Celebrate JulyFest in Mentone this weekend

photo Gracie-Kate Clifton pets one of the dogs during the Pet Parade at a previous JulyFest in Mentone, Ala.

The JulyFest Art & Music Festival, presented by the Mentone Area Arts Council, is scheduled this weekend in Mentone, Ala. Hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, July 19, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 20 (all times Central).

The festival opens with the prestigious juried arts and crafts show featuring the works of some 50 artists and crafters. Their media include oil paintings, pastels, watercolors, photography, sculptures, wood art, rustic furniture, pottery, iron work, basketry, fiber and jewelry. The juried show will be held under the trees in Mason Park, 5972 Highway 117, where visitors can enjoy a stroll as they shop for one-of-a-kind art.

Registration for the pet parade starts at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Mason Park, and the parade hits the streets at 10 a.m. All pets are welcome, from dogs and cats to canaries and goats. Pictures of past pets and stuffed animals also may be shown off along the parade route.

Festivalgoers also can take part in the silent auction and dog adoption to benefit the Humane Society and Animal Resources of DeKalb County. Anyone may donate to the silent auction. Organizers say everything from artwork to antiques, homegrown vegetables to potted plants is appreciated. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society's work.

At 5 p.m. Saturday, Old Tymer's Barbecue of Fort Payne will fill plates with its famous barbecue on the grounds of the Mentone Inn, 6139 Highway 117, as festivalgoers enjoy dinner music. Cost is $10 per plate, which includes pork or chicken, two sides, roll and drink.

The art show and entertainment by regional musicians will continue Sunday. Admission is free. All activities will take place rain or shine. Lawn chairs and picnic baskets are recommended for seating.

For more information, visit www.mentonearts.org or contact festival chairman Cynthia Stinson at mentoneinn@gmail.com.

JULYFEST SCHEDULE

Saturday, July 19

9 a.m. Show opens at Mason Park

9:30 a.m. Pet Parade registration at Gazebo

10 a.m. Pet Parade begins (awards immediately follow); silent auction begins

11 a.m. Bill Henson entertains

Noon. Announcement of Art Show winners, with presentation of awards and cash prizes

1 p.m. Curtis Strange entertains

3 p.m. Lisa Crow entertains at Gazebo

5 p.m. Show closes; Ol' Tymers BBQ begins serving behind the Mentone Inn

5-7 p.m. Terry Hutchinson, music to dine to in the Mentone Inn Pavilion

7:30-10 p.m. Jess Goggans Band in free concert in the Mentone Inn Pavilion

Sunday, July 20

11 a.m. Show opens in Mason Park

1-4 p.m. Larry Joe Hall entertains at Mason Park Gazebo

5 p.m. Show closes

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