WESSON — The air here will be filled with the sweet sounds ofmusic, and the streets will be packed with people in search of goodbargains and a fun time this weekend.

The 15th Annual Founders Day Festival will begin at 7 p.m.Friday with a gospel concert in downtown. In the case of rain, theconcert will be moved to Wesson Baptist Church on Highway 51.

Activities will continue Saturday with a flea market, doorprizes, food, entertainment and children’s games planned.

“It’s going to be real exciting with lots to see, lots to buyand lots to eat,” said Joy Wesbrooks, Founder’s Day chairman.”We’ve got something for every age group.”

Friday’s gospel concert features several popular groups, such asBehind the Cross, Bouie River Band and Gloryland Quartet.

The entertainment Saturday includes ENT, Martin Case GospelGroup, Stanley Martin and Group, Days of Celebration Band, Againstthe Grain, Dixieland Cloggers and Drew Holland Tigner. Ghosttownwill close out the evening with a street dance from 8-11 p.m.,Saturday.

“We have some good entertainment. The gospel groups arefantastic and the street band will be great,” said Wesbrooks.”Elvis is a big draw this year, too. We’ve had a big demand.”

Other events celebrating Col. Madison Wesson founding the townin 1864 include a large arts and crafts show, attracting vendorsfrom several states.

“We have lots of vendors. We have even more than we had lastyear,” said Wesbrooks, mentioning booths with jewelry, woodwork andother crafts, food and antiques.

A parade will begin at 11 a.m., featuring the Dixieland Cloggersas the Grand Marshal. Prior to the parade, the Founder’s Day Queenwill be announced and presented with the Founder’s Day AmbassadorChris Williams.

A hospitality tent will be open all day with balloons forchildren and a first aid station with free blood pressure checks byHardy Wilson Hospital personnel. Door prizes will be given away at5 p.m., for those present.

The children’s games, an annual favorite, will be held in frontof town hall at 3 p.m., with a turtle race, egg toss and watermelonseed spitting contest.

Other activities include four drawings by Friends of the WessonLibrary at 2 p.m. for pictures and autographed books to benefit thelibrary. Tickets are available at the library and banks.

An art exhibit of works by Dorothy See, the late Charles H.”Bubba” King III, Marilyn Britt, Pamela Neese, John Marshall Grahamand Peggy Harkins is open from June 4-14 at the library. Quilts,dolls and historical items are on display at Trustmark Bank andCopiah Bank through June 15.