Mayodan Homecoming 2010 blends tradition with unique new elements

With something special planned for every moment of the 24^th annual edition of the Mayodan Homecoming Festival on Sept. 11, members of the Mayodan Preservation League leave only one thing 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 Holiday Band. One of the Southeast’s premier party and dance bands, THB has been performing for nearly 20 years. They are the 2009 Carolina Beach Music Group of the Year, as well as the co-winners (with the Band of Oz) of the Cammy Group of the Year. The group is known as one of the most versatile bands around with a wide range of musical styles on their set list that includes classic rock, country, slow ballads, beach and southern soul, R&B dance, as well as original tunes of their own.

Filling the remaining entertainment spots throughout the day are an exceptional variety of local groups. Following the opening ceremony at 10 a.m., C.C. Dance Company takes to the street at 11 a.m. to present routines from beginning dancers to experienced entertainers.

God’s Garage Band takes the Homecoming stage at 2 p.m., using its talents to present the gospel message in contemporary song and music.

At 4 p.m., local rock cover band Crest Fallen delivers its trademark high-energy performance. Consisting of young musicians from several Rockingham County schools, the group plays a wide range of music from 70s to current hits.

Mayodan’s own The Impacts kick off the evening street dance at 6 p.m. The Impacts have been entertaining audiences since 2005 and are well known across Rockingham County and the surrounding area for their classic mix of rock and roll oldies and beach tunes from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

As a special addition to this year’s festival, the newly established Downtown Mayodan Merchants Association is sponsoring a Cruise-In from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Main Street between 3rd and 4th avenues. All types of vehicles are welcome. Owners will receive a goody bag courtesy of downtown Mayodan merchants. There will also be door prizes and tickets available for a 50/50 drawing. For more information on the cruise-in, call (336) 548-2273.

As always, a variety of vendors will offer food including hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ, fries, smoked sausages, pizza, fresh homemade baked goods, snow cones, funnel cakes and more throughout the day. Many talented crafters will also be on hand with a variety of hand-made items including candles, jewelry, glassware, seasonal decorations and purses.

The Preservation League booth will have a variety of Mayodan logo items, including T-shirts and the next in the series of Mayodan Christmas ornaments. The 2010 ornament features the pavilion at the old Mayo Lake. Supplies are limited, so get there early to take advantage of this great collectible.

Youngsters attending Homecoming can enjoy carnival rides, games, rock climbing, face and hair painting. The popular Bingo games sponsored by the Preservation League offer a wide variety of prizes donated by area merchants for young and older players.

In the event of rain, the Impacts and the Holiday Band will perform at 6 p.m. at the Madison-Mayodan Recreation Center.

Call 548-2241 for more information or visit the Mayodan Homecoming Festival Facebook page.