Strawberry Jammin', Indie Fest, C-CAPE show draw crowds to Sanford
May 14—The weather was perfect and the crowds came out for several events in Sanford over the weekend.
The Sanford Farmer's Market was a busy place Saturday morning as vendors peddled their wares as part of Strawberry Jammin', a celebration that encompassed many businesses in Downtown Sanford.
"Saturday was a day full of sweet berries, live music, community and fun and we couldn't be happier with the turnout! From the over 2,000 visitors at the Sanford Farmers' Market to a day of great sales in our downtown shops — all while visitors and residents partied on Steele Street — we'd say this year's festival was a huge success," Downtown Sanford Inc. Executive Director Kelli Laudate said. "The threat of storms early in the week had us pivot the Downtown Alive! concert from Thursday to Saturday only to add to the lineup of exciting things to engage visitors and keep the fun going in downtown Sanford from 8:30 a.m. to late into the night Saturday. All in all, we are thrilled with the growth of this market and restaurant promotion that was born in 2021."
At the Sanford Farmers' Market, Renee Hode and Denise Fowler were having fun with their mother, Diane Hode. They were dressed in matching shirts with strawberries on them. They were also spotted at the concert that was held downtown later.
"We're having a good old time," Fowler said.
"It's a gorgeous day for all of this," Hode said.
Across town, NC Farm Heritage Day was held at the Lee Regional Fairgrounds. The event, was hosted by Central Carolina Antique Power & Equipment (C-CAPE) and featured a variety of activities.
There were all kinds of antique tractors, equipment, cars and engines. Live music filled the airways at the fairgrounds. There was also a 1930s sawmill demonstration, a blacksmith, food trucks and a variety of activities for the kids.
Justin Laudano of Lillington showed off his 1920 Frick Threshing Machine.
"I'm the third owner," he said. "They used to do their math in pencil on the side. Here's one that shows that somebody ran 220 bushels through it in 1920. It's even got the original wooden rockers and sifting boards."
On stage downtown, Soul Psychedelique Orchestra, based out of Arlington, Virginia, rocked the streets. The eight-piece band is comprised of three vocalists, a drummer, a guitarist and a horn section.
After the stage closed down on Steele Street, music fans headed over to Day 2 of Carolina Indie Fest at Hugger Mugger. A long list of bands performed into the night there.
Laudate said there are a lot more events to come downtown and thanked all of those involved.
"A big thank you to the City of Sanford Public Works crew and the Sanford Police Department for helping with all the logistics leading up to the event as well as through the evening," she said. "Teamwork truly makes the dreamwork and we can't wait to host our next event later this year. Make sure you stay plugged into our social media pages and the calendar of events found on our website: www.downtownsanford.com/calendar/#/ "
