MURFREESBORO – The date is set.

Saturday, April 8 has been designated as “Murfreesboro Day” where the town will roll out the welcome mat for an early spring celebration.

On that date, a 10 a.m. parade will officially kick-off the inaugural event.

According to Berna Stephens, who is chairing the committee planning the event, opening ceremonies at the Roberts-Vaughan Village Center will be held immediately after the parade. Little Miss Murfreesboro and Little Mr. Murfreesboro will be crowned following the opening ceremonies.

Entertainment will be provided during the day at the same site. Vocal, instrumental and dance acts have already indicated their intention to participate.

Vendors offering light refreshments will be set up on the Main Street lot formerly occupied by Hill Chevrolet (across from RBC Centura Bank). Snacks and beverages will be sold until 6 p.m.

For the youngsters, an Easter Egg hunt is open to 3-6 year-olds while a decorated egg contest is available for 7-12 year-olds. Egg hunters need to provide their own containers.

Arts and crafts will be offered.

Area cooks are invited to participate in baking and canning contests.

T-shirts commemorating what is planned to become an annual activity will be offered for sale.

Entry forms for all events are available at the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce office located inside the Roberts-Vaughan Village Center.

The Chamber office is also the location for vendors to rent space. Corner spaces at the vendors’ lot are priced at $35 each or $30 for interior spaces. Half-lot spaces are priced at $20.

Those interested in participating in the parade are urged to register by 1 p.m. on March 31.

Other entries will be accepted until 1 p.m. on April 4.

For more information, contact the Murfreesboro Chamber at 398-4886.

“Murfreesboro Day” is an event planned by the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Task Force.