It doesn’t matter what is on the calendar for the first weekend in October, the first weekend of October is best known as ZONTA weekend in Pascagoula and the Jackson County area.
For the 49th year, downtown Pascagoula will close its streets to welcome vendors and guests to the annual ZONTA Arts and Crafts Festival, and as has been true to form each year, this year has event more than last year.
The ZONTA Arts and Crafts Festival is hosted each year by ZONTA Club of Pascagoula whose mission is to empower women and girls. Pascagoula ZONTA member Sandy LeBatard said, “Our local club takes that international mission and puts it to work right here at home.”
“We support women and children through community organizations, scholarships, service projects, advocacy, and recognition programs such as our Yellow Rose Award,” Mrs. LeBatard said. “And while most people know us because of the Arts & Crafts Festival, ZONTA is active in the community all year long.”
The activities of local chapter wouldn’t be possible without the proceeds raised during the ZONTA festival. Mrs. LeBatard said the festival is our major fundraiser, and what’s important for people to understand is that the money raised at the festival goes right back into the work ZONTA does throughout the year.
“We award scholarships to local students and support organizations such as CASA, Adrienne’s House, Advocates for Freedom, and PROMISS,” she said. “We also recognize people doing extraordinary things in our community through our Yellow Rose Award, which we present quarterly. So when someone attends the festival, shops with our vendors, or supports us as a sponsor, they’re helping ZONTA continue that work.”
Along with 200 booths featuring local arts, crafts, merchandise and more, this year’s festival will feature a trackless train, the Mississippi Aquarium Shark Experience and interactive bounce houses and inflatables for people of all ages. ZONTA wants grown-ups to have some fun too!
From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., guests can explore vendor booths, find plenty of food, shopping for holiday gifts or something personal all throughout the downtown.
With many downtown streets closed to traffic, this year there will be free transportation offered by The Mac Bus offering shuttles from the City Dock Parking Garage on Front Street to the festival. A transportation route and festival map can be found on the ZONTA of Pascagoula’s website.
While planning for the annual event, the organization is already planning for next year—the 50th anniversary.
“We’re already looking ahead to a huge milestone,” Mrs. LeBatard said. “Next year will be our 50th Annual ZONTA Arts & Crafts Festival! We’re excited to start promoting it now.”
To celebrate the milestone, the organization is taking is back to the 70s with a little flower power with the theme “50 Years of Flower Power.” The ZONTA club flower is the yellow rose, so the theme is a perfect fit.
“But first, we’re ready to welcome everyone downtown for an amazing 49th festival!” Mrs. LeBatard said.
As always, the festival is FREE to all, and downtown merchants will also be open for the public.
*Photos are courtesy of ZONTA of Pascagoula
