Pony rides, rock-climbing, live entertainment, carnival rides and barbecue are a few of the things attendees can experience in the cooler weather at this year’s FestiVille.
The fifth annual FestiVille event will take place from 3-7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at Dupree Park in Jacksonville.
Dana Rozenski, programs supervisor for Jacksonville Parks and Recreation, said there are no admission or parking fees.
Most activities will be free, aside from carnival rides and vendor services, she said.
Activities at the festival will include live entertainment, a volleyball tournament, a petting zoo and pony rides, a 5K, canoe and kayak rides, a shooting demonstration, beanbag baseball, carnival rides, games, a car show and more, she said.
Food, commercial and nonprofit vendors will also be set up to provide goods and services.
“FestiVille brings the community together by offering a wide variety of activities and events for the entire family,” Rozenski said. “There is something for everyone at FestiVille. Being that most of the activities are free, families can spend two days at Dupree Park and not worry about spending too much money for their families to have fun.”
A volleyball tournament will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Families are encouraged to take a canoe out on Dupree Lake from 3-6 p.m. Friday, or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, according to a press release.
A petting zoo and pony rides will be offered from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
“We would like to thank all of our sponsors, vendors and volunteers for making this event successful,” Rozenski said.
Live entertainment on Friday will kick off with Drums Alive on the Pavilion Stage at 3 p.m., Lighthouse Charter School at 4 p.m., Craig Anthony at 5:15 p.m. and Chris Crawford at 6 p.m.
On the A & P Stage, the American Lions will perform at 4 p.m., followed by Guilty at 5 p.m. and The Rowdy at 6 p.m.
On the Pavilion Stage on Saturday, entertainment will commence with the Dog Town Ukulele Band at 9 a.m., Carla’s Dance at 10 a.m., the Limelight Performance Academy at 10:45 a.m., Huff N Puff at 11:30 a.m., the Jacksonville High School cheerleaders at 1 p.m., Sharon’s Dance and Gymnastics and Pageant Winners at 1:30 p.m., Dance FX at 2:45 p.m., Divine Pearls of Jacksonville at 3:15 p.m., Vocal Jazz at 4 p.m. and the New Livin’ Quartet at 5:30 p.m.
On the A & P Stage on Saturday, Six Ways from Sunday will perform at 11 a.m., the Cliff Hudson Band at noon, Critical Mass at 1 p.m., Stays in Vegas at 2 p.m., Danny C. at 3 p.m., the Kolton Thomas Band at 4 p.m., the Sol Def Band at 5 p.m., Bree Ogden at 6 p.m. and Eddie & The Defiantz at 7 p.m.
Aaron Maxey, children’s area volunteer, said McArthur Church of Jacksonville provides the family-friendly kids area for free.
Balloon animals, games and face-painting are a few of the things kids will be able to enjoy, he said.
“We will bring a couple of inflatables and a tent full of family activities,” he said.
Maxey said the Jacksonville Fire Department will have a presentation for kids as well.
“FestiVille helps Jacksonville feel like a community for families. It provides a safe and family-friendly event that parents can enjoy with their kids. The city has tried to provide more and more free entertainment that families can enjoy together at FestiVille,” he said.
Maxey said the event also allows organizations and companies to be seen by the general public, and community members to come together and show support for one another.
“Jacksonville is unique because we have a lot of diversity for our area, and that diversity doesn’t alienate any one group,” he said.
The Little Rock Air Force Base also adds a unique element to Jacksonville, he said, and has a positive impact on the community.
“The base is a sense of unity and pride for our city. It’s a collective patriotism of those who serve our country, a rallying point,” Maxey said. “The new school district shows we aren’t afraid to step out and create something great that will influence generations to come.
“We love helping our city.”
For more information, contact Jacksonville Parks and Recreation at (501) 982-4171.
Staff writer Kayla Baugh can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or kbaugh@arkansasonline.com.