Salt Festival Set To Run June 4-7

Staff Writer

GRAND SALINE—Salt Festival President Joy Caldwell said the 34th edition of Grand Saline’s premiere event should be better than it has ever been.

The Salt Festival in downtown Grand Saline begins Wednesday with a daylong tribute to the late Virginia Milam, the woman Caldwell called "the matriarch of the Salt Festival."

"I can still see her down there helping to make tea, passing out desserts," Caldwell said. "She was always there the whole time of the festival…she was incredible."

A tribute to Milam, who will be represented by her children, will be one of Wednesday’s highlights. That day also features "42" and Bingo tournaments, and a gospel concert starting at 7 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded in Bingo, while the "42" tournament will offer a cash prize.

Live music is always a big part of the Salt Festival and this year is no different with a concert and street dance Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Thursday’s show will be performed by local group Whiskey Fish with a $5 admission. On Friday, the Kelly Moore Band will take the downtown stage with tickets for $7.

Saturday night’s headliner show will be Daryle Singletary with Whiskey Fish as an opening act. Tickets for that performance are $10 in advance and $12 at the gate.

Caldwell said people will notice several additions to the festival this year, including attractions for children like an expanded "Kiddie Kapers" on Saturday morning, a petting zoo, pony rides and the return of carnival rides that will also be open at night.

"We hope to be able to try to make this year a big year, and then start again next year and just have a bigger festival every year," she said.

The Salt Festival is working in conjunction with the Grand Saline Rodeo Association and the Athena Club this year, Caldwell said. The Athena Club Salt Queen will make an appearance and the GSRA Rodeo will be held Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., with the rodeo parade at 5 p.m. Friday downtown.

"I really appreciate both organizations working with us this year and everything is going great," Caldwell said. She added, "We have had a lot more sponsors and greater community support."

Other highlights include the Salt Festival Parade at 9 a.m. Saturday, followed by a pet show on the downtown stage at 9:30. A classic and antique car show, sponsored by Citizen’s Bank, will take place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

A senior citizen health fair will be at the Grand Saline Chamber of Commerce Pavilion from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday.

Arts and crafts vendors will set up shop downtown Friday and Saturday, Caldwell said. She also said the Grand Saline Police Department plans to have a dunking booth with police and fire personnel taking the seat in the tank.

For ticket information or other questions, call Caldwell at (903) 288-8462.