ROSEBORO — Allie Strickland and Cameron Fisher Wright have been busy working on the small western town’s first ever festival — BloomFest.

Slated for April 28, BloomFest is a chance for the community to come together for a day filled with excitement and entertainment for the entire family.

“Community unity is something the town of Roseboro wants and needs so badly for its residents,” Strickland said. “We are thrilled to offer BloomFest as a step closer to that.”

The idea of the festival came to Strickland’s mind, after moving to the area and seeing the many benefits the small town has to offer. Growing up in Apex, Strickland says she was accustomed to such events, and knew the great benefits it could offer to the town’s residents and the county.

“Roseboro really is a hidden gem in southeast North Carolina,” Strickland explained. “There is such potential here. It’s exciting to think that one event could help this town unite and grow, even just a little bit.”

Strickland married into a family who has a heart for the community. Her husband’s grandfather is Bobby Strickland, who served the town of Salemburg as mayor for 34 years. After marrying, Strickland says she fell in love with the small town and its people.

“It reminds me of my hometown of Apex,” the festival chairperson said. “Well how it used to be when I was growing up. Everybody knew everybody and small businesses were not only family livelihoods but legacies.”

Throughout the day, the festival will feature vendors, entertainment and food.

Brittany McLamb, a native of Salemburg, who is currently residing in Nashville, Tenn. and a country artist, will perform. Local dance groups, pageant queens and musical groups will also perform.

According to Strickland, one of the most unique exhibits will be the “Touch-A-Truck” where families can explore different vehicles by touching and climbing inside to learn their purpose and what careers are needed to operate them.

“We feel this offers a new educational experience for children and their families,” Strickland explained.

Wright, who is a Roseboro native and owner of a downtown business, says she has grown up hearing stories about how the downtown area once bloomed with business and she is eager to see times like that again.

”I have heard stories my whole life of Roseboro booming with people shopping and businesses flourishing,” the co-chair of the festival said. “My dad has told endless stories of the downtown Roseboro streets being full of people, excited to be in town and dining out on Saturday nights. I would love to see our town return to its roots and flourish again.”

Like many of the town’s residents, Roseboro mayor Alice Butler says she is excited about the upcoming event and is looking forward to seeing the downtown area blooming with people.

“We are so excited that the town of Roseboro will be hosting its first BloomFest on Saturday, April 28,” Butler said. “There will be something for everyone. We will have events for children; the local schools will be showcasing their work; many vendors will be here as well a variety of entertainment. This is a very exciting time for Roseboro as we put our logo in action and take root and bloom.”

BloomFest is being sponsored by several local Roseboro based businesses such as Lane & Associates Family Dentistry, Sandy Hauling, Crumpler Plastic Pipe and others, as well as the Sampson County Visitors Bureau.

For more information about the festival, sponsorship information, vendor and entertainment information, please call the Roseboro Town Hall or email [email protected].

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By Kristy D. Carter

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