Sweet Tea Festival Fills Downtown

McKenzie’s downtown Veteran’s Park was packed with shoppers, local artisans and music-lovers alike on August 22 and 23, all celebrating the city’s annual Sweet Tea Festival.

Though it’s named after a certain beloved southern beverage, vendors sold a variety of drinks, including flavored lemonades and mocktails, to help quench summertime thirst. Food trucks had everything from sweets, fish, Philly cheesesteaks, nachos and barbecue. Arts and craft vendors sold clothing, custom-sewn bags and Bible-covers, toys and more. Kiddos could enjoy rides on a mechanical bull and jump on a bouncy castle before visiting the petting zoo set up on Cedar Street. McKenzie’s Park Theatre hosted Carroll Arts, Inc.’s annual production of Southern Fried Funnies, a family-friendly sketch show inspired by Hee Haw.

After enjoying the day’s treats and games, festival-goers had the chance to watch and dance along to familiar music performed by The Sticks, Bethel Renaissance Bluegrass, and Memphis group Party Planet.