Vidalia introduces ‘family-friendly free entertainment’ at Big River Fall Festival – Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper

VIDALIA, La. — Coinciding with the Natchez Balloon Festival weekend beginning Oct. 17, Vidalia is hosting a festival that families can enjoy at a very affordable price — free.

For years, Vidalia has hosted an arts and crafts fair and carnival on the Vidalia Riverfront Amphitheater for families in town for the weekend to enjoy, but this year brings next-level entertainment at the inaugural ‘Big River Fall Festival,” which will include free spectator activities like a professional skydiving demonstration as well as paid helicopter rides over the riverfront and tandem skydiving opportunities and more, said organizers Jim Allgood and Paul Ferrell.

“Being a lifelong Natchezian and Miss-Louian and having spent years helping our area, I am excited to take what has gone on for years on the Vidalia side to the next level,” Allgood said. “Mayor Buz Craft, the Town of Vidalia, the Vidalia Convention Center and their partnership with our nonprofit TEAM up 4 All to bring this to our Miss-Lou will be a blessing, adding more folks that can come and enjoy family-friendly free entertainment, music and more.”

Currently, the event is looking for sponsors who will automatically gain access to a VIP surf and turf and dinner catered by Honey Brake Lodge and C&M Crawfish beginning Thursday, Oct. 16, Ferrell said.

Sponsorship levels include: Platinum Sponsor, $5,000; Gold Sponsor, $3,000; and Silver Sponsor, $1,000.

Click here to learn more about sponsor benefits.

Checks should be made payable to the non-profit “TEAM Up 4 All.”

“TEAM stands for Together Each Achieves More,” Allgood said, which is a nonprofit based in Natchez that benefits area schools, students and more by promoting outdoorsmanship, teamwork, education and compassion.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Paul Ferrell at 318-792-1893 or Jim Allgood at 601-597-6658.

This celebration brings the community together with an exciting lineup of live musical performances, professional skydiving demonstrations, helicopter rides, petting zoo, Vidalia Riverfront Flea Market & Carnival, and more family-friendly attractions—all set against the stunning backdrop of the mighty Mississippi River overlooking the Mississippi River Bridge between Vidalia and Natchez, organizers said.

Festival Highlights Include:

•   Live music concerts featuring regional and national artists

•   Blow up bounce houses, carnival rides and games for all ages

•   Skydiving demonstration jumps from the pros

•   Helicopter rides over the riverfront

•   Bass tank exhibits and dog distance jump shows

•   Arts & Crafts vendors showcasing local talent

•   Tandem skydiving opportunities for the adventurous

•   Food & Beverage vendors and more

“This is more than just a festival,” Ferrell said. “It’s a celebration of our community, culture, and the natural beauty of the riverfront. Whether you’re looking for high-flying thrills or laid-back fun with the family, there’s something for everyone.”

Admission is free for general entry, with select attractions ticketed separately. Festival hours, vendor info, and a full music lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. Tentatively, the festival acts include the following.

Thursday, Oct. 16 — VIP Party featuring Lloyd Hurricane Munn and the Forecasters from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and Thomas Cain from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 17 — Dance Party

2 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Brandon and John’s Muddy Mojo

4 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Thomas Sanders

5 p.m. — Jason Reynolds High Flying Retrievers and Fish N Fetch Show

7 to 9 p.m. Nola Groove, New Orleans’ number one dance band

Saturday, Oct 18 — A Night of Legends

3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. – Wreckless Malfunction

4:30 to 5:15 p.m. ­– Sweet Tooth Jones

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Hannah Belle

7 to 8:30 p.m. ­– Petty Betty

9 to 11:30 p.m. – Vince Vance & the Valiants featuring Little Elvis Dev, a five-year-old Elvis tribute artist; Al “Lil Fats” Jackson, a Fats Domino tribute artist; and “Tomato” Tina Turner

On Sunday, “Churches are wanted and needed for a ‘Come to Jesus Son Rise Service’ featuring gospel music and church services” at the riverfront amphitheater, Allgood said.