Whether you want to eat a funnel cake, listen to gospel music, ogle classic cars, watch a parade or meet Barney Fife, the 37th annual 1890s Day Jamboree in Ringgold, Ga., is the place to be today and Saturday.

The family-friendly event, held on a closed, three-block section of Nashville Street between Cleveland Street and the former Western & Atlantic railroad depot, also will offer two firsts: a talent search and a trip to a national championship for its fiddle contest winner.

Even with so much to offer, "as usual, getting into the event is free," said event committee member David Cummings, who will emcee Saturday's fireworks finale at 10 p.m.

Approximately 100 arts-and-crafts vendors will display their wares, and more than a dozen food vendors will offer everything from the usual festival food to gyros and shrimp.

Tonight, gospel music will be offered on two stages, the Northwest Georgia Bank Stage near the Catoosa County Courthouse and the Ringgold Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Stage at Cleveland Street. Among the performers are the Jeff Hullender Family, Voices One and Pipeline.

Folk, country and rock performers will entertain on the Cleveland Street stage beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Today's 5:30 p.m. beauty contest for contestants up to 18 years old will have a patriotic theme and be held at the railroad depot.

Barney Fife, a Don Knotts impersonator, will be a guest in the 11 a.m. Saturday parade and later pose for photos with fans.

The classic car cruise-in, at First Baptist Church on Nashville Street, will be Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.

"Any car you like and want to show off" is eligible for the cruise-in, said Cummings.

Children won't be left out, either, as an area with inflatables and other activities will be available for them. A slight cost may be incurred for some of the inflatables.

Cash prizes will be awarded for winners in the music and dance contests, and a flat-screen television will be one of many door prizes.