Fifty years of A’Fair in Hernando

Photo: The annual A’Fair on the Courthouse Square in Hernando attracts a large crowd every year. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com-file photo)

By Bailee Harris

The highly anticipated A’Fair returns for its 50th year this Saturday, May 18, continuing the tradition of celebrating local talent on the third Saturday of every May. 

Optimist Club of Hernando’s president, Kathy White, states, “The Optimist Club took over A’Fair in 1993, and we’ve organized it ever since.” 

Kicking off the festivities early, a new addition is being added: a live performance by the band “Almost Famous” on Friday, May 17. The concert, starting at 7 p.m. on the courthouse lawn, is free for all attendees. 

Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m., the Laurie Wylie Memorial 5K Run will begin. Registration begins at 7 a.m. in the Trustmark Bank parking lot. 

“As far as vendors, we have 187 vendors coming in this year. That’s products anywhere from soaps and body care, jewelry, pottery, leather goods, woodcrafts, candles, and just all kinds of crafts,” White continues. 

Approximately 20 food vendors will line the South side of the Hernando Courthouse, serving a variety of delicious options from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Children will have their own fun in the City Hall parking lot, where the Kid’s Area will feature activities like face painting and more. Live performances will also occur throughout the day on the courthouse lawn. 

White expresses her gratitude to those who help make the A’Fair possible, stating, “Without the support of the city and the county, we couldn’t pull this off.” 

Celebrate 50 years of the annual A’Fair this Saturday with the Optimist Club, who is dedicated to bringing out the best in local youth through community service programs. 

Bailee Harris is a journalism student at Ole Miss and intern reporter/contributor for DeSoto County News.  

Note: Some of the following photos credit to Optimist Club of Hernando.