Homochitto River Festival events now seeking participants

Franklin County’s annual Homochitto River Festival is putting out a call for participants to join in planned shows and activities set for Saturday, Oct. 22 in downtown Meadville.

A car show will welcome classic, late-model, custom and 4-by-4 vehicles with top entrants in each division to be recognized along with the crowning of an overall grand champion.

Additionally, a crowd favorite will be selected by those visiting the car show throughout the day.

There is a $25 entry fee per vehicle per category with early registration ending on Friday, Oct. 14.

Any vehicles registered after that date will pay a $35 fee to participate in the car show.

Vehicles can be entered in more than one category, and each unit will be assigned a single parking space.

Contestants can begin setting up after 6 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 21, and formal check-in with event staff must be completed no later than 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 22.

Vehicles will need to stay on display throughout the day of the festival and can begin exiting after 5 p.m., on Saturday.

The HRF and event sponsors assume no liability for damages to any vehicle taking part in the show.

For more information on the car show, call 601-384-2100 or email homochittocarshow@gmail.com.

An art show will also be held during this year’s festival with works in several mediums — watercolors, pencil-marker, acrylic paint, oil paint and pencil color — being accepted.

The entry fee is $25 per artwork submission with a maximum of three pieces that will be allowed from a single artist in the show.

Participants are asked to bring tabletop or floor easels to display their work, and to acknowledge — at the time of registration — whether the artist wishes to sell his or her submission during the show.

Submitted artwork cannot be larger than 24 inches-by-30 inches, and the winner of the show will receive a cash prize based on the number of entrants.

For details on the art show, call 225-205-6817.

Also slated to return to this year’s festival is the popular Pet Parade, which will take place on the Franklin County Courthouse lawn

Pet owners and their furry — or otherwise — friends will parade to help jumpstart festival activities.

Pets taking part will also be judged with prizes awarded in several categories, including best costume, cutest, owner look-alike, most unusual and best in show.

There is a $10 entry fee for the pet-centered event on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Additionally, the inaugural 2022 Miss Scenic Rivers Royal International Pageant will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 22 on the festival’s East Stage.

Categories, based on age as of July, 2023, will include: Pre-teen (11 to 13 years old); junior teen (14 to 16 years old); and teen (17 to 19 years old).

Entry fee is $100 per participant and an additional $25 for entrance in the photogenic competition.

Registration for the pageant, which can be completed online via the HRF website, ends at midnight on Friday, Sept. 30.

The Royal International Miss program offers a unique blend of glamour and elegance to the traditional world of pageantry. 

RIM gives delegates opportunities for personal, relational, and academic growth which culminates in the Royal International Miss pageant in Orlando, Fla., in July, 2023. 

The prestigious program is in 30 states and five countries and the HRF is excited to host the first Royal International Miss Pageant offered in Mississippi. 

Delegates crowned pre-teen, junior teen and teen will win free entry into the RIM pageant in Orlando. Other opportunities for winners include promotional events, appearances, fund-raising opportunities to defer travel costs, training and preparation for RIM programs, social media presence and more.

Those wanting to take part in the car, art and pet shows or pageant can register online and pay their fees in advance by visiting the HRF website at www.homochittoriverfestival.org.

The Homochitto River Festival will also feature national and regional musical acts during the day-long event.

Among the performers slated to appear include headliners Shenandoah, Little Texas, Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster, Sullivan’s Hollow and the Spunk Monkees.

There will be a $10 gate fee that allows access to all scheduled festival events.