Staff Writer

EASLEY - The merchants of Old Town Easley are gearing up for a grand ole 'time as they present the Fifth Annual Spring Fling 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday March 29 in downtown Easley.

The festival - sponsored by the Easley Downtown Business Association and Palmetto Health Baptist Easley - will feature food, fun, freebies and funky tunes.

"We have a lot going on," said EDBA vice-president Scott Buckhiester.

During the free event, Main Street and Pendleton Street will be taken over by bargain-sellers and treasure hunters.

A variety of vendors will be on hand all day selling items such as handmade clothing, Celtic jewelry, rocking chairs, walking sticks, birdhouses, pocket books and shoes - just to name a few.

Vendor spaces are going fast, said Sam Norris of the EDBA.

Interested vendors should call Norris at 855-2150 to reserve a booth.

"Members of the EDBA are entitled to a booth at no cost," Norris said.

Organizers know that all that shopping is sure to work up a powerful appetite.

Food vendors will be on-hand with all kinds of tasty treats from corn dogs and funnel cakes to sweet potato fries and crepes.

In addition, many of the restaurants downtown will be open for business, from Joe's Ice Cream Parlor to Michael's Pizzeria to Vikalin's Coffeehouse.

Be sure to bring the kids to the free children's area, sponsored by Easley Chevrolet and Cadillac.

"We have giant blow-ups for the kids," Norris said.

Entertainment will be provided by the Spotlight Dancers and two local bands.

Southern Crescent will deliver a music mix that's sure to please everyone in the crowd as they play oldies, classic rock, pop, beach and blues.

Whitten City News Band started out playing proms and sock-hops in the late 60's and are still going strong.

Whitten City News now puts out a sound that combines all their influences - from 60s grooves to bluegrass tunes.

The fun will still continue onstage even when the bands take a break.

Downtown merchants will hold their own version of the classic game show "Let's Make a Deal" throughout the day.

Easley's version will feature EDBA merchants giving away special merchandise from their shops and restaurants.

"We will have something going on the stage all day," Buckhiester said.

The deals keep coming with gift basket drawing throughout the day. Raffle tickets are $1.

Sports fans take note - Reedy Rip-it, The Greenville Drive's mascot will be at Spring Fling along with the Green Monster.

Parking should be no problem, Norris said.

"Our patrons, our guests, our friends who are coming to Spring Fling should have plenty of places to park," he said.

Reach Jason Evans at jevans@theeasleyprogress.com or 855-0355.