Gracie-Kate Clifton pets one of the dogs during the Pet Parade at a previous JulyFest in Mentone, Ala.The JulyFest Art & Music Festival, presented by the Mentone Area Arts Council, is scheduled this weekend in Mentone, Ala. Hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, July 19, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 20 (all times Central).
The festival opens with the prestigious juried arts and crafts show featuring the works of some 50 artists and crafters. Their media include oil paintings, pastels, watercolors, photography, sculptures, wood art, rustic furniture, pottery, iron work, basketry, fiber and jewelry. The juried show will be held under the trees in Mason Park, 5972 Highway 117, where visitors can enjoy a stroll as they shop for one-of-a-kind art.
Registration for the pet parade starts at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Mason Park, and the parade hits the streets at 10 a.m. All pets are welcome, from dogs and cats to canaries and goats. Pictures of past pets and stuffed animals also may be shown off along the parade route.
Festivalgoers also can take part in the silent auction and dog adoption to benefit the Humane Society and Animal Resources of DeKalb County. Anyone may donate to the silent auction. Organizers say everything from artwork to antiques, homegrown vegetables to potted plants is appreciated. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society’s work.
At 5 p.m. Saturday, Old Tymer’s Barbecue of Fort Payne will fill plates with its famous barbecue on the grounds of the Mentone Inn, 6139 Highway 117, as festivalgoers enjoy dinner music. Cost is $10 per plate, which includes pork or chicken, two sides, roll and drink.