Gator Fest is back, and the usual fall event has a new time and a new home.
“Our committee has decided to make Gator Fest a spring event from now on. In years past it was held at the Columbia Water Park in the fall, but there are just too many conflicts,” Festival Coordinator Steve Mercier said.
The event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 6 at Friendship Park, but that’s not the only thing going on in Columbia that day. Dixie Youth season kicks off, and the Columbia Gearheads will be hosting their monthly cruise in.
“We are excited about all the events going on in Columbia that day. Our new location has easy access to downtown for the cruise-in, and during breaks at Dean Griner, families can come enjoy our festivities. There’s plenty of parking and space and we are excited to be in a centralized location,” Mercier said.
Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery from Covington, La., will be on hand with its alligators, and visitors will have the opportunity to pet and learn about the armored reptiles in catch tanks. The Allie the Gator mascot will also be on hand to greet and take photographs with guests.
The festival will also have arts and craft booths and food vendors. A petting zoo will be on hand as well as the Infinity Train, which served as the Grinch Train during Experience Columbia’s Christmas Celebration. A dog show and inflatable jumpers round out the day of fun.
All proceeds from Gator Fest will go toward local projects of Columbia AMBUCS (an acronym that originally stood for “American Business Clubs”), which is a nonprofit service organization dedicated to inspiring mobility and independence. That mission is fulfilled by providing Amtryke tricycles to individuals who are unable to operate traditional bikes.
Vendor applications will be received through April 4. Anyone interested in an arts and crafts or food booth should call Mercier at (601) 731-0708 and leave a message.
Gator Fest was originally held from 2013 to 2017 at the Columbia Water Park in late October or early November.
Pictured Above: Members of the Gator Fest Committee are helping revive the annual event, which is coming up April 6 at Friendship Park. Front row, from left, are Tammy Riley, Andrea Porter, Kathy Morgan, Ashley Stuckey Clark, Patricia Norris and Brenda Luethje; back row, Carolyn Burton and Steve Mercier. | Photo by Brandi Perry
