Eleven hours of music at 2nd Saturday

T. J. ROYAL

August 08, 2008 10:49 am

— The fifth Tarboro 2nd Saturday is coming Saturday, and organizer Betty NeSmith said that "each one seems to be a little better than the last."
The day-long event will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with sidewalk sales, food vendors along Main Street and live music in Courthouse Square.
New this month will be a "swig 'n splash" art class with Erica Coker, NeSmith said, and new music acts will perform, too.
Tarboro rappers Flo and Doja Boy will perform at 8 p.m., with Gibsonville's 3 Feet Up performing an acoustic pop set before them at 7 p.m.
NeSmith said there will be different kinds of music at 2nd Saturday, "something for everybody's taste."
Local Christian rock band Steadfast will perform, along with other area folk rock, acoustic, pop, country and gospel acts.
The Tarboro Community Kazoo Band will return, too, at 4 p.m. For $2, anyone can join and play.
Last month, NeSmith introduced a misting tent and a three-wheeled bicycle taxicalled a pedicab to the event.
"There were people that hung around all day," NeSmith said, because of the relief of the misting tents and the shade.
The pedicab was well received.
"It was constantly being driven. It would sit for five minutes, and then I'd see another dad with their kids peddling around," NeSmith said.
"It's colorful and it adds to that festive atmosphere" of 2nd Saturday, she added.
A couple of Main Street antique shops, The Grey Fox and Tar River Antiques, will be having 25 percent off sales on Saturday.
Because of the extra foot traffic during 2nd Saturday, NeSmith said most stores along Main Street have said that the event has increased their business.
"(Visitors) remember seeing that store while they were down here" for 2nd Saturday, she added.
Other Tarboro businesses, like The Grindhouse tattoo parlor and Minnie Rose gift shop, will be set up along Main Street, too.
The American Cancer Society, the Edgecombe County Democratic party and Heritage Hospital will set up booths for this time. NeSmith said the Democrats are trying to raise money for a headquarters, while Heritage Hospital will raise awareness about breast cancer.
Last month, the American Cancer Society even gave away a Nintendo Wii video game system in a raffle drawing at 2nd Saturday.
Overall, NeSmith believes that the event is catching on in the community.
"People are figuring out that it's a community event, and that they can participate in one way or another."
It's held on Main Street, but NeSmith said she wants businesses or churches on the other side of town "to feel that they're able to participate" in 2nd Saturday.
"We might be having it downtown, but it's to promote everything we've got in Tarboro."