Florence Y'all.

        That's what the water tower seen from the interstate, the mall and other surrounding areas says and it's what the 23rd annual festival is called.

        Florence Y'all will kick off today on Main Street at 6 p.m.

        “We can expect about 100,000 people in attendance this weekend,” said Melodee Merrill, Florence city council member and chairman of Florence Y'all Inc.

        There will be 60 booths including Mexican, Greek and American food, games, T-shirts, crafts, jewelry and a caricaturist. There will also be several rides, a Mr., Miss., Junior Miss., Miss Teen and Miss Florence Pageants, and live music every night.

        “We have a balloon lady here two nights making balloon animals for the kids,” Mrs. Merrill said. Visitors should look for the balloon lady on Saturday and Monday from 5-7 p.m.

        Music will include live bluegrass on Friday, a mixture of light rock and country on Saturday and Monday nights, and gospel music on Sunday.

        There will be a pet show on Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “The cutest pet wins,” Mrs. Merrill said.

        A parade will be held Sunday at 2 p.m.

        Mayor Diane Whalen said she and most of council would walk in the parade.

        The city of Florence does not financially sponsor the event but Mrs. Whalen said it is in favor of it.

        “The city supports it 100 percent,” she said. “We think it's a great opportunity for people, neighbors, to visit with each other. Sometimes people only see each other once a year and it's at Florence Y'all on Main Street.”

        The festival began 23 years ago as a way to celebrate the city's 150th anniversary.

        “It started out as a weeklong celebration for the city and everybody had such a good time they decided to make it an annual event,” Mrs. Whalen said.

        It's held on Main Street because at one time, Ms. Merrill said, Main was the only main street in Florence.

        “This was Florence,” she said. “At one time, it was called String Town on the Pike. It changed to Main Street in the early 1900's.”

        Go to the web site for more information about the festival and entry forms for the pageants.

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