The Bremen Junior Woman’s Club is sponsoring the 16th annual Bremen Towne Festival, which is expected to offer a variety of food, entertainment and other “fun-filled” activities this Saturday, Oct. 17, on the city’s downtown strip on Tallapoosa Street.

Every year the festivities usher in more and more participants, reaching as many as 4,000 people each year who enjoy an affordable day of fun, according to BJWC President and festival Chairwoman Linda Bulifant.

“The event has grown every year. When I started (as chairwoman 10 years ago), we had about a dozen booths, now we’re up to about 65,” she said.

She added that a slew of vendors will be available, ranging from food to crafts to clothing, to offer something for everyone.

The day will start with a customary welcome from Bremen Mayor Sharon Sewell, followed by a selection from the Bremen First Baptist Church Choir. Then the parade will leave the First United Methodist Church of Bremen parking lot at 10 a.m. and feature antique cars and performances by the Bremen High School Marching Blue Devils. Line up for the parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the church parking lot, where the BJWC will sell biscuits and coffee before the parade starts.

Spectators are also in for a special treat as Bremen native and veteran country music producer Harold Shedd will serve as the grand marshal for the parade. Shedd, who is best-known for his work with country group Alabama as well as Shania Twain, will be accompanied by former long-time country radio host Rhubarb Jones.

“The parade is going to start at the Methodist Church, heading south on Business 27 toward Bremen. Then, it’ll cross the train tracks and go west toward Alabama,” Bulifant said. “The parade will then cross back north across the tracks again near the (Bremen) post office, and go back to the church.”

She added that onlookers can standby after the parade to see a standstill performance by the high school band that will be held near the fountain on Tallapoosa Street. The antique cars from the parade will also be later showcased on the downtown strip in front of Murphy & Garner law firm.

Meanwhile, Bulifant raved about other components that make the all-day annual event a huge success. She expects inflatable toys, face-painting, art activities and even an ice cream truck on hand for children. Children can also come dressed up to participate in the Halloween costume contest held at the stage area at 11:30 a.m.

In a first-time effort, the Fever Performing Arts Dance Studio of Carrollton, formerly of Tallapoosa, will perform along with other local dance groups and vocalists.

In addition to food vendors, other items will be for sell, including hand-made products, such as dolls and hats. Curves fitness center and Mary Kay cosmetics representatives will also be on-site to distribute promotional goods at their booths.

Bulifant noted the BJWC will have a booth in front of Bremen City Hall where they will distribute club literature and membership information. The club will also sell tickets for the Christmas Tour of Homes event in December as well as a jewelry raffle that benefits the Caring Christmas Program for the Bremen City Schools system.

Bulifant encourages everyone to come out to the event, which she says has become an anticipated tradition in the community every year.

“Come to town and see all of the great entertainment, food and crafts. There’s something for everyone, and it’s a fun-filled family event.”