By Jason C. Mattox

Sardis Main Street will spring to life Saturday when the Main Street Live Battle of the Bands takes place.

This first annual event will cost $5 for admission. Gates will open to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday morning.

Sardis Chamber of Commerce Director Duffy Russell said the first band will take the stage at 11 a.m.

“Our plan is to have the bands do 30 minutes each with a 15-minute break between the bands,” she said.

Bands participating in the battle portion of Main Street Live include Kreapr, the Mississippi Moon Band, Michael Howell Band, Two Dollar General, Lonnie Larry and the Star Show Band, Haywood Drive, Velvet Transit, Strange Parallel, and Secluded.

Main Street Live is being filmed for a DVD/CD release and can be pre-ordered for $20 at the event. Twenty-five percent of the money raised will go to the Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber will be selling T-shirts for $10.

Bands may also have merchandise available at the show.

The first place winner will take home $200, a first place trophy and a video crew to film a live concert or music video.

Second place will take home $100.

After the battle portion of the event has concluded, headliners Pangea and One Word will take the stage.

The city’s open container law has been repealed for Main Street that day, but ID will be checked and all beer must be purchased from the Budweiser vendor. No coolers will be allowed.

In addition to Budweiser, vendors for the event will include Tucks Barbecue, Partee’s  Sno n’ Mo, as well as hamburgers, hot dogs and a variety of drinks.

“We are hoping the weather will hold off so we can have a good crowd,” Russell said.

Weather.com is predicting isolated showers in the Sardis area during the daytime hours Saturday.

Russell said in an effort to improve safety and security, a barricade will be set up allowing space between the crowd and stage.

“We will also have the Sardis Police Department patrolling during the event,” she said. “We want this to be a fun and safe time for everyone.”