With the Shamrocks on Breckenridge just more than three weeks away, Amanda Walker Ellis has a couple of items on her radar: As treasurer of the Downtown Development Commission, Ellis is hopeful to get a few more sponsors; as a member of the Promotions Committee, she’s all about getting the word out for folks to deck themselves out in all shades of green and come enjoy the free event on Friday, Mar. 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“The more sponsors we get, the more food we can provide,” Ellis explained on Wednesday’s TownTalk segment. This is one way “to get families in downtown Henderson,” Ellis said. There will be a couple of food trucks on hand and sufficient sponsors’ fees means that people don’t have to pay for food.

There will be activities for the children, a DJ will be spinning tunes and cloggers from Ballet Arts will perform, Ellis said.

The deadline to become a sponsor has been extended to this Friday, Feb. 23. Sponsorship levels range from Pot of Gold – $1,000, Shamrock – $500 and Leprechaun – $250, Ellis noted. All sponsors will be prominently displayed or included in all publicity about the street fair, now in its third year.

But this year, there’s an extra twist, Ellis said.

Downtown merchants have been invited to join in the festivities, so come early and shop the sidewalk sale before the Shamrocks event begins at 5 p.m.

The fun and shenanigans continue at Southern Charm with green beer and other fun stuff available after the street fair concludes.

You’re invited back to downtown Henderson between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 16 to sample a variety of foods at an International Food Festival – with a spin on health.

Food trucks from the Triangle and Triad are joining local vendors to provide a culinary backdrop for a cadre of health providers who will be on hand to conduct simple diagnostic tests to promote health and wellness as well as to provide other information.

Not to worry if you prefer more customary food offerings, Ellis said – “It’s not all international food – there are normal food trucks as well.”

The DDC, under leadership of board chair Daniel White, is planning Shamrocks on Breckenridge, but she said it pairs nicely with the city’s food festival the next day.

“People want stuff to do in downtown Henderson, and stuff is coming,” Ellis said. “We just need people to come out and support it.”

From Vance County, it’s a short trip to the Raleigh-Durham area, where there are endless opportunities for festivals and other cultural events to enjoy, and Ellis said that’s a good thing. But she is also happy when events like Shamrock on Breckenridge happen locally – making it a much shorter drive.

“It’s all about teamwork,” she said.  “And when your team is working together, it’s amazing what you can get done.”

 

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