La Vergne’s Annual Old Timers’ Festival is set to begin this weekend! Scheduled at Veteran’s Memorial Park at 115 Floyd Mayfield Drive, the carnival kicks off Thursday, September 12 at 6:00 pm and runs through Sunday, September 15.  The carnival features rides and games including a Ferris Wheel, Paratrooper and many more. All rides will cost 2 tickets for children or 4 tickets for adults ($1 for each ticket). Wrist bands will be available, as well. Thursday night is family night with all rides available for one ticket.

The festival is offering the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for residents to experience a tethered hot air balloon ride. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis (no more than 200 per night), $7.50 for adults, $5.00 for children 12 and under. This event will occur, weather permitting.

Friday night’s entertainment features a songwriters unplugged / open mic night beginning at 7:00 pm. Saturday’s entertainment is packed with incredible performers including bluegrass group The Enablers, Misha (who will be shooting a video for her single “Lipstick” during the event), the family-friendly New Generation Hip Hop Hour, country artists Tony Logue Band, and singer/songwriters Joseph Porter and Benita Hill.  An Old Time Gospel Homecoming is scheduled Sunday and includes Randy Berg, pastor of Grace Church, along with other great gospel music. The La Vergne Baby Show is scheduled at 2:00 pm on Sunday and $20 on-site registration will be available.

The Old Timers Festival Parade will pull out of City Hall at 10:00 am Saturday with floats, the LHS marching band, 60 decorated horses and charros, and Rolling Thunder, a motorcycle club memorializing POWs and MIAs, as the grand marshals.

The winners of the Miss La Vergne pageant will be introduced, along with their royal court of the runners-up. The queens this year are: Miss La Vergne Anna Grace Smith, Junior Miss La Vergne Maddie Smith, Young Miss La Vergne Sarah Beshara, and Little Miss La Vergne Lyndi Ann Hampton.

The Old Timers Festival will also feature craft booths with items such as bird houses, jewelry, and wild turkey calls, a food court that includes funnel cakes, barbeque, and Haitian cuisine, and the very popular (and free!) comedy animal circus, Skin and Bones.

“I am astounded how our festival has grown this year,” said Mayor Senna Mosley. “We are excited to offer our citizens and visitors ad wonderful experience every fall with this huge event. There is something for everyone and I hope everyone comes prepared to have a great time.”

Learn More: 

For more information about the festival, visit www.oldtimersfestival.com.