By Rita Howell

Plans are coming together for Batesville’s SpringFest May 14-15 on the Downtown Square. A weekend of entertainment will include free music, children’s activities, rides and games, food served by local civic groups, and a 5-K run/walk. Country artist Keith Anderson will headline the Saturday night concert.

The Friday night lineup includes Souled Out at 6 p.m. followed by Curb Service, featuring the Curvettes, at 8 p.m. The midway opens at 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Saturday’s events begin with Racing for Paws, sponsored as a fund-raiser by the Panola Humane Society at 8 a.m. Runners and walkers can register online at www.racesonline.com The cost is $35.

Musical entertainment on Saturday will begin at 11:30 a.m. with Aaron Hall Band. At 1:30 Barry Male and Will Smith will perform. Bluesman Mark Massey will take the stage at 2:45. Busted Screen Door will perform at 4:30. At 5:45 Tate Moore and the Cosmic Door will entertain. Creole String Beans will perform at 7 p.m. At 8:15 Nathan and the Zydeco Cha-chas will warm up the crowd for Keith Anderson, who will go on at 9:30.

Civic clubs who’ll be cooking and selling food all weekend are: Batesville Rotary Club, Batesville Civitans, Sardis Lake Christian Camp, St. Mary and St. John’s Catholic Community, and Batesville Ladies Civitan Club.

The Junior Auxiliary of Batesville will sponsor Kids Korner, with activities for children.

For more information, contact the Panola Partnership office at 563-3126.