Andrews – The town's annual signature event to kick off the season, Spring Fling, is set to hit the streets of downtown from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
The much-anticipated Doxie Derby will take place at noon in the field across from St. Andrew Lutheran Church of the Mountains along Main Street. This year’s race is sponsored by Nantahala Real Estate and longtime race veteran Allison Ralph, and will also include some special-needs pups from The Wheelie Warriors of Georgia along with entrants.
Newly hired Andrews chamber events coordinator Megan Wooten said the group works with Dachshunds who suffer from a degenerative disorder causing compression of discs in their backs. Wooten’s own Doxie “Dash” will also be back for his second competition this year.
At least 95 vendors will line Main Street offering a variety of wares and items for sale.
Chamber secretary Jan Olson said this year’s festival will encourage everyone to “Explore Andrews.” She emphasized the town’s social district implemented last year so attendees can stroll through the festival with adult beverages from several downtown businesses.
All-day demonstrations will also be held in the tent posted by Andrews United Methodist Church. These will include a variety of local food and craft demonstration, from hot sauce creations to making goat milk soap.
Olson said they’re looking to offer something for everyone to celebrate spring this year.
This year’s Kids Zone will also expand to include a bounce house, pony rides and rock painting. There will also be a dunking booth featuring a chance to douse school resources officers along with Andrews Mayor James Reid.
Food trucks will be also be featured in the old A&P parking lot offering a variety of festival food.
The live music lineup stage will be in the old A&P parking lot and features Andrews Idol winner Colton James to start the day, along with Troy Underwood mid-afternoon and Brother Band to rock the festivities until closing time.
Details: See visitandrewsnc.com/events.