Event/Site: Everybody's Day in Downtown Thomasville

Date: Last Saturday in September, 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Type: Street festival with three music stages, one featuring regional gospel groups and the others presenting a national headliner and regional blues, bluegrass, country, and rock 'n roll musicians, a dance stage with clogging, children's activities, and food and crafts vendors.

Location: Downtown Thomasville. Several blocks of Main Street and part of Salem Street are closed for the event. (6 West Main St.) From I-85 and I-85 Business (US 29/70), take the NC Hwy 109 exit and follow NC Hwy 109 into Thomasville.
Click here for a map.

Cost: Free.

Parking: Free parking available on the street and in business parking lots. Parking adequate for bus tours.

Special Needs Access: Venue is fully accessible. The parking lot behind City Hall is designated as the official handicapped parking for festival visitors. The lot is accessed from Thomas Street.

Signage: Signs at location, but not en route.

Sponsor: Thomasville Medical Center and Thomasville Chamber of Commerce

Web Site: www.everybodysday.com

Contact:
Doug Croft or Judy Smith
Thomasville Chamber of Commerce
6 West Main Street (P.O. Box 1400)
Thomasville, NC 27360
(336) 475-6134; (336) 475-4802 (fax)
tvillecoc@northstate.net

Description of Event: Everybody's Day attracts 60,000 or more visitors and the scene is lively. The event successfully combines the elements of a large festival with characteristics of a hometown celebration. The music stages truly offer "something for everybody," presenting gospel, blues, bluegrass, country, rock 'n roll, heavy metal and beach music throughout the day. One stage is devoted to local gospel groups, including representatives from area churches. The dance stage includes demonstrations and performances, including clogging routines.

History of Site/Event: The first Everybody's Day was held in 1908, giving Thomasville claim to hosting North Carolina's oldest festival. 2002 marks the 19th consecutive year the Thomasville Chamber of Commerce has coordinated the event.

Description of Site/Facility: The intersection of Salem Street and Main Street in the heart of downtown Thomasville forms a T-shape that is well-suited for a street festival. Four music stages are strategically located in business parking lots or at the end of the blocked streets.

Significance of Site/Event to the Community: Alongside the railroad tracks that gave Thomasville its start and nearby the historic Thomasville 1870 railroad depot (North Carolina's oldest), this event in Thomasville's downtown resonates its history. Incorporating local musicians and representative music traditions of the region helps reinforce a sense of place. The gospel stage in particular is an excellent example of grounding the festival in the rich cultural heritage of the region. African American, Southern, bluegrass, and contemporary gospel groups are all represented on stage and in the crowd gathered around the stage.