By Michael Butler

America is celebrating its 250th birthday this year. The semiquincentennial is being celebrated in Tallassee too – this weekend with the Red, White and Blue Festival.

On Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, numerous activities are planned. The headliner is the Red, White and Blue concert featuring Ronnie McDowell at the Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center on Saturday at 7 p.m.

“I love coming to these old theaters,” said McDowell. “To me it’s Americana. Everywhere we go, we’re going to have fun.”

McDowell is performing with Paulette Carlson of Highway 101 and Jeff Bates.

The music begins on Friday night with the Jukebox All-Stars on South Ann Avenue from 7-9. Bryson Rigsby will play on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on King Street.

The shops in the downtown district will be having a “Treasure Hunt on the Tallapoosa” with prizes. Vendors will also be set up along King Street opening at 8 a.m.

“We have right at 30 vendors,” Tallassee Chamber of Commerce executive director Carmen Rodgers said. “We have Mr. Pickles and Potatoes. Tina Smith will be selling fresh lemonade. Main Fluff will be out there with her cotton candy. Nothing But Cakes will be there. McKenna Bates will be selling dirty sodas, iced coffee and cookies. Chik-fil-A will be there. We have some barbecue coming.”

In addition, crafts, homemade goods, clothing and woodwork will be available to purchase.

The River Region Jeep Show will be on Friday night in conjunction with live music. The Kids Zone opens at 10 on Saturday morning with inflatables, games and a petting zoo. On Saturday at 9 p.m., the festivities conclude with a fireworks show at City Hall.

The weekend event is replacing the former Summer Fest held annually in June in past years.

“I know we need the rain but let it hold off and let us do our thing,” Rogers added. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”