By Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
EAN Photos by Bob Ealum, Amanda Pevey
On Saturday the annual Millbrook MayFest event may have dealt with rainfall, but for those who braved the weather, plenty of fun was available.
Over 50 vendors stayed at the park despite the weather. Kid activities, food trucks, and many opportunities to shop and buy local products, provided a wonderful time for those who attended.
“This year ‘s Mayfest was an interesting and challenging one when mother nature threw us a curveball,” said City of Millbrook Cultural Arts & Special Events Director Danae Morgan.
She continued, “Anytime that we host outdoor events we know there’s potential for weather conditions to interfere and today we just had to adjust and try to make it as good as possible. I was so impressed by our vendors who stuck it out with us and had the best attitudes. Millbrook citizens support our events rain or shine, and we are thankful. I especially want to thank our city staff including Special Events, Parks & Recreation, and the Millbrook Police Department for helping today. It takes a village, and we have a great one!”
Even though some rain may have canceled a few of the events, families could take part in other activities. There was character balloon from The Balloon Man, Arts and Crafts at the Kids Korner, Collide-A-Scope, and a petting zoo by Wildly Blessed.
Activities that were canceled for the day were the Alabama Dance Theatre Maypole Dancers, Bluey Character photo-op, and Face Painting from Sweet Cheeks.
A new feature this year was the Collide-A-Scope, a unique art installation of a kaleidoscope, designed by Joe Champion. He was at the event, and showed children how to work the kaleidoscope, and gave each family a smaller kaleidoscope toy to take home.
Peter Pan and Tinkerbell from the Millbrook Community Players were in attendance to interact with the children. They had a booth set up with plenty of props for dress up and photo opportunities.
This event helped to promote the upcoming show, Peter Pan and Wendy – A Musical, directed by Michael Proper. It will run July 17th through July 27th at the Millbrook Theatre which is located at the old Robinson Springs School on Main Street, Millbrook.
A family from Prattville that had never atteded the Millbrook MayFest, spoke to EAN about their experience at the park.
“I love seeing vendors from the Alabama area and hearing their unique stories. We also loved the food here too,” said the Robinson family.
“While today’s inclement weather may have put a damper on attendance numbers, as compared to last year’s, which exceeded 3000 participants, our participating vendors weathered two different weather fronts that passed through prior to and during the event bringing periods of rain, but not enough to cancel today’s event,” said Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson.
He continued, “While the numbers that were in attendance may have been reduced from last year’s attendance, our citizens that came out today enjoyed various food and drink offerings, from hot dogs, Polish sausage, chicken wings, barbecue, Mexican cuisine, to baked goods, such as cakes, fudge, cookies and brownies, just to name a few. Add to that, arts and crafts, woodwork, clothing, novelty items, etc., as well as plenty of activities for children. In other words, if you were not there, you missed out. Shout out to our Cultural Arts/Special Events Coordinator Danae Morgan and our Parks and Recreation Department staff for organizing this event, which adds to the quality-of-life opportunities for our citizens and visitors. I have no doubt that had it not rained today, Village Green would have been packed and I expect that this event will continue to gain in both popularity and attendance. Also, I want to convey my appreciation to our MPD staff for braving the rain and the humidity that followed, providing traffic and crowd control for today’s event. To all involved, job well done!”
For more upcoming events in Millbrook please follow the Millbrook Cultural Arts & Special Events- The Art Mill Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BPcK3zHk8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
