Covington County is gearing up for the 27th Annual Okatoma Festival to be held in Collins on Saturday, May 7, 2016, beginning at 8 a.m.
“Our honoree this year will be Miss Mississippi Hannah Roberts,” said Covington County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marie Shoemake. “We are thrilled to invite Hannah back to Covington County to help us celebrate the day.”
Roberts, a native of Covington County, was named Miss Mississippi last fall and traveled to the Miss America Pageant where she placed first runner up to the Miss America title.
The Okatoma Festival will also feature great music from artists like headliner Travis Clark. A native of Sumrall, Mississippi, Clark will be performing some of the songs from his 2009 album titled “Somewhere in Mississippi.”
In the summer of 2015, Clark spent time in Nashville, TN recording a third album alongside members of Luke Bryan’s band. This album was released in November 2015 and contains a few name songs that he wrote including the title track, “Home Sweet Home.”
Also performing will be the band The 6550’s. The 6550’s are a three-piece band based in Hattiesburg made up of Joey Odom, Wes Brooks and Ben Jones.
Although the band was born in 2010, each of its members has over 20 years of live music experience playing in the Gulf South and have shared stages with national and internationally known artists.
Their catalog of music includes “80’s music,” classic and modern rock, rockabilly, R&B, oldies, blues, and classic country.
Among other performers is Nashville artist Rachele Lynae and her band. Lynae, who is adept at combining deep, vivid, moving country storytelling with the edge of guitar‐driven rock and the big hooks of pop, is reminiscent of Shania Twain, who was the queen of country‐pop during the ‘90s.
This admission-free event will kick off with a 5-K Run/Walk at 8 a.m. and Children’s Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. at the Collins Presbyterian Church.
Opening ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. on the main stage at the courthouse square.
The Okatoma Parade will take place at 10:30 a.m. and will include Okatoma Festival Queens, elected officials and Roberts will serve as the Grand Marshal.
“Following the parade we will have a meet and greet reception with Hannah in the Chancery Building,” Shoemake noted.
Meanwhile, numerous arts and crafts booths and food vendors will be located at every corner in downtown Collins. Live entertainment, a health fair, quilt exhibit, art display, children’s park, fair rides, rubber duck race, golf tournament and much more will be provided. The traditional street dance will be from 6 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with the Cowboy Blues Band.
“It’s going to be a fun day full of activities for families. We are looking forward to it,” Shoemake said.”
For more information about the festival, contact the Covington County Chamber of Commerce at 601-765-6012 or go to CovingtonChamber.com.
