The streets of downtown Granite Falls will be filled with music, food and community spirit as an age-old pastime is brought back to life.

Members of the Granite Falls Downtown Merchants Association have spent months preparing and now are just a day away from debuting the inaugural "Festival on Main."

MIke Mackie, who owns Mackie Furniture in downtown Granite Falls, said this festival is a product of the festival that was organized by South Caldwell Christian Ministries for many years. He said it dissolved about seven years ago, and members of the Merchant's Association are bringing back the popular festival.

"We are very excited about bringing people to the downtown area to see what is transpiring and what is new," said Mackie. "There are a lot of new things in town, and we want our community to help celebrate that."

Mackie said the festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the downtown area. There will be approximately 30 food vendors, including snow cones and funnel cakes, activities for the entire family and local entertainment throughout the day. He said there will be dancers, musicians and an ultimate fighter's demonstration. He also said there will be karate demonstrations and a dunking booth.

In addition, a variety of craft vendors will line the street, giving community members the opportunity to express their creativity. Mackie said people can create jewelry, pottery, homemade guitars, pocketbooks, crafts, jams, jellies, baskets, quilts and so much more. He said Rain Tree Cellars, of Icard, will sponsor a wine tasting and have wine available for purchase.

In conjunction with the festival, Mackie said the local Boy Scout troop will host a fundraiser at Club Cola. In addition, the antique vending machine museum will be open throughout the day.

"We are looking forward to a great day of family fun," Mackie said. "There should be something for everyone to enjoy, and we are excited to see the community come together."

For more information, contact the Town of Granite Falls at 396-3131 or Mike Mackie at 396-3313.

A complete entertainment schedule:

2 p.m. - Opening ceremonies

2:30 p.m. - Winkler Karate demonstration

3 p.m. - Art in Motion - Belly Dancers

3:30 p.m. - Ultimate Fighters demonstration

4 p.m. - Colours Beach Band

5 p.m. - Ceol Leinn Celtic Band

6 p.m. - Sims Country Cloggers

6:30 p.m. - New River Band -country and rock