Marshall throws itself a festival
Grab your mama and come on down to downtown Marshall on May 9 for Mama Mia!, a street festival and collaboration between the downtown Marshall merchants and the Madison County Arts Council.
"We are peppering the town with demonstrating artists, music and the popular artists' Second Sale at the Madison County Arts Center," Laura Boosinger, Madison County Arts Council. executive director, said.
Madison County Smart Start will be on the Madison County Courthouse lawn offering solace, materials and expertise for those youngsters needing a last-minute Mother's Day card. Artists will be in businesses throughout Marshall to acquaint festivalgoers with their work and with local merchants.
Music begins on the courthouse steps at 1 p.m. featuring students from the Junior Appalachian Musicians Program, The Garnet Ridge Ramblers and the Crooked Pine Band. "We are thrilled to have Crooked Pine playing for us fresh off the release of their new CD, 'Branching Out' and featuring Hot Springs' favorite, Troy Harrison," Boosinger said.
From the Snowbird community, Shirley Jackson Oswalt, a traditional Cherokee artist, will be leading a hands-on workshop at the Madison County Arts Center from noon-4 p.m. Oswalt is known for her beadwork, gourd carvings and white oak baskets. She grows the gourds for her carvings and the corn for the beads she uses, and she incorporates other natural elements such as vines and seeds into her work. A native speaker of the Cherokee language, Oswalt will also teach participants writing in the Cherokee language.
Mama Mia!
What: Mama Mia, A Celebration of Mother
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 9
Where: Downtown Marshall
Cost: Free