Springfest will be held in downtown Southern Pines Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Springfest is a celebration of community, and a number of local businesses and nonprofit organizations will be participating in this year's festivities.

"When attending this event, please watch for special displays featuring The Framer's Cottage, Morgan Miller, Sweet Charity's Homemade Candy, Art Nutz, Moore Telephone Directory, Embarq, Colors-n-Clay and more," says Jean Skipper, a member of the Springfest committee.

ConnectNC will offer a variety of informative Internet safety tips for parents and children, and they'll also be providing attendees with an opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with an official NASCAR race car.

The Southern Pines Police Department will be in attendance with its "Seat Belt Convincer." This device is designed to be a teaching tool to simulate the impact of a motor vehicle collision at approximately 8-10 miles per hour. Informational pamphlets about child safety seats and materials on the consequences of underage drinking will also be available.

The Police Department's second booth will be set up to fingerprint children and supply their parents a valuable record to assist in locating them in the event that they are reported lost, missing or abducted. This booth will also contain educational material on Internet safety, identity theft, and the ATV rider course.

The Southern Pines Fire Department will be present with its Fire Safety House; The American Red Cross will be ready at the Train Depot with first aid, and health and safety information; and Friends of Moore Guardian ad Litem, Manna!, Moore County Master Gardeners, Moore Humane Society, and The Nature Conservancy will also be in attendance.

Springfest will be held on the streets of Downtown Southern Pines near the historic train station. On the day of the event, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Northwest and Northeast Broad Street will be closed from Pennsylvania Avenue to Connecticut Avenue, and New Hampshire Avenue will be closed from Bennett Street to Ashe Street. There will be no parking in the festival area during these hours, and towing will be enforced at the owner's expense.

In addition to the business and nonprofit groups participating in Springfest, artwork and fine crafts will be exhibited. Along with a variety of entertainment on two separate stages, delectable dining selections will be available, and activities for children will be plentiful.

Springfest is sponsored by the Southern Pines Business Association and co-sponsored by the Town of Southern Pines. Questions about the event may be directed to spba@earthlink.net or (910) 315-6508.