But the festival offers more than just the bike race — it’s also a day filled with local live music, arts and crafts and plenty of activities for children and adults alike.
This year’s festival has also merged with Anniston’s monthly Super Saturday festival to offer even more music and activities. Super Saturday, which offers a cruise-in for cars, arts and craft vendors and live music, will take place in the 1200-1400 blocks of Noble Street from 5-8 p.m.
The entries for the Art Bike sculpture contest will be on display in the median of the street for the duration of the festival, and art vendors will be selling their hand-made works from tents along the street. The festival also features the Red Diamond Restaurant Tour, so attendees can sample cuisine from eateries such as Chick-Fil-A, Classic on Noble, BF Dawgs, Porterhouse Cafe and Maggie Moos.
The live music will start at 12 p.m. in the Hot Blast Music Cafe, a tent with seating in front of the Western Auto on Noble Street. The lineup includes:
12 p.m. — John Medders and friends — An Alexandria-based singer songwriter playing originals and ’90s alternative rock.
1 p.m. — Kelli Johnson — Johnson is the former lead singer for local bluegrass band Distant Cousins and a regular at the annual Foggy Hollow Bluegrass Gathering.
2 p.m. — Abby Parks — Parks recently released her sophomore album, The Homeplace, a folk tribute to her roots. Her music is influenced by the likes of Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac and EmmyLou Harris.
3 p.m. — Tony Yardley — Yardley has been performing his blues/jazz mix regionally about 40 years, most notably with the bands KnightOwl and The Usual Suspects.
4 p.m. — Abram & Sarah — Folk and acoustic rock singer/songwriter sister duo from Birmingham.
5 p.m. — Bill McAdams — Acoustic gospel and humor from Jacksonville-based singer/songwriter Bill McAdams.
6 p.m. — The Loners — This bluesy foursome has been individually influenced by a diverse collection of artists including the Everly Brothers, Muddy Waters, Alex Chilton, Delbert McClinton, Devo, Robert Johnson and Tennessee Ernie Ford.
The Wanted Band and Shadows of the Crows will perform live on the street as part of the Super Saturday festivities.
— Deirdre Long
