Mayfest slated downtown on May 3

Pets, games, music, refreshments, a pageant, political stump speeches and a big merchants drawing -- it's all there on the agenda for the return of the popular Rector Mayfest.

The event will get underway at the Downtown Park at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3.

Sponsored by the Rector Area Chamber of Commerce, the event is designed to be a relaxing and fun day for people of all ages.

"We hope everyone makes plans to participate in the event that will bring fun and excitement to downtown Rector," said community development director Cyndi Corkran. "The event has been popular in the past and we are doing all we can to make it something everyone will enjoy."

The Rector Lions Club will serve hamburgers, brats and other refreshments throughout the event. Art displays will be on the grounds, as well as possibly some farmers market items. The Rector Garden Club will be conducting a plant sale during the day at the Memorial Park, so everyone is invited to make that a part of their day.

Members of the Rector High School gifted and talented program will help conduct the pet contest and the children's games, scheduled to kick off the activities.

Here is the schedule of events:

10 a.m., Pet Contest -- open to everyone with prizes awarded to cutest pet, ugliest pet and most unusual pet.

10:30 a.m., Children's Games -- coins-in-the-haystack, three-legged race, egg race and other events for children up through the sixth grade.

11:30 a.m., Rector High School Band -- under the direction of Craig Wadley.

12 noon, Political Speeches -- opening remarks by Rep. Mike Patterson and all political candidates are invited to speak from the bandstand.

12:30 p.m., Rector Mayfest Pageant -- open to all girls in the fifth and sixth grades at Rector Elementary School, Sunday dresses are recommended and a $100 prize to the winner; contact Cyndi Corkran at 595-3035 for more information.

1 p.m., Gary Prince and Sugar Creek, a six-member band from Paragould, will perform on the bandstand.

2 p.m., Merchants Drawing -- persons may register at participating merchants through noon Friday, May 2; drawing will be held at the conclusion of the Mayfest with the money to be spent with participating merchants; must be at least 18 years of age and present to win.