It’s not always easy presenting a new idea to the public, but for the organizers of last weekend’s McComb Music & Heritage Festival, the new format went over well with the crowd.
Event organizer Calvin Phelps said overall the festival was a great experience.
“It was amazing. I’ve heard from the Railroad Museum. They were busy all day long and they had more people than they usually have,” he said.
“At the Kids’ Corner, there were hundreds of people throughout the day.”
This was the third installment of the festival, which debuted two years ago as a blues fest.
Phelps said organizers as well as the restaurants that were open during the event agreed the event met their expectations.
“I heard from Alison Hewitt (of Broadway Deli), and she said she did great,” Phelps said. “We’re already getting ready for next year.”
The festival featured music at the Palace Theater and at Big Daddy’s Blues Club & Cultural Exchange, as well as a play by the Pike County Little Theater, a small film festival and other activities spread throughout downtown McComb. Phelps said organizers are thinking of ways to incorporate the State Theater into next year’s festival.
Phelps said he believes the success of the festival is an indicator that an arts and entertainment district could serve the city well.
“I think it shows them what an arts and entertainment district could be like,” he said.
Phelps said a Friday night dinner prepared by chef Clay Russell as a kickoff to the festival also went well.
“That event was basically sold out,” Phelps said. “If we do another dinner the night before, we’ll have to look into renting tables and chairs if it gets larger.”
He said the crowd seemed receptive throughout the day.
“I was at the Lillian Axe concert and the crowd was great. (Lillian Axe) had a fantastic time,” he said.
Phelps said the band bragged on being in McComb and how much fun it was for them to come back to the city.
“The challenge is finding a band for next year that is just as popular and well received,” Phelps said. “If we get the sponsorship we’ll be trying to get, we’ll be able to bring the best entertainment to town.”
He said the biggest thing is keeping it a free and family-friendly event.
“Overall, it’s been fantastic. It was a really amazing festival,” he said.
