By Billy Davis

SpringFest in Batesville is all about the help.

The funnel cakes and barbecue sandwiches and corn dogs and the deep-fried chicken-on-a-stick — it all helps your waistline and eventually helps the cardiologist, like trickle-down economics.  

The musical lineup, which kicks off Friday night and picks up Saturday ‘round noon, helps up-and-coming musicians, and maybe some who have come and gone, get some coveted stage time.

SpringFest helps the little doggies, too.

More exactly, the annual Racing for Paws helps the Panola County Humane Society, which has lobbied for help from local officials to help care for abandoned and neglected animals.

The race will begin Saturday morning at 8 a.m. in Downtown Batesville.

Registration is $35 on race day if you have not pre-registered.

When the sun sets on  the Square, headliner Lee Brice will take the stage at 9 p.m.

The two-day SpringFest includes plenty of food provided by vendors, so you can chow down and listen to music or stroll through the midway and pick out your favorite carnival ride.

After the 5K race, there will be performances by the “Batesville’s Got Talent” winners at the Memorial Park located near Stubbs.  

The Junior Auxiliary’s Kids Corner will also be open at the Memorial Park.

Kids Corner activities include face painting, a bungee trampoline and more.  

“We are hoping to pull in an early crowd that will participate in the Kids Corner, carnival and have lunch with our food vendors,” SpringFest organizer Colleen Clark said.