In a year where festivals, craft fairs, concerts and millions of other events across the country have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, Covington’s Heritage Festival is on for next weekend.
The three-day festival will kick off Friday, Sept. 25 with a family movie day at the Historic Ruffin Theater featuring both “The Wizard of Oz” and “Walk the Line.”
As is tradition, the 25th annual festival will kick off with a parade – led by local veterans and the Covington High School band and color guard – around the square at 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Its theme this year is Wizard of Oz.
The festival continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well.
The juried arts and crafts fair will feature retail merchants with handcraft or market trend products, organizers say, with art, clothing, home decor and more.
There will be food trucks on South Main and live music and performances in Court Square Park both days. Additionally, the farmers market will be open and there will be a silent auction in the former Pastimes building to benefit the Tipton County Museum expansion.
Historical tours will be given both days. On Saturday they will take place at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Sunday’s tours will take place at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
There will be activities in the Depot District, too. The Tennessee River Artists Blacksmith Association will be there both days and on Sunday there will be a Show and Shine Car Show at Liberty Vintage Marketplace. There will be free parking and shuttles to and from the square.
What COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place?
Organizers want event-goers to abide by countywide mask mandate, wash and sanitize their hands regularly and maintain six feet of distance from other event-goers.
Volunteers will have their temperatures taken prior to helping with the event, each day of festival and hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the festival.
Vendor booths will be spaced more than six feet apart and vendors are welcomed to require masks at their space and/or set up clear barriers.
Custom face masks will be for sale at many booths, including the Chamber of Commerce booth, and at the Court Square Farmers Market.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
