By Michael Butler

The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce will put on its annual Summerfest at City Hall on Saturday, June 21 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

“It’s been our biggest event,” said Jerry Cunningham, who started the event during his eight-year run as director. “It has a 4th of July-type of feel. We don’t do it during the 4th week because most people are gone.”

Cunningham organized this year’s event as his last hoorah. He is retiring from his post as director and passing the baton to Carmen Rodgers.

“The good thing is Carmen already knows a lot of people and has a lot of contacts,” Cunningham noted. “She’s already familiar with a lot of things. She’s very easy to work with.”

Rodgers is excited for her new role.

“I have the best interests of Tallassee at heart,” she said. “I take great pride in calling this special place my home. I’m truly excited to step into this role and serve the community that has given me so much.”

In addition to more than 50 vendors, there are several activities planned. One headliner will be a hotdog eating contest.

“We have two divisions with $150 cash prize for each division winner,” Cunningham said. “It’s how many hotdogs they can eat in a five-minute period.”

The competition begins at 12:00. The age divisions will be 16-20 and 21 and up. Contact the Chamber for more information at 334-283-5151.

The day will culminate with a fireworks show over the Tallapoosa River. The Chamber added fireworks last year with rave reviews.

“At 6:00, we’ll have three food trucks, as well as cotton candy, Louies’ Sno Cones and Italian ice. At 7, Mother Moonpie will perform at the Community Library,” Cunningham added. “At 8:45, we’ll have the fireworks. That’s $10,000 worth of fireworks and a 25-minute show.”

Other fun festivities on Saturday will include pony rides, water slides, a watermelon eating contest, a doggie ‘pawgeant’, and a baking contest. Cooling tents with misting fans will be on site provided by HDD Broadband.