ROCKINGHAM — April showers might bring May flowers — but they could also dampen some of the activities planned for this weekend across Richmond County.
The National Weather Service is currently calling for an 40-70% chance of thunderstorms and rain on Saturday.
However, the return of SpringFest is still on, rain or shine, according to Rockingham Events Coordinator Kim Williams, who said she and the other organizers — the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce and Richmond County Tourism Development Authority — are “keeping our fingers crossed.”
This will be the first year for the event since 2017.
Around 50 vendors, including multiple food trucks, have signed up for spaces around and near Harrington Square. Williams said it’s “the most we’ve ever had” for any downtown event.
SpringFest will also feature 11 teams squaring off in a barbecue cook-off, sponsored by Smithfield Foods, with $1,000 to the first-place winner, $500 for second place and $300 for the winner of People’s Choice.
They will be set up in the parking lot across from Hudson Brothers Deli, which will open its bar on Saturday.
Richmond County native Erik Hawks will take the stage first, opening for another homegrown entertainer, American Idol finalist Bucky Covington. This will be Covington’s first performance in his hometown since SpringFest in 2016.
This year, the stage has been moved from the Lee Street side of Harrington Square to just before the square, between the buildings on East Washington Street.
Several downtown businesses will also be open during SpringFest.
The event is set to run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
But before the fun begins several streets will be closed, according to the Rockingham Police Department:
- Intersection of Hancock and East Washington streets, Harrington Square will close at 5 p.m. Friday
- Lee Street will close past the bank drive-thrus at 8 a.m. Saturday
- One lane of West Washington Street will remain open for bank traffic on Saturday
Officials with Rockingham Speedway say the Sunrise 2 Sunrise Festival is also still on, despite the wet forecast.
The inaugural 24-hour electronic dance music event is scheduled for noon Saturday till noon Sunday, headlined by DJ Deerock. The festival will feature two stages and is billed to feature carnival and stock car rides.
Rudy’s Spring Truck Jam starts Friday at Rockingham Dragway.
