What began as a sketch on a restaurant napkin, Auburn CityFest is marking its 12th anniversary this year.
Auburn's largest free outdoor festival will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kiesel Park.
CityFest, featuring live entertainment for attendees of all ages, has attracted 12-15,000 residents from the surrounding area each year, said co-coordinator Meg Rainey.
"We have the Children's Imagination Station, which has a full range of children's activities like inflatable games going on throughout the day," Rainey said. "New this year is the Knology Children's Entertainment Stage featuring internationally-known magician, juggler, comedian, all-around-entertainer Paul Miller. His performance is tailored specifically toward children, so he is very entertaining; the kids love him."
For attendees interested in dance activities, Auburn University Swing Dance Association, Celtic Traditions and East Alabama Community Ballet will perform.
At the front of the park, music lovers can get their fix with featured entertainers from Birmingham, the Newgrass Troubadours. Local favorites John and the Conners and Destiny Brown are also slated to take the stage.
In addition to the entertainment and numerous activities, festival-goers can shop at the arts and crafts vendors.
Bradley Dennis, Auburn resident and incoming freshman, said his favorite thing about CityFest is "walking around to the different booths and look at the odds and ends of what everybody has (to sell). You always find some interesting stuff at the different booths, and you can always find good deals up there too."
Items usually available for purchase include paintings, pottery, sculpture, prints, jewelry and hand-woven baskets.
Other attractions geared toward adults include a showcase of local nonprofits, the children's art exhibition, which often attracts parents, and the ArtFest tent.
Dennis said the event is an opportunity for members of the community to network and enjoy what the area has to offer.
"I think it's just a lot of family fun," Dennis said. "And you can meet different people from Auburn and just have fun listening to the music or going around to all the booths and looking at the exhibits. It's just a good way to spend a Saturday."
Other Auburn residents who have never attended CityFest before are making their way out to Kiesel Park for the festival.
"I have not been to CityFest before, but I'm looking forward to going this year," said Auburn resident Felicia Reese. "After my son, Jordan, went last year and had a blast, I wanted to take him and my other son, Kameron, back. So we are all super excited about going. I think it will be fun we can do together as a family."
For more information about Auburn CityFest, visit auburncityfest.com or contact the Auburn CityFest headquarters at 334-501-2930.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
