ROSEBORO — McKenzie Robinson enjoyed spending a part of her Saturday walking through downtown during BloomFest — a fairly new festival in western Sampson County.

One of the exciting moments for the 10-year-old was taking home a unicorn balloon. It was just one of many attractions for the second annual family-friendly event. More than 60 local vendors lined the streets, in addition to musical ensembles and others providing entertainment.

“It’s amazing,” McKenzie said with a smile, as she stood next to her mother Traci Robinson and grandmother Joan Reason. “It’s a cool thing to do with your family.”

Some of the other features at included train rides, bouncy houses for children and performances by the Zumba Class of the Stedman Recreation Center, the Carolina Dance Company, line dancers from the Center for Health and Wellness, Beaver Dam Elementary, Eastline Band, Will Roberts, Daire Barefoot and ONLY 1.

During the introductions, Roseboro Mayor Alice Butler was thrilled to see a large crowd of people from Sampson County and other nearby areas. The celebration was an idea formed by Allie Strickland, with the assistance of other community members and Roseboro’s Small-Town Main Street Committee.

“I would like to thank everyone for making the 2019 BloomFest a success,” Butler said in her message to supporters and volunteers. “We had great music and dance acts, awesome arts and crafts, a variety of vendors and mouthwatering food vendors. We are blessed with great weather and an amazing crowd.”

A dedication for the town’s courts was held in honor of Chasity Melvin, a Roseboro native and basketball legend. The Lakewood High School graduate, led the the team to their first ever state championship. She continued and played basketball at North Carolina State University before going on to play professionally in the WNBA. (See more about the dedication inside today’s edition and full story Wednesday)

During the Art Alley section of the festival, children played with sidewalk chalk, made creative jewelry and painted on canvases. Robert Hall, a local professional artist, painted a scene of BloomFest. The Sampson Arts Council provided a grant for Hall to make an appearance, thanks to the North Carolina Arts Council.

Kara Donatelli, executive director for the Sampson Arts Council, said the organization was excited about its participation in Bloomfest.

“It’s just an awesome opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate,” Donatelli said. “It’s a beautiful day.”

Children enjoy playing volleyball on a sand court.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_18.jpgChildren enjoy playing volleyball on a sand court.

Line dancers from the Center for Health and Wellness perform.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_19.jpgLine dancers from the Center for Health and Wellness perform.

BloomFest was held in Roseboro on Saturday, featuring more than 60 local vendors, in addition to musical ensembles and others providing entertainment. It brought masses of people to the Sampson County town.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_20.jpgBloomFest was held in Roseboro on Saturday, featuring more than 60 local vendors, in addition to musical ensembles and others providing entertainment. It brought masses of people to the Sampson County town.

Members of the Eastline Band sing for the audience.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_16.jpgMembers of the Eastline Band sing for the audience.

Downtown Roseboro is packed with visitors for BloomFest.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_17.jpgDowntown Roseboro is packed with visitors for BloomFest.

Alvin Holmes Jr. enjoys drawing on the sidewalk with chalk at the Art Alley section of BloomFest.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_14.jpgAlvin Holmes Jr. enjoys drawing on the sidewalk with chalk at the Art Alley section of BloomFest.

Signs show people where to enjoy fun activities.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_15.jpgSigns show people where to enjoy fun activities.

McKenzie Robinson receives an animal balloon from Carlton Smith.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_1.jpgMcKenzie Robinson receives an animal balloon from Carlton Smith.

Members from the Carolina Dance Company perform for the crowd.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_10.jpgMembers from the Carolina Dance Company perform for the crowd.

Kinzli Maddrey paints at Art Alley during BloomFest.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_2.jpgKinzli Maddrey paints at Art Alley during BloomFest.

Children enjoy a train ride.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_8.jpgChildren enjoy a train ride.

Avenue Pecans sells treats to visitors.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_3.jpgAvenue Pecans sells treats to visitors.

Artist Robert Hall makes a creation during BloomFest.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_9.jpgArtist Robert Hall makes a creation during BloomFest.

Roseboro Mayor Alice Butler smiles about BloomFest next to a Allie Strickland.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_7.jpgRoseboro Mayor Alice Butler smiles about BloomFest next to a Allie Strickland.

The Zumba Class of the Stedman Recreation Center participates in festivities.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Bloom_13.jpgThe Zumba Class of the Stedman Recreation Center participates in festivities.
BloomFest brings in another crowd

By Chase Jordan

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Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.