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PICKENS — The 31st annual Pickens Azalea Festival is set for this weekend.

The event will kick off on Friday with free family fun, starting with live WSPA broadcasts from Pickens’ Main Street on Your Carolina, Studio 62 and Scene on Seven.

At 7 p.m. that night, Main Street will be filled with hundreds of classic cars, trucks and Jeeps for the crowd-favorite Classic Car Cruise-In.

The main stage will start rocking at 7 p.m. with the party sounds of Still Cruzin’. Rock, beach, country and soul music will be featured. Food vendors will be available, offering grilled burgers, lemonade and more.

On Saturday, the festivities will get kickstarted early, as the ninth annual Azalea Festival 5K Run/Walk Road Race presented by the Pickens Women’s Association will begin at 8 a.m.

At 10 a.m. the opening ceremonies will kick off a full day of events, including more than 300 arts and crafts, non-profit and food and drink vendors, free entertainment on both the amphitheatre and main stages, amusement rides and demonstrations. Attendees will be able to take one of the free shuttles provided by Grace United Methodist Church and Bowers Transportation from Main Street to the Hagood Mill, as well as tour the Hagood-Mauldin House and Pickens County Museum of Art and History.

The 10th annual Pet Parade will be held on the main stage at noon, while kids will be able to create in the children’s creation area.

The second annual baking competition hosted by Francine Bryson will take place at Michael’s Restaurant. Entries can be dropped off at noon, and the winner will be announced at 5 p.m. on the main stage.

The Tim Clark Band will kick off the headline entertainment at 8 p.m., followed by Departure, a Journey tribute band.

The Pickens Azalea Festival is sponsored by the Azalea Festival Committee.

For more information, visit www.PickensAzaleaFestival.org, find Pickens Azalea Festival on Facebook or email PickensAzaleaFestival@gmail.com.