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The event promises to be packed with activities, said Greg Solomon, president of the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce. Attendees can enjoy live music, a variety of shows and games for the whole family. “The premise is to celebrate the good life of Burleson and attract people to Burleson,” Solomon said. “It’s to let people get out and be entertained.” The festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. when the March for Kids in Character kicks off at Lighthouse Church at 301 S. Dobson St. Marchers will make their way to Renfro Square to talk about character and integrity. Solomon said anyone can join the march, which is presented by the City of Character Program. “People can get out with their pets and walk with their families,” he said. “It’s our way to show we want everyone to work together to promote character.” Among the highlights of the day is Honeyfest Idol, a competition in which contestants separated into three age divisions are judged on their singing abilities. Those with top marks in their age brackets will advance to the finals, and the winner will receive $1,500, Solomon said. Second- and third-place finishers will win $750 and $500, respectively. “We do Honeyfest Idol because Kelly [Clarkson] is from here,” Solomon said of the “American Idol” winner. The Little Miss and Mister Honeyfest Pageant will precede Honeyfest Idol at 9 a.m., Solomon said, naming the pageant as another big attraction. Entertainment will be provided on three separate stages throughout the day, said Marti Lucas, a gymnastics coach who organized performances for the children’s stage. Lucas said her gymnastics students will perform tumbling and beam routines at about 12:30 p.m. “I do enjoy all the entertainment,” she said. A car show, a Mother’s Day contest and a variety of choir performances will also be featured, Solomon said. Meanwhile, more interactive fun will be available in the form of dunking booths, carnival rides, bounce houses and magicians threading their way through the crowds. Despite the wide range of colorful activities, Solomon named a simple joy as his favorite part of Honeyfest. “My favorite part is when it starts, to look up and see the sunshine and smiling faces,” he said. “We try to do Honeyfest to capture all things good about a community. It’s fun to see the new faces when everyone’s upbeat and having fun.” Honeyfest will wrap up at about 9 p.m., with live music being the focal point of the evening’s festivities. The band Texas Pearl Snaps is scheduled to take the stage at about 5:45 p.m., and Silver Rail will follow with a 7:15 p.m. performance. Solomon said that although the entertainment is free, a handful of individual vendors will charge small fees to raise money for select causes. “We’re just so excited about it,” Solomon said of Honeyfest. “It’s the most visible thing we do as a chamber.” Karen Yandell, vice president of the chamber, said she finds the annual event exciting because it brings neighbors together. “I just like the community coming together,” she said. Ashley Whisonant, director of communications for the chamber, said her favorite aspect is browsing through all the wares vendors sell. “I just like walking around and looking at all the vendors and seeing what jewelry they have,” she said. For information on Honeyfest or to participate in one of the event’s shows, call the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce at 817-295-6121. |
