ROCKINGHAM — As the weather warms, organizers are prepping for the return of SpringFest at Harrington Square— and looking for Richmond County’s best wingmaster.
SpringFest, planned for April 20 by the city in partnership with the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce and Richmond County Tourism, will feature a wing contest this year, as opposed to the barbecue cook-off in 2023.
“The return of SpringFest at The Rock last year confirmed the significance of this event in our community,” said Kim Williams, city events coordinator. “Despite the weather, we had an awesome day with an impressive turnout.”
Click here to see SpringFest photos from 2023.
The Chamber is organizing this year’s wing contest, which is sponsored by Perdue, and is still looking for teams.
“We are still confirming and talking to last year’s teams, as well as quite a few new ones for this year, that have reached (out) even as today,” Chamber President Kristi King told the RO on Thursday, adding that they are hoping for at least 10 teams.
The contest costs $100 to enter, but comes with a chance of winning a top prize of $1,000. Second place will be awarded $500 and the third-place team will win $100.
Entry forms are available at the city and Chamber websites and can be submitted at the Chamber or City Hall, which are across the street from each other on Rockingham Road; or sent to info@richmondcountchamber.com. King said the deadline to enter is April 1.
“This year, we are bringing back all the favorite staples, plus several new additions,” Williams said. “From the grand reveal of the newly renovated Discovery Place Kids the week before to the opening of Hitchcock Pub & Grill, and the debut of the SpringFest 5K to kick off the day, this is going to be a big day in Downtown Rockingham!”
The race starts at 9 a.m. with the rest of the festivities beginning at 10.
A variety of food, craft, commercial and merchandise vendors will be lined up around Harrington Square and the surrounding area. There will also be a Kids Zone and a beer garden.
After opening for Bucky Covington in 2023, Rockingham native Erik Hawks — backed by the Hard Luck Band — will headline this year’s SpringFest. Another local musician, Jonathan Robinson, will be the opening act.
Hawks was recently named Male Performer of the Year by the Carolina Country Music Association. Click here to read that story.
Click here to see photos of Hawks’ performance at SpringFest 2023.
Click here to see photos of Covington’s performance at SpringFest in 2023.
Robinson and his band are scheduled to perform from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., with Hawks and Hard Luck hitting the stage from 2-4 p.m.
SpringFest is a spinoff from ThunderFest, which was held from 2001-2013 in partnership with Rockingham Speedway. After a two-year hiatus, it was rebranded as SpringFest for 2016 and 2017, but construction of the downtown campus for Richmond Community College and the COVID pandemic put the event on hold until it returned last year.
For updates, follow the event page: SpringFest at the Rock Presented by Perdue.
