A Kilmichael woman is working to revive the town’s Big Black Arts and Crafts festival. The festival will be held on Saturday, October 9 on the Kilmichael Square.
Details surrounding the festival are still being finalized. Lisa Johnson said years ago, Kilmichael used to hold the festival annually. She said she was on Facebook one day when someone mentioned reviving another local festival, The Festival of the Hills, in Winona.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to bring back. After reading the comment, I thought to myself why not bring back the Big Black Festival,” she said.
Johnson took her idea to Mayor Bryan Lott and the Kilmichael Board of Aldermen who were on board with the idea and gave her their support. The board also told her that if it was anything she needed help with, to let her know.
She said she doesn’t want to make anything from holding the festival itself.
All of the proceeds of the festival, other than what’s used for advertisement, will go toward Christmas on the Square—another annual Kilmichael event.
“I’m a vendor myself, so I know what it’s like to search for festivals and events,” she said. Johnson said she also heads up a Facebook group where vendors from around Mississippi tell others of festival, flea markets, and events that are being held.
“I have some experience with this,” she said laughing.
Johnson said after she got the thumbs up from the board, things began to fall into place.
“So far, I have 14 vendors and my list is growing daily,” she said.
Johnson said for vendors wanting to set up without electricity it’s $40 and for those wanting to set up with electricity its $60.
She said her goal is to eventually have it twice a year, with the board’s approval.
“I just wanted to hold it to generate revenue for Kilmichael and to do something for the whole family,” she said.
Johnson said she wants to offer a kid-friendly area with bouncers and games, but that’s still in the works. She said she does have some entertainment lined up, but is looking to add to the list.
She said so far, TSK Gospel of Dyersburg, Tenn., and David McMillion of Detroit, Ala. have committed to performing.
For more information on the event, contact Johnson at 662-633-7205.
