Organizers have high hopes as the 30th annual Ole Brook Festivalkicks off today in downtown Brookhaven.

Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce officials said 186booth spaces had been reserved for this weekend’s event. With somelate signups, they expected the booth total to surpass 200.

“Good weather is in the forecast, and it’s looking like it’sgoing to be a fun weekend,” said Kenny Goza, chamber president andevent co-chairman.

Today’s events began at 8 a.m. and will continue through 10p.m.. Activities resume Saturday from 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

The Mid-South Youth Talent Contest is Friday from 6-10 p.m. andSaturday from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The local winner will go onto compete to a regional event in Memphis.

The popular Duck Derby, now in its fourth year, is scheduled for6 p.m. Saturday. Prizes are $5,000 for first place, $2,500 forsecond place, $1,000 for third place and $500 for the last duck tocross the finish line.

The festival concludes Saturday with a free concert featuringNew Song at 8 p.m. Joining New Song this year will be fellowChristian artists Taylor Sorrenson and Anthony Evans.

Goza expressed appreciation to the Bank of Brookhaven, thefestival’s primary sponsor, and other sponsors for theirsupport.

He was anticipating a large crowd for the two-day event.Expected to help with turnout will be an open house on theMississippi School of the Arts campus and a regional JuniorAuxiliary, with an expected 175 members coming to Brookhaven.

Goza also touted a great variety of vendors for this year’sevent.

“We want everybody to come out, walk around, fellowship andenjoy downtown Brookhaven,” Goza said.