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The 9th Annual Beast Fest drew the biggest crowd to date according to festival organizer, Berry Lewis. Lewis estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people coming to Bladenboro this weekend for the festivities.

He reported license plates from as far away as Florida, Virginia, Georgia, New York and South Carolina being parked on the streets of the town. This year the festival had new things to offer the crowds.

There were amusement rides Friday evening. Lewis said, “It wasn’t really what we wanted, but if the ball game hadn’t been going on it would have been a bigger turn out for us. We will definitely do it again next year.”

Don Chase, with WKML 95.7 is the MC for today. He said, “I’m honored to be in my home town of Bladenboro.”

Mayor Rufus Duckworth asked folks to take a moment of silence for the festival’s founder, Hiram Hester. Many town and county officials are in attendance along with the Beast of Bladenboro himself.

There were over 100 vendors set up at the event this year offering food, crafts and more items for shoppers. For some vendors it was the first time at the Beast Fest.

Rosella Age, a local vendor selling homemade scarfs and her families grape cider said, “This is my first year ever attending this festival and I am impressed. I am going to come every year from now one.”

This year there was a Beast Fest 5K Fun Run that started at 8:30 Saturday morning with over 75 participants according to Otis Evans, the 5K organizer. Evans said there were medals given to the top three finishers and winners of each age group.

Lizard Lick Towing “Bad Boys” attended the festival to help introduce the Beast of Bladenboro and for a meet and greet. Cousin Johnny and Earl both spoke about how much they enjoyed attending the event each year.

The Southeastern Cruisers, “Beast of Bladenboro” Car Show promised everyone a good show with awards. They came through on their promise with 65 cars in the show.

Lewis announced the New Light Church’s Trunk or Treat was a huge success. He said, “You couldn’t even see the street for all the children out trick or treating.”

The crowds stayed around for the bands late into the evening and some folks came from far away just to see the bands according to Lewis. Jim Quick and the Coast Line Band played at 4 and then Black Water Rhythm and Blues kept the folk entertained and dancing well after dark.

Lewis said the Beast Fest for 2016 will be the last Friday and Saturday in October next year. They will have the amusement rides again next year on Friday evening and the rest of the festivities on Saturday.