Mayodan Homecoming Festival features variety of entertainment

With something special planned for every moment of the 23rd edition of the Mayodan Homecoming Festival on Sept. 12, members of the Mayodan Preservation League have only one thing left to chance – the weather.

“That’s always the one thing we can’t control, but we’ve traditionally seemed to have very good luck on that count,” said Connie Fox, spokesperson for the League. “We’re hoping for another day of not-too-hot, not-too-cold and dry weather.”

As always, the day will be filled with a wide variety of live entertainment from the stage set up at the intersection of Main Street and 2nd Avenue.

The annual festival begins at 10 a.m. with the traditional opening ceremonies featuring the McMichael High School band and chorus, along with the school’s Air Force Junior ROTC color guard unit presenting the nation’s colors.

The day closes at 10 p.m. after two hours of dancing in the street to the sounds of The O’Kaysions. The North Carolina group formed in 1967 in Wilson and scored a Top 10 recording in 1968 with their first national release on ABC Records – “Girl Watcher.” The current edition of the band performs with three vocalists, trumpet, saxophone, drums, guitar, bass and keyboard. Wayne Pittman, an original member and writer of the hit “Girl Watcher,” still performs with the group and serves as manager. Utilizing a combination of youth, talent, beauty, energy, enthusiasm and experience, the band plays a mixed song list of beach music, pop, soul and R&B from the 60s to the 90s. Everyone is encouraged to bring their shaggin’ shoes to get the most out of the evening.

Opening for the O’Kaysions at 6 p.m. are Mayodan’s own oldies band, The Impacts. Five local musicians – Billy Ray Smith, John Cook, Glen Joyce, Doug Cardwell and Randy Case – perform rock and roll oldies and beach music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, using vintage-styled instruments to lend an air of authenticity to the music.

Leading up to the evening’s featured performances are a wide variety of entertainers. At 11 a.m., dance students from C.C. and Company Dance Studio take center stage with performances of special routines for all ages. The Greenhouse River Boys take the stage at noon for a couple hours of some of the finest in traditional bluegrass music. The jazz stylings of the Chris Carroll Trio will provide a refreshing new experience for Homecoming patrons at 2 p.m. At 4 p.m., Reidsville blues cover band Floydz Circle returns to the Mayodan stage.

Throughout the day, an ever-expanding variety of vendors will offer food ranging from hot dogs, hamburgers and fries to more exotic items like smoked sausages, blooming onions and funnel cakes. Handmade crafts including candles, soaps, jewelry, glassware, original artwork and seasonal decorations will also be available throughout the downtown area.

The Mayodan Preservation League will have a booth offering special Mayodan logo items, including T-shirts and the latest edition of the annual Mayodan Christmas ornaments. The 2009 ornament features the former Elliott Duncan School.

Youngsters of all ages can enjoy carnival rides, games, rock climbing, and face and hair painting; and everyone can take part in Bingo games sponsored by the League and featuring prizes donated by area merchants.

The League invites everyone to come and share in the fun of a day filled with fun and entertainment, but reminds patrons that bicycles, scooters, skateboards and pets are not permitted in the festival area.

For more information, call (336) 548-2241 or (336) 548-6776.