participants. The race will begin at 4:30 Saturday with the grandstand opening at noon.

Tickets are $20/adults, $10/children six to 12 and children under five get in free. Anyone wanting to go into the pit where the cars and drivers are may do so for $35/adults, $15/children six to 12 and children under five free. Strength Roofing and Siding is one of the sponsors. For more information, call the track at 601-644-3010.

•Dontea’s Seafood & BBQ will hold a Sip, Puff and Paint on the patio Saturday from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Dontea’s is located at 2407 5th Street, Meridian. For more information call, 601-227-0616.

•The Hamasa Shriners will be selling boiled peanuts Labor Day Weekend, beginning today through Monday in Marion, located on Dale Drive. Prices are $8 for three pounds; salted or Cajun. Pre-order by calling 601-6931361 or 601-693-8550.

On the Go is a new weekly feature of The Meridian Star, highlighting things to do around East Mississippi and West Alabama. Submit calendar items to calendar@themeridianstar.com.