LAUREL HILL — Regional artists and craftsmen, a fleet of vintage vehicles, a Boy Scout camp, and live music will highlight the May 3 Laurel Hill Arts and Heritage Festival.
Diverse music lineup
The festival opens with the music of Crestview singer and guitarist Aaron Overton followed by classic and contemporary jazz from the Northwest Florida State College Jazz Ensemble.
Chevon Corlew and Jeremiah 29:11's lively energetic gospel and praise music will be followed by the haunting skirl of Emerald Coast Pipes and Drums.
Joining the musical lineup is Jordan Rogers, a Collegiate High School senior whose guitar and vocal artistry includes original compositions.
In addition, Gordon Martial Arts taekwondo students will demonstrate a routine of patterns, basic kicking skills and board breaking.
Food for worthy causes
Laurel Hill School parents and students will sell beverages for an upcoming field trip to New Orleans.
Crestview Boy Scout Troop 773 members will sell Scout Cobbler, a dessert they will cook in a Dutch oven over a campfire.
The First Presbyterian Church of Crestview's men's group will grill burgers and hotdogs to raise money for food baskets for needy families.
The Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church's desserts, baked goods and plant sales will benefit community outreach programs such as providing school supplies for needy Laurel Hill School students.
New component
The festival, hosted by the Laurel Hill and Crestview Presbyterian Churches, is timed a half-year from the fall Hobo Festival, the churches' pastor, the Rev. Mark Broadhead, said.
This year's event adds a heritage component that salutes local history and traditions. The Baker Block Museum and North Okaloosa Heritage Association join the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce Arts and Culture Committee and the Friends of the Arts in supporting the event.
"We think adding a heritage component will greatly broaden the appeal of our festival," Broadhead said.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
11 a.m.: Aaron Overton, acoustic guitar and vocals
11:45 a.m.: Taekwondo demonstration courtesy of Gordon Martial Arts
Noon: Northwest Florida State College Jazz Ensemble
1 p.m.: Chevon Corlew and Jeremiah 29:11
2 p.m.: Emerald Coast Pipes and Drums
Also scheduled are vocal and guitar performances by Collegiate High School senior Jordan Rogers
WANT TO GO?
What: Laurel Hill Arts and Heritage Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3
Where: Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church yard, 8115 Fourth St.
Cost: Free admission and entertainment; food, arts and crafts available for purchase
Notes: Free parking available at the Laurel Hill School Fourth Street track. Food sales benefit Laurel Hill School, Presbyterian Church community outreach programs in Laurel Hill and Crestview, and Boy Scouts Troop 773.
Email News Bulletin Staff Arts and Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill Arts & Heritage Festival expands spring event