ST. MATTHEWS -- Calhoun County's annual Purple Martin Festival, which pays tribute to the beneficial insect-eating birds that return to the area each spring, is set to kick off this Saturday.

The excitement will begin with a parade down Bridge Street in St. Matthews at 10 a.m., followed by a full schedule of fun-filled activities on the courthouse grounds from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. On tap are a petting zoo, farm animals, pony rides, inflatable rides, clowns, magic shows, dancers, cloggers, school choirs, concessions and exhibits. A clown will walk through the crowd creating balloon art, and a face painter will be on hand.

Also providing entertainment will be the Guinyard Elementary Eagle Chorus, the High Stepping Cloggers and Mary Jane's School of Dance. OCB Safe Kids Coalition will conduct a child safety check bike rodeo and helmet distribution.

Individuals can sign their animals up for the Pet Show beginning at 11:30 a.m. That show gets under way at 12:30 p.m.

The Calhoun County Library will present entertainment by "Porkchop Productions" at 1:30 p.m., and awards for the winning parade entries will be presented at 2 p.m.

Purple Martin Festival T-shirts, sponsored by Tri-County Electric Cooperative, will be on sale throughout the day.

As a preliminary event of the festival each year, the Cameron Community Club holds its annual barbecue. This year's barbecue is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 18. All tickets are sold in advance. For more information, call 803-823-2555.

For more information about this weekend's Purple Martin Festival, call the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce at 803-655-5650.

T&D Correspondent Larry P. Jordan can be reached by telephone at 803-874-3276. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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