Downtown Brookhaven is preparing to host the 38th annual Ole Brook Festival on Oct. 5-6.

     The two-day event will feature music, food, games and children’s activities.

     Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Cliff Brumfield said people have much to look forward to.

     “This year will have music on Friday night and a good number of booths will be ready,” he said. “The biggest day is Saturday, where a full day of events open that morning. We’re already past where we were at the same time last year with booths. The weather looks like it will be good, so we’re expecting a big crowd.”

     Headlining the musical lineup will be Francesca Battistelli, an award-winning Christian musician. Also performing will be Sidewalk Prophets, Andy Cherry and City Harbor.

     Brumfield said a great deal of work goes into planning the festival, which typically attracts around 10,000 people.

     “The committee has been hard at work for months now doing all they can to make the event a tremendous success,” he said. “We’ve already had a large number of vendors signed up for booths. Food will be strong as always. We’re excited about it getting kicked off.”

     He also wanted to thank the sponsors of the event, led by Bank of Brookhaven.

     “We’re very appreciative of all of our sponsors and all they’ve done to help us put on the event this year,” he said.

     The festival will start off Friday night with music, food and booths and then continue Saturday morning with a talent showcase on the stage and more food and music throughout the day.

     “We expect the event to go until the evening Saturday, until around 8:30 that night,” Brumfield said. “Inflatables and unique rides will be available for kids. A good number of local non-profits and churches will be featured also.”

     The weekend looks to be shaping up to be a big one, with the festival coinciding with Brookhaven High School’s homecoming.

     “We want people to come in and enjoy their weekend in Brookhaven and also enjoy what our local retailers have to offer,” said Brumfield. “We look forward to people coming back and meeting with old friends and family.”

     Brumfield said booths are still available for the two-day festival. For more information, contact the Brookhaven/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce at 601-833-1411.