Walton Crepe Myrtle Festival set for June 12

Festival activities include a car show, Crepe Myrtle Idol competition, kids’ activities corner and tractor parade. The festival also features live entertainment, food and a selection of original, homemade arts and crafts.

The showcase event of the festival, the Crepe Myrtle Idol competition, began with auditions in April. Contestants are Walton County residents ranging from age 13 up. A panel of judges has narrowed the pool of contestants down to a select group of top performers. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite at the festival. The contestants are competing for the title of 2010 Crepe Myrtle Idol in addition to cash prizes.

The Walton County Crepe Myrtle Festival is open to the public. A nominal admission fee will be charged. Children five and under and military personnel are admitted free of charge.

“We want people to be able to relax and enjoy a family oriented festival without breaking the bank,” Crepe Myrtle Festival Chair Steve Worley said.

Proceeds from the event are used to improve Hammond Park where the festival is held and also to benefit graduating seniors in Walton County High Schools through the Crepe Myrtle scholarship program.

Each year, the Crepe Myrtle Festival board awards a college scholarship to a graduating senior at each of Walton County’s five high schools. The 2010 scholarship recipients are Coleman Bradley of Loganville Christian Academy, Kathleen Campbell of George Walton Academy, Olivia Gish of Loganville High School, Miranda Bolden of Monroe Area High School and Samantha Ervin of Social Circle High School.

For more information about the festival, sponsorships, vending and the idol competition contact the festival hotline at (770) 868-5137, e-mail cmfinfo@monroeaccess.net or visit the festival Web site at www.crepemyrtlefestival.org.