It's time for Mayfest 2008

Excitement is building as Rector anticipates the return of its popular Mayfest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at Rector's beautiful Downtown Park.

The day of fun will include pets, games, music, refreshments, a pageant, political stump speeches and a big merchants drawing.

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 early in the day at Rector Memorial Park, so everyone is invited to also make that a part of their day.

Members of the Rector High School gifted and talented program will help conduct the pet contest and 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. Ribbons will be given to first, second and third place winners.

10:30 a.m., Children's Games -- coins-in-the-haystack for children 2 to 5, sack race for children 5 to 7, three-legged race for children 8 to 9, egg and spoon race for children 10 to 11.

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

12 noon, Political Speeches -- opening remarks by Rep. Mike Patterson, who will announce the Veterans' Memorial Monument kick-off, and other political candidates 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. Must register by noon Friday, May 2. Sunday dresses are recommended and a $100 prize will go to the winner. Emcee Jade Mount will be assisted by Miss Rector Sarah Fannin. 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.