KERSHAW - Event planners say this year's Spring-a-Thon along Cleveland Street in Kershaw is one not to miss.

Mixing the same fun activities with new ideas, organizers are spending the week putting the final touches on the weekend event, which will go from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Fireworks will be shot from Cleveland Street on Friday night, and people are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the show. The Hometown Idol contest is Saturday morning, and there will be plenty of live music, carnival rides, arts and crafts and tasty food throughout the event.

"We just want people to come out and enjoy themselves. We're hoping for some sunshine days, too," said organizer Sherie Russell. "We want to make it a nice day for families with good, clean fun."

Saturday's festivities will begin with the start of the Hometown Idol contest at 10 a.m. Russell said the winner will have a chance advance to Nashville for a final competition.

"It is a mini-American Idol on a much smaller scale," Russell said.

Former American Idol finalist Bucky Covington will perform at 12:30 p.m. and the Oscar Coates Band, a local group, will play at 2:30 p.m.

To enter the Idol contest, call (803) 475-9742 .

Throughout Spring-a-Thon, there will be many inflatable and carnival rides.

"There will be rides for young children as well as adults," Russell said.
On top of all the art, crafts and activities, Russell said the festival will be the only place around where one can get cherry-lemon vanilla Sundrops and many other specialty food items.

Vendors will offer traditional festival fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes and hot fudge cakes.

Chili cookers will also be serving up their best chili recipes.

People may park anywhere downtown, but there will be special parking places at First Baptist Church, First Palmetto Savings Bank and in an area south of Cleveland Street.

The Kershaw Chamber of Commerce is offering Spring-a-Thon shirts, which come in a variety of colors and will be on sale for $8 to commemorate the event.