GULF SHORES, AL - The Ballyhoo Festival, scheduled for March 5, promises to be one of the best inaugural events on the Gulf Coast.

Presented by the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance, in partnership with the City of Gulf Shores, this celebration of art and culture is designed to showcase the fun-loving spirit of residents of Coastal Alabama.

The festival will be at 225 E. 24th Ave. in the beautiful Waterway Village District of Gulf Shores, Ballyhoo will be an all-day event, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Some of the finest artists from several states will be showcasing their works. In addition to fine art and fine crafts, many other activities will be taking place. Here is the lineup for the day:

All Day for Children:

The Ballyhoo Trackless Train will be circling the perimeter of the festival grounds with children in tow, stopping at Lollipop Lane for a special sweet treat.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will present a special Ballyhoo Petting Zoo for an “up close and personal” look at some of the Zoo’s favorite animals.

Three Ballyhoo Children’s Art Tents will feature art activities for creative little minds.

All Day for Adults and Children:

Included will be fabric weaving by the Mobile Fiber Guild Basket weaving by Carol Moore, Plein air painting by Craig Reynolds and Glass art lamp working by Dan Rush.

9 a.m.-11 a.m.:

The Ballyhoo Stage will feature local favorites, singers and songwriters, Elaine Petty and Mac Walter.

11:00 a.m.-noon

The Poarch Creek Indians will perform original tribal dance in ceremonial dress with historical narration of dance and dress by PCI Cultural Director, Chris Blackburn.

Noon-1 p.m.

Queen of Ballyhoo Contest, moderated by Channel 15’s, Darwin Singleton and judged by Bill Black of Mobile’s, WKSJ and Kevin Keith of Gulf Shore’s Sunny 105.7. Entry forms are available at www.ballyhoofestival.com with all cash prizes awarded to charity.

1-2 p.m.

Ballyhoo Dance Contest, moderated by Darwin Singleton and judged by Bill Black and Kevin Keith. Entry forms are available at www.ballyhoofestival.com with all

cash prizes awarded to charity.

2-4 p.m.

The Ballyhoo Stage will feature the a local favorite band, “The Wreck.”

4-5 p.m.

The Poarch Creek Indians will perform original tribal dance in ceremonial dress with historical commentary by PCI Cultural Director, Chris Blackburn.

5-6:00 p.m.

The Ballyhoo Stage will feature everyone’s local favorite singer and songwriter, Brent Burns.

Parking and Shuttles:

First Presbyterian Church, 309 E. 21^st Ave.

Gulf Shores First Baptist Church, 2200 First St., Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores Church of Christ, 2414 First St.,Gulf Shores

City of Gulf Shores Parking Lot at Canal Park

For additional information about the Ballyhoo Festival, visit www.ballyhoofestival.com, email gulfcoastartsalliance@gmail.com, telephone 251-948-2627 or 251-223-3970.

The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is a non-profit organization with office and Art Gallery at 225 E. 24th Ave. in the Waterway Village of Gulf Shores.