Lake Fest party is still on

Published 10:19 am Wednesday, May 17, 2017

A little high water is not going to shut down Eagle Lake’s annual Lake Fest, organizers said.

“Lake Fest will go on as scheduled,” said Linda Banchetti, president of the Eagle Lake Matters Association, which sponsors the festival.

“If the main road (Mississippi 465) is closed, people can come in on the top of the levees. We have talked with Sheriff (Martin) Pace, and he had no objection.”

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The Mississippi Department of Transportation closed Mississippi 465 to traffic Tuesday because water was beginning to cross the road in advance of a predicted 48-foot crest at Vicksburg Friday. Presently, the backwater levee systems are open for use by local traffic only, that is, people who live in Eagle Lake, and light vehicles.

Lake Fest is May 27.

“Hopefully, the water will be off the road by then,” Banchetti said. “If not, they can come in on the levee road.”

The fifth edition of Lake Fest will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring food, music, a flea market and a kids fest area featuring games and activities, including the 20-foot high “Tower of Terror” slide.

“We have 30 vendors this year,” she said. “Music will be provided by Ralph Miller from 10:30 to 12, and The Chill from 1 to 5 p.m.

“We will have hamburgers, hot dogs, tortillas, barbeque, crawfish, popcorn and nachos.”

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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