Visitors from around the South will converge on Bay Springs this week as part of the city’s 19th Annual Bay Fest, which will include a variety of games, food and entertainment.

From the traditional mull pull and log-cutting contests to the recently established prettiest rooster contest, organizers said the event has something for all ages.

The familiar arts and crafts booths will also be set up in the pavilion area at Smith Park on Friday and Saturday.

The annual festival, which is funded by local merchants and the City of Bay Springs, opens today with a carnival that been named “Mayor’s night,” where all tickets will be half price.

Along with the carnival running through Saturday, several events and free musical entertainment have been scheduled throughout the four-day event.

Bay Springs City Clerk Judy Upton said the event is conducted in and near Smith Park. She said the city blocks off a portion of Highway 528 near Highway 15 for the event.

Friday and Saturday, the downtown is covered with arts and crafts vendors and music shows are held several nights.

Bay Fest began in 1991 as a celebration at the end of the Desert Storm conflict to recognize local citizens and other Mississippians serving in the armed forces.

Officials said the first festival was a success and the event is now in its nineteenth year.

The event has matured into a first-class, four-day festival for the purpose of showcasing the community to tourists, businesses and industry and building self-esteem and pride among local citizens.

Upton said music entertainment for the event will be conducted Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Thursday night will be the “Gospel Sing”. Groups to perform will be the B & H Gospel Singers, the New gospel Key Stones, the Gospel Strings, the Gospel Nikias and Josh Garner, who is a former member of the Florida Boys. Also Thursday, the carnival will be offering a wrist band night special where unlimited rides are offered from 6-10 p.m. at a cost of $20.

Upton said the festival’s “good old-fashion games will begin Friday afternoon.” From the tomato-throwing contest that begins at 3 p.m. to the sack race at 4 p.m. Musical entertainment for the event will begin at 7 p.m. with Dionne followed by Ms. Jody at 9 p.m. and Steve Perry at 10:30 p.m.

Officials said the festival is well established, the event has become a “must-see” event for visitors to east central Mississippi.

Attendance at the festival climbed throughout the 1990’s and last year saw an estimated 40,000 visitors during the four days of fun. Children and adults alike delight in the carnival with its many rides and activities.