Dayton, Tenn., is painting the town red this week for its 64th annual Tennessee Strawberry Festival. This year’s theme is “Strawberry Masquerade.”
Among the highlights:
* Parade: Thousands of Rhea County residents will line Market Street for the annual Strawberry Parade 1-3 p.m. Saturday. The caravan will feature marching bands, floats, Little League teams, dance companies and pageant contestants, among others.
* Carnival: Rides are set up on the south end of town. The carnival opens at 5 p.m. today and at 3 p.m. Saturday. An armband for unlimited rides costs $15.
* Fine Art Show and Sale: Recent works by members of the Dayton Arts League will be on display 8 a.m.-6 p.m. today and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday in the lobby of the Rhea County Courthouse. Visitors may vote for a People’s Choice Award. Admission is free. For more information, call 423-775-5122.
Strawberry Festival Schedule
TODAY
* 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Craft and food vendors open for business
* 6-6:45 p.m. Boots and Roses
* 6-11 p.m. Carnival Open
* 6 p.m. Strawberry Auction at Rhea County Courthouse, 1475 Market St.
* 6 p.m. Strawberry Cruise In (call 775-0361 for info)
* 7-7:45 p.m. Andrew and Liz
* 7-11:45 p.m. Mens Softball Tournament (call 596-7182 for info)
* 8-11 p.m. Boys Night Out
SATURDAY
* 7-10 a.m. Rotary Pancake Breakfast
* 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Craft and food vendors open for business
* 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Family Fun Area on Third Avenue
* 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Gospel Stage
* 9 a.m.-11:45 p.m. Mens Softball Tournament (596-7182)
* 9:30- a.m. Center Stage Dancers
* 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fast Draw Competition at Point Park
* 11 a.m.-noon. Katie Carver and Irish dancers
* Noon-12:30 p.m. Izetta Hale Johnson
* 1-3 p.m. Strawberry Festival Parade
* 3-11 p.m. Carnival open
* 3-4 p.m. Just Us bluegrass band
* 4:15-5:15 p.m. Mitch Rossell
* 5:30-6:15 p.m. Boots and Roses
* 6:30-8 p.m. James Cain
* 8-10 p.m. Carrie Hassler
Court Street Gospel Stage
Saturday
* 9 am. The McDonald’s Singers
* 9:30 a.m. Mitchell Sherill and The Miller Bluegrass Pickers
* 10:15 a.m. Cox Family bluegrass band
* 11 a.m. Jim Ricketts
* 11:45 a.m. New Paved Road
* 12:15 p.m. Southland Quartet
* 3 p.m. Donnie Young and New Beginning
* 3:45 p.m. Sounds of Grace
* 4:30 p.m. The Fisherman’s Quartet
* 5:15 p.m. Jim Hallengren
* 6 p.m. Kindred Sprit Vocal Band, featuring Mike Hixson