NASHVILLE — Jerry Bryant brought his children to the Blooming Festival every year, and they’d always watch the parade from the same place.
“We lived on Cedar Street, and we’d walk over to the same exact spot every year,” said Bryant’s daughter, Arnesha Kirtz. “This was his favorite spot to watch.
“He died four years ago, and we’re still coming here, celebrating.”
Kirtz and her family were camped out Saturday in their location on East Washington Street. They were among hundreds of people who lined the parade route that wound its way through Nashville.
Clowns, bands and local dignitaries waved and threw candy to the crowd as they passed through the town. Even Mickey Mouse and The Pink Panther made an appearance.
“It’s so much fun to see all the kids having fun, getting candy,” said Kirtz’s brother, D’Monte Kirtz.
Last weekend marked the 26th annual Blooming Festival in Nashville. It’s grown from a spring event that in 1997 attracted about 4,000 people to a celebration that brings in up to 30,000 people over a four-day period. The spread of the coronavirus pandemic canceled one year.
“It’s been our goal from Day 1 to really try to satisfy the tastes of everyone,” said Jo Anne Cooper, festival co-chairwoman and Nashville Graphic publisher. “We have gospel, country, beach, ’60s and ’70s.
“We try — not just with music, but with the entire environment — to be accessible to everyone.”
From toddlers to teens to older adults, the crowds descended on Nashville starting on Thursday, turning the tiny hamlet of 5,600 to a boom town that featured a parade, carnival rides, food trucks and scores of craft and other vendors.
Amber Langley and her sister, Ashley Macias, said they come to the festival almost every year. Stretched out on a blanket with their daughters, 5-year-old Rayna Langley and 2-year-old Peyton Macias, the family waited for the parade to start.
“We come for the kids … and the shopping … and the funnel cakes,” said Amber Langley, asking her daughter if she wanted to go to the carnival after the parade.
“Yes, but I’m not gonna ride nothing scary,” Rayna said.
The festival’s scariest ride might have been The Screamer, a pendulum thrill ride that sends people 60 feet in the air.
Best friends Adyson Bone and Cayden Turner, both 14, still were giggling when they got off The Screamer on Saturday afternoon.
“It feels like you’re going to fly out, but you know you’re not because you’re latched in tight,” Turner said. “I made sure of it, too.”
Steven Glover, 75, made the trek from Rocky Mount to enjoy the festivities. He and his wife camped out in front of the main stage, listening to music and watching the parade.
“We came two years ago, and we had small children with us,” Glover said. “They didn’t want to do anything but go to the carnival, so we missed out on a lot of things.”
Grinning, Glover said they left the kids behind this year so they could enjoy what they wanted — like the music.
Bands played throughout the day, including Jim Quick and the Coastline Band as well as Chandler James and the Banned. James, a Nash County native, has been coming to the festival since he was about 2 years old, and he’s been performing there for the past three years.
“We used to go all the time and do all the rides,” James said. “I never stayed for the music before, but now it’s cool to play late on Saturday and maybe be able to headline it one day.”
This year’s headlining act was country music star Easton Corbin.
“I think the festival is a really good event,” James added. “The staff, the townspeople and everybody who works behind the scenes make it special.”
Cooper, who has been involved in the festival planning since the beginning, said she appreciates all the volunteers who come together every year to make the festival a reality. She said the entire event — from A to Z — is planned with no paid staff.
“But honestly, finding volunteers is hard these days,” she added. “We’re trying to get some younger people involved to keep this tradition moving forward.”
Cooper serves as secretary and treasurer of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the annual festival. Every year, the festival is slated to be held during the Mother’s Day weekend. Part of the festivities includes naming the “Mother of the Year.”
The 2024 Mother of the Year, Cindy Brantley, was presented Saturday morning at the main stage and served as Grand Marshal of the parade.
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