Spring Bazaar on May 4th in Historic Downtown McCormick

By Shannon Stewart

Few cultural markers signify springtime in the South more than slow-cooked smoked BBQ, an open-air market, and a proper garden tour.  On May 4th, Historic Downtown McCormick celebrates Spring with an array of activities including the aforementioned delights.

The day begins with a hearty breakfast served by the McCormick United Methodist men’s group at 200 E. Gold Street. Enjoy pancakes, French toast, sausage, and coffee for $6 from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Proceeds from the pancake breakfast benefit local charities.

Before leaving the church, do stop by the sanctuary to see the Pew Quilt Show–a community exhibit on display all day.  To show a quilt of for more information, contact Linda Crochet at linda48crochet@gmail.com .

In support of The McCormick Humane Society’s “Bark in the Park” (also on May 4th)–the church will be serving ‘to go’ breakfasts for folks with pets in tow.  

You may pick up your pancakes at the church and eat at The MACK park before The Blessing of the Animals at 10 a.m. where local clergy will bless each pet with prayers and holy water.  Spectators are welcome as the agility tests and dog shows get underway immediately following the ceremony.

The All Aboard Train House will display their delightful model trains, host the Lion’s Club broom sale, and sell hot dogs. Additionally, smoked BBQ will be available at “Bark in the Park”, so plan lunch accordingly.  Each plate sale benefits the McCormick Humane Society.

Walk off breakfast and/or lunch by strolling the downtown Spring Bazaar where all retail shops will be open as usual and many merchants are planning sidewalk sales. Books on Main is bringing back their very popular “bag of books for $1” with a free table outside.

The McCormick Visitors Council is also sponsoring “Flea Market on Main”. Shaaron Kohl, an organizer for this outdoor shopping extravaganza, expects “approximately 40 vehicles stuffed full of all kinds of items.”  The middle block of South Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic all day as “pedestrians will be shoulder to shoulder, searching for the big deal of the day!” Contact Shaaron at skohl@wctel.net for more information.

The market on Main hours are 8 am to 1 pm and promises to be a happy hunting ground for treasure hunters and bargain shoppers.  Save some steam, though, for the Belle of this year’s ball: The McCormick Garden Club’s 70th Anniversary celebration, “Splendor in the Garden!” Splendor is a six garden tour beginning in downtown McCormick at noon (tickets are $15 per person for the tour) Be sure to purchase tickets in advance at The Red Rooster, the Chamber of Commerce, The MACK, or from a garden club member.

We look forward to seeing you around town on May 4th in celebration of Spring, Historic Downtown McCormick, and the many blessings we have here!