After five years, Gator Fest is taking a break.
Originally scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 3, the event at the Columbia Water Park has been canceled — or at least postponed for the time being.
“We’re looking at dates in the spring. There is no event like that in the springtime,” Steve Mercier, one of the organizers, said Tuesday. “We may be able to combine it with the tractor and engine show that is held in the spring.”
Last year, rain dampened crowds, but more than 1,500 maps were handed out during the day with the crowd estimated at 3,000. In previous years, crowds had been estimated as high as 5,000. Last year’s festival took place in late October, but the event was usually held during the first weekend of November.
“We’re planning to bring it back and make it bigger and better,” District 2 Supervisor Terry Broome, whose district includes the Water Park, said Tuesday. “This year, we’re just going to hold off on it and hope to have an even better festival. Nothing has caused it to stop; we’re just looking at other options.”
Each year, alligators from the Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery have been the marquee attraction along with music, food and craft vendors. Gator Fest also has featured a canoe and kayak race on the Pearl River. Proceeds from the event go to assist the care and renovations at the Water Park.
A post on the Gator Fest Facebook noted that the Heritage Festival will still be held Oct. 6 and that vendors can call (601) 731-3999 for applications.
