By Jason C. Mattox

Batesville’s  biggest annual event, SpringFest, is only a week away and will feature local talents as well as national stars to provide musical entertainment to the crowd, expected to be nearly 10,000 for the weekend.

Kicking off the festivities Friday, May 16 will be Alison Heafner, a Batesville native and winner of Rock 103’s Great Unsigned competition.

“It is exciting to be able to play SpringFest,” she said. “I’m going to get to perform in front of my friends, and it is going to be a good time.”

When Heafner leaves the stage, another set of locals, Class Reunion, will close out the evening. Class Reunion features long-time Batesville musician Calvin Flint.

Another local favorite, Jason Adams and Southern Country, will perform Saturday afternoon.

The headliner for this year’s event is legendary country group Shenandoah. The group has scored several top 10 hits with songs like “Two Dozen Roses” and “The Moon Over Georgia.”

“We are very excited to have a band that has had the success of Shenandoah for this year’s festival,” Batesville Main Street Manager and SpringFest organizer Colleen Clark said. “This is one of the best line-ups we have ever had.”

For those wanting a break from the music, there will be vendors with several food items as well as the annual carnival on the opposite side of the Square.

For further details on the event, look for our SpringFest section next Friday.