Sunflower Festival returns to 3-day format Dates are Aug. 11-13, 2006

      CLARKSDALE – In 2006 the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival is returning to its original three-day format with the Gospel Festival scheduled for Sunday afternoon in the Civic Auditorium.

   Dates for the 19th annual celebration are Aug. 11,12, and 13, 2006.

“Our Blues Association members voted on this decision at our last meeting,” said co-chairmen John Sherman and Melville Tillis.

“So many visitors and local residents commented they were unable to enjoy the gospel music, since the timing conflicted with the acoustic stages and the main stage opening,” said Tillis.

The gospel festival originally took place on Sunday afternoons outdoors frequently in blazing temperatures.

One year, it was held inside churches before moving into the air-conditioned Civic Auditorium.

“Our 2005 festival was such a tremendous success, we are working immediately toward an even greater celebration next year,” said Sherman.

“We are grateful to our sponsors. Their generosity keeps the festival free,” he continued.

The association is planning a fund-raiser at Ground Zero Blues Club for Wednesday night (Nov. 23) before Thanksgiving.