Haywood Square to host block party

A day of festivities for “Customer Appreciation Day” will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at Haywood Square in Waynesville.

There will be live music and children’s activities, food vendors, a scavenger hunt with a prizes and professional pet photos. The festival will showcase the vibrant and diverse collection of locally-owned businesses that occupy the shopping plaza in the heart of downtown Waynesville.

“Small business is the backbone of our economy,” said Bruce McGovern, a small business owner in the square. “Keeping local business active means that money is being channeled throughout the county. When a local business makes money, they’ll spend the money in the community.”

Haywood Square bridges the Main Street and Frog Level shopping districts, and McGovern looks at the event as a chance to connect the dots of commerce in the greater downtown area.

“We want to bridge the gaps between downtown and Frog Level,” he said. “Businesses here are active, and the fact more people are supporting us, the more difference it’ll make.”

The festival is being held the same day as the Whole Bloomin’ Thing festival in Frog Level.

Spring festival gets hopping in Frog Level

The Whole Bloomin’ Thing street festival will kick-off the growing season with its annual showcase of music, art, crafts, food — and all sorts of things to plant in your yard — from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, in Waynesville.

Local growers will be selling flowering baskets, vegetable and herb starts, perennials and annuals, berry bushes and potted plants. Local artisans will feature a wide range of nature-inspired crafts. Enjoy fresh cheeses, homemade preserves and jellies, BBQ, tacos, veggie wraps, ice cream and desserts all day long.

Live music and entertainment will be provided throughout the day by local musicians and dancers, including Chris Minick, Raqs Beledi Belly Dance School, Productive Paranoia, Sheila Gordan, ‘round the Fire, the Frog Level Phil Harmonic, The Ross Brothers, and the Jonathan Creek Cloggers.

It is put on each year by the Historic Frog Level Merchants Association.

Parking is available at Haywood Builders, the public parking deck on Branner Avenue and all public parking in the area.