Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival enters 26th year

Published 6:15 am Friday, August 24, 2018

The 26th annual Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival will kick off bright and early 8 a.m. Saturday morning, and Ronny Cornelison of the Greater Ardmore Chamber of Commerce said the event could draw 1,500 or more visitors before it ends at 8 p.m.

Cornelison said it’s hard to get an exact count, but he’s used to seeing a thousand or more at the festival, and the 100th anniversary of Ardmore High School being right across the street could make the foot traffic even greater this year, he said.

“We’re just north of the high school,” Cornelison said. “Our festival is joining the high school. All you have to do is walk across the road.”

The free event includes a cornhole tournament, flea market flip contest and about 30 vendors — with room for more.

“If somebody wants a booth, all they have to do is give me a call at the Chamber or message us on our Facebook page, ‘Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival,'” Cornelison said. The Greater Ardmore Chamber of Commerce’s number is 256-423-6177.

Chamber members who own a business get a free booth at the festival. For everyone else, the cost is $75 per booth.

One of the vendors, Sinking Creek Soaps, will be offering soaps and products made from goat milk. They will also have pygmy goats available to visit, Cornelison said.

Another vendor, Rustic Willow, will host a cornhole tournament. The tournament starts at 1 p.m., and teams can register for $20 each at the store, 30521 Ardmore Ave. in Ardmore, Alabama. A $500 prize will be awarded to the winning team.

“We’ve got quite a few signed up for it,” Cornelison said.

At 5 p.m., the live musical entertainment will begin with Rick Barnes and Cheyenne taking the stage. At 6 p.m., Limestone Creek — featuring Cornelison — will perform with help from The Flashbacks Show Band, which will then take the stage as headliners around 7 p.m.

Visitors don’t have to stay at the festival all day to enjoy themselves. Cornelison said there’s no gate and plenty of specials to enjoy at local shops and restaurants. There will also be tours available at Ardmore Station for those interested.

“Just come on up to Ardmore and have a good time,” Cornelison said. “There are gonna be some crape myrtles for sale, too.”