GATESVILLE – The annual salute to Gates County’s greatest treasure – Merchants Millpond State Park – will be held on Saturday, April 29.

Millpond Day 2017 is open to the public from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Due to the great number of attendees at previous events, free wagon rides will be provided from the park’s Visitor Center to the picnic area and back as overflow parking is at the picnic area.

The annual Millpond Day 5K event will officially kick off the day at 10 a.m. The starting line is at the picnic area. It is recommended that those people either take the wagon rides or walk to the Visitor Center after the race due to parking limitations around at the Center.

“We are looking forward to a great day of exhibits, food, and fellowship on Millpond Day. We look forward to seeing the community out for the event,” said Steve Rogers, Superintendent at Merchants Millpond State Park.

Craft and food vendors will be set up on the grounds of the Visitor Center. They include Little Blessing Soaps, RL Craft Shop, Sunbury Boutique, Younique (Makeup), Essential Oils, Native Wings, and Big Dogs. Other vendors will offer candles, jewelry, and baked goods.

There will be plenty of exhibits, to include the Gates County Sheriff’s Office, Hammock Camping, Museum of the Albemarle, Roanoke Electric Cooperative, Gates County EMS, the Gates County Cooperative Extension office, Sons of Confederate veterans, Girl Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, local churches, and health stations (inside the Visitor Center).

Other special exhibits include decoy carving, antique cars, and a live alligator.

Featured entertainment for the day includes:

10:15-10:45 am – Y.G.S (Young Gentlemen Society)

11:15-11:45 am – John J. Wiggins

12:15-12:45 pm – Cardio Line Dancing with Making ‘Em Sweat Fitness

There will be a bird hike and a scavenger hunt, along with “Coastie” – an electric car that teaches children about boating safety.

Other events geared towards children include a sidewalk art contest, a visit from Smokey the Bear, crafts and a bounce house and slide.