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Free Family Fun Fest
Coming May 3rd.
It's Free!

The first annual MTCC Family Fun Festival planned for May 3rd at McDowell Tech has just been ratchetted up a notch. Just as the band line-ups are being finalized, organizers have added a new twist. They’ve decided to waive the admission charge they had originally planned.

That’s right--there’s no admission charge. It’s free!

In fact, there are lots of free things at the Family Fun Festival: Free entertainment; free inflatable rides for the young and young-at-heart; free gawking at Mopar Cars, Motorhomes, new cars and boats; free activities and play area for the kids; free time to shop; free balloons; free demonstrations in Esthetics, Machining and a host of other programs; free open house and exhibit in Photography; free parking; free time to have fun; and free time to open up your wallet and spend a little cash with festival vendors.

While it’s still early and planning is still taking place, the stage is already set for Bear Wallow, Clear Creek Band, Greg Conley, the PG Stompers, Freddie Bradburn, Ten Broeck, and more.

The festival will open at 10 am and continue throughout the day with food and music winding down at 6 pm. Unlike other “street festivals,” the MTCC Family Fun Fest will take the action away from the streets for safe, clean fun. All activities will take place on the MTCC campus at the Intersection of I-40 and 226 South in Marion.

Limited seating will be available near the sound stage behind the administration building, but festival-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, camp seats or anything else they find comfortable for an afternoon of lounging.

WBRM will kick-off the event with live, on-air interviews and play-by-play action of what’s happening between 10 and 12 noon. And just as everyone’s getting a little hot and sweaty, out come the Pepsi’s for a little cool refreshment, with or without the caffeine. Pepsi is a festival sponsor and the sole purveyor of all manner of sodas and bottled water at the Family Fun Fest.

Jointly sponsored by the Student Government Association, the McDowell Technical Community College Foundation Board, and MTCC itself, the Family Fun Fest promises to have something for everyone in your family. Bands are being scheduled from various genres and solicitations have gone out for craft and food vendors of all types.

In addition to all the other free stuff, current McDowell Tech students will also receive a free meal, courtesy of the SGA.

The Family Fun Fest is the brain-child of Dr. Bryan W. Wilson, President of MTCC. He envisioned the day as an alternative to the traditional Spring Fling traditionally enjoyed by students, faculty and staff. He wanted to plan an event where students’ families and the entire community could participate in a day of fun and sharing.

The event will be similar to Mountain Glory Festival, held each fall in downtown Marion, but with one major difference. MTCC faculty, staff and students will also have displays in some areas of the college where family members and community members can learn more about various vocations and program offerings, and tour college facilities.

Vendors who have not received an application to participate in the festival may call Sharon Smith at 652-0697 to have one sent to their home or business. Booths are $10, $30 and $50 for informational, craft and food booths, respectively.

As the event grows from year to year, Dr. Wilson hopes that the College will be able to draw more and more musical talent and crafters, establishing a new spring tradition in McDowell County.

Be sure to check out our website (www.mcdowelltech.edu) in late April to learn more about when your favorite entertainers are performing.

The MTCC Family Fun Festival--- Come and join the excitement.