Athens Reporter

The Winterville Marigold Festival is set to take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Pittard Park. The event will commence at 7:30 a.m. with the 50th Annual Marigold 10K, hosted by Athens Road Runners.

Attendees can enjoy offerings from various food vendors and a lineup of music starting at noon. "Everyone's favorite rock star for kids, Sir Crazy Pants, will kick things off, and the Randall Bramblett Band will cap the day off with American roots music at its best," stated festival organizers. Mayor Dodd Ferrelle will also be performing with his band, Me'an Mills, and will sign his new book with coauthors Tom Ward and Bowen Craig from 2 to 3 p.m. in the gazebo.

At 10 a.m., the Marigold Express II train will lead a parade through town. Children can participate in activities designed for them from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind the Front Porch Bookstore, while over 80 vendors will offer handmade gifts for sale. An array of cars will be on display from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with demonstrations by Canopy Studios and Athens Skatepark Project occurring throughout the day.

The music schedule includes performances by Sir Crazy Pants, Women in STEM (Camp Amped, Nuci's Space), Donovan Ram Band, Kimberly Morgan York, Michael Joe White, The Howdies, Me'an Mills, and concludes with the Randall Bramblett Band at 6:45 p.m.

Miranda Bellah, an Athens-based Surface Design Illustrator, has been selected as the festival's Featured Artist. "Her print in pattern can be seen in her artwork for Kohl’s Celebrate Together brand and in her personal screen printing work that focuses on nature and the repurposing of materials," the festival board noted.

For further information, individuals can visit the festival website and follow updates via social media platforms. Organizers expressed gratitude for community support and thanked sponsors, including 5 Points Acupuncture, Athens Ford, and others, enabling the festival's execution. The Winterville Marigold Festival Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, ensuring contributions are tax-deductible.

The Marigold 10K race, sponsored by Athens Road Runners, is managed by Classic Race Services.

For more details, visit www.marigoldfestival.com.