By Scott Harvey
Greenville – This weekend marks the fourth annual Rally Round Greenville Festival, going on Friday through Sunday in downtown.
The event will revolve around a new and improved Cotton Patch Challenge Bicycle Race and Tour, with a free Kick-Off Concert set for this evening at Lee Street Bar and Grill featuring Texas singer/songwriter Max Stalling and the group Eleven Hundred Springs.
Music continues throughout the day Saturday with two entertainment stages and concludes with an "All Star Guitar Pull" Kenneth Threadgill Concert in the Municipal Building starting at 7 pm. Featured in the Threadgill Concert are Ray Wylie Hubbard, Radney Foster, Walt Wilkins and Brandon Rhyder.
The main festival day on Saturday also features arts and crafts vendors, food and general exhibits along Lee Street, which will be closed to vehicular traffic.
Kids Alley will again be produced by Keep Greenville Beautiful and Hunt Regional Healthcare.
The second annual Barbecue and Chili Cook-off is already drawing contestants, and an expanded Art Show will be held at the Landmark on Lee.
Other elements on Saturday are RailFest at the Katy Depot with elephant and camel rides, an antique auto show at Farmer's Market, motorcycle show, antique tractor show, a three-man basketball tournament sponsored by the YMCA and the grand opening of Willaby's Trader's Alley.
The Sunday Criterium Race will include a Bluegrass and Gospel Music Fest at Johnson Street Smokehouse Barbecue.
For information on the general Rally Round Greenville festival, contact the Greenville Chamber of Commerce/CVB at 903-455-1510 or visit www.greenvillechamber.com
For information on the Barbecue and Chili Cook-Off, contact James Woodruff at 903-455-3220 or e-mail Greenvillebbq@yahoo.com
For information relating to the Cotton Patch Challenge Bicycle events, contact Jerry Grady at 903-450-0155 or Dan Rhineboldt at 903-454-2225 or go to www.cottonpatchchallenge.com
Additional information on the Kenneth Threadgill Concert can be found at www.greenville-texas.com or tickets may be purchased at Cavendar's in Greenville or at www.frontgatetickets.com
For information on the Bluegrass and Gospel Fest, contact Bobby Pickle at 903-454-3420.