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Three-day Gospel & Blues Festival returns to Cairo Sept. 10-12

Talk of the Heartland: Cairo Heritage Gospel & Blues Festival Talk of the Heartland: Cairo Heritage Gospel & Blues Festival (kfvs12)

CAIRO, Ill. (Heartland News) - A three-day event will draw thousands of people to southern Illinois for good music and a good time.

The Cairo Heritage Gospel & Blues Festival is set for Thursday through Saturday, September 10-12.

The event will take place in Historic Downtown Cairo, at 8th and Ohio St.

Attendees will be able to see more than a half-dozen acts, while enjoying food, dozens of vendors and a parade on Saturday.

This year, there will also be a focus on honoring America 250, as well as marking 25 years since 9/11.

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Thursday (Gospel Night)

From 6 to 8:30 p.m., The Cross Praise Team from The Cross Community Church in Marion, Ill. will perform, along with other local Gospel acts.

Friday

  • 5 p.m. DJ House
  • 6:45 p.m. Tribute to 9/11
  • 7 p.m. Stacy Mitchhart
  • 9 p.m. Big “A” Trio

Saturday

  • 1 p.m. Parade begins at 20th St. and Washington Ave., ends at 8th St. and Commercial Ave.
  • 1:30 p.m. DJ House
  • 5 p.m. Mike D and the Big Time Rhythm Machine
  • 7 p.m. City of Soul from Carbondale, Ill. (substitution for The J Sound)
  • 9 p.m. Chris Canas Band

Admission is free through donations from sponsors.

Amy Harrell with the Cairo Heritage Foundation said over the course of the three-day event, about 2,000 people will come through the area.

“Not just local...I think at one point we said 12 to 20 states. You talk to people and they’re coming from other states, so pretty exciting,” Harrell said. “Saturday’s our biggest day, because it’s a longer day and there’s more entertainment that day.”

For more information, contact cairoheritagefoundation@gmail.com.

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