Live music and local art will once again be the center of Ada’s Main Street, the Honorary Blake Shelton Boulevard and the Arts District of Ada near East Central University, with the return of the AdaFest Saturday, Aug. 27.
This year’s festival has focused putting the Ada back in AdaFest by featuring local artists and musicians from Ada or who have strong ties to the area.
“The planning committee really wants to see local art in local homes. We want the public to notice the talent that comes from Ada and actively support the art and music scene that has always existed in this town,” said event organizer Brad Jessop.
The festival is an all-day event, beginning in downtown Main Street. Numerous non-profits and Main Street businesses have partnered together to provide food, activities, shopping and games from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. One crowd favorite that will return is the Strawberry Newports, which the Ada High School Couganns will be selling in front of Serendipity.
“AdaFest wouldn’t be AdaFest without Strawberry Newports,” stated Amy Kaiser, the Ada Main Street Director, who is also on the AdaFest planning committee. “So many people have memories of growing up in Ada and attending AdaFest just for those newports!”
Once again the Happyland Music Alliance has ensured the day will be scored by local musicians. A variety of bands featuring a variety of styles will play throughout the day as well as on the main stage in the Arts District of Ada.
New this year to the downtown line-up is the Grandview Event Center, which will provide another venue for live music. “The Grandview is a great location for live music. The space just comes alive,” said owner, Brandy Kaeshoefer. “Growing up in Ada, I attended so many AdaFests that I jumped at the chance to participate this year.”
The Grandview is also hosting a pop-up gallery on the Arts District of Ada plaza from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The pop gallery will feature local artists that will have upcoming shows at the Grandview.
In addition, a car show will take place downtown. There will also be inflatables, a dunk tank and numerous games and raffles to enter. During the 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. break between the downtown activities and the Arts District of Ada plaza activities, the Pontotoc County Fair will host a parade.
After 5 p.m. the festival moves to the east end of Main Street, also known as the Honorary Blake Shelton Blvd., into the Arts District of Ada. Artist tents, food trucks, a beer garden, children’s activities and a main stage, featuring Lindsay & Aaron, Connor Hicks, Porch Mice, the Mike McClure Band and Haniwa, will make for one exciting evening on the plaza.
“There will be plenty to do for everyone,” said Jessop. “We’ve added additional kids’ activities, such as sprinklers, and moved them to a shady spot on ECU’s tree-covered lawn. The beer garden is now positioned in better view of the stage, and the artists’ tents have a wider range of prices, so any wallet size can afford to put local art in their local home. The festival does not end until 11 p.m., so with activities ranging from 10 a.m. until the late evening hours, there is really no excuse to miss it.”
Last year an estimated 5,000 attendees enjoyed the day-long event. Parking was never an issue. Bring a lawn chair and stay all day. See below for the live music schedule.
Live Music Schedule:
Downtown
Noon to 1 p.m. – Nashoba Losa
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Persephone’s Harbour
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. – The Church of Saturday Saints
3 p.m. to 4 p.m. – The Dudes
The Grandview
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Rasheed Lowery
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Lazy Suzns
Main Stage (Arts District of Ada Plaza)
5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Lindsey & Aaron
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. – The Connor Hicks Band
7 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Porch Mice
8 p.m. to 9 p.m. – The Hudson Outfit
9 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Mike McClure Band
10 p.m. to 11 p.m. – Haniwa
Food Trucks/Vendors:
Nacho Biznez
Norma’s Food Truck
Kolander’s Concessions
Mr. Tater Cater
Boss N’ Hogs Bar B Que
Amore Italian American Cuisine
Carousel Shaved Ice
Dippin’ Dots
Yellow Sno