The Loblolly Festival will kick off in Laurel this weekend, allowing those in the Mississippi Pine Belt to enjoy a family-friendly outdoor gathering.
From 9-4 p.m. on Saturday, a whopping 250 vendors from several states including artists, crafters, and craftsmen will set up shop in the streets of downtown Laurel for the one-day event. Live music of various genres can be heard from two different stages throughout the day.
A wide variety of food ranging from traditional fair food to Hawaiin-themed cuisine will be available at the festival. Activities for children of all ages include free artwork opportunities, various rides, and jumps.
Popular chainsaw artist Dayton will also be on site selling his creations and demonstrating the art of chainsaw sculpture.
“You can eat great, leave with some Christmas gifts, and wear the kids out,” Caroline Burks with Visit Laurel said on Good Things with Rebecca Turner. “It’s always a great day downtown.”
A tongue-twister for many, the name of the event was coined in honor of the loblolly pine trees native to the Mississippi city.
“We are a timber town, so everything runs on Southern yellow pine down here,” Burks added. “So the festival was named after the loblolly pine tree that is so prolific around Laurel.”
Burks encourages out-of-towners planning to attend the festival to find safe and secure parking lots nearby, but outside of the downtown area, and to be prepared to walk.
