NEWTON, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – One of Newton County’s largest annual events is set to return this April, bringing two days of family-friendly activities, entertainment and local vendors to the community.
The 23rd annual Loose Caboose Arts and Crafts Festival will take place Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with festivities kicking off the night before.
“This is our 23rd year of celebrating our Loose Caboose Arts and Crafts Festival,” said Ashley Massey, executive director of the Newton Chamber of Commerce.
The event begins Friday, April 10, with MS Delta Shows carnival rides near the public library. Massey said local school-age children will receive coupons for rides that evening, and the public is encouraged to attend.
Saturday’s events will start with a 5K race, followed by a full day of activities.
Organizers expect more than 100 vendors from across Mississippi offering arts, crafts and food. The festival will also feature several attractions, including the BankFirst Car Show, the Biewer Sawmills Motorcycle Show and a large Kids Zone.
Children’s activities will include the Weir ESCO Dinosaur Experience, face painting, balloon art and tours of the festival’s namesake caboose.
“We always have three to five thousand people that come. It’s one of the biggest things we have in our area,” Massey said. “It’s very family friendly, so we just invite all the families to come and have clean fun.”
There is no admission fee to attend the festival, though visitors are encouraged to bring money for food and vendor purchases.
Massey said organizers make a point to highlight local talent and involvement each year.
“We try to add something different every year. We really do try to focus on local,” she said. “We involve a lot of the school children, and we invite the families to just come and spend the day with us.”
City officials and organizers have worked to make the event a staple in the community.
“Our city puts a lot of work into Loose Caboose,” Massey said. “It’s just a fun day, and there’s something here for everyone.”
