It hardly seems possible, but it's once again time for Springfest, the annual street fair held in downtown Southern Pines.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, this celebration of community features music and entertainment on two stages; a kids' bicycle race; the Moore Pinewood Derby; booths with crafts, food and nonprofit information, along with a chance to stroll in and out of shops on both sides of Broad Street.

Amusement rides will be set up in the W. New Hampshire Avenue block.

Nonprofits and Businesses

There will be 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.

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 to 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 present 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.

Entertainment

Main Stage entertainers this year include the Quicksilver Cloggers (10 to 10:30 a.m.); Fine Blue Line, a bluegrass group (10:30 to 11:20 a.m.); New Buffalo Thunder, acoustic covers (11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.); Jacked Up Hot Rods, 70s rock (12:30 to 1:20 p.m.); Hard Traveling with Danny Cowan, blues (1:30 to 2:20 p.m.); and Brad Stockham and the Jason Adamo Band (2:30 to 3:20 p.m). The stage will be located on E. New Hampshire Avenue.

Entertainment on the Kids Block Stage will be held in the grassy area beside the Sunrise Theater. This year's lineup includes performances by Martial Arts Academy of Southern Pines at 11 a.m.; Sandhills Theatre Arts Renaissance School at noon; Sandhills Academy of Gymnastics at 1 p.m.; the Performing Arts Club for Kids at Pinehurst Elementary School at 1:30 p.m.; TerpsichoreA Moving Experience at 2 p.m.; and Seven Lakes Dance at 2:45 p.m.

Arts and Crafts

Art lovers in the community will find an eclectic variety of creations to suit every taste and budget. There'll be traditional pottery, and pottery with a modern twist, paintings, drawings, art jewelry, weaving, metal sculpture, and much more.

Artists range from those participating for the first time, like Aberdeen mixed media artist, Jodi Ohl, to second-year exhibitor and coil potter, Hank Allred, to perennial favorites like jewelry artists Nita and Leah Brown of Colors of the Sea Jewelry in Kill Devil Hills.

Book Sale

The Southern Pines Public Library's annual Friends' Book Sale will be held at the historic Train Depot from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 25.

According to Library Director Lynn Thompson, thousands of almost-new, gently-used and vintage books will be available for purchase at this year's sale.

"Books for people of all ages and interests will be available at extremely reasonable prices," says Thompson. "Proceeds from the sale will continue to benefit a variety of programs for all ages, sponsored by the Friends of the Southern Pines Library."

Proceeds from the sales will continue to help fund a variety of upcoming library events.

For more information about the Friends' Book Sale or other library events, visit www.sppl.net.

Kiwanis Fundraiser

The Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills sponsors its annual "take-out" chicken dinner Friday, April 24, from 4:30 to 8 p.m.), at the Southern Pines Elementary School on E. Massachusetts Avenue, at a cost of $6 per plate.

Then during Springfest, the club members will man a barbecue stand. Chopped barbecue, cole slaw, baked beans, and rolls will be served for $6 per plate. The stand will be located on E. Broad Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

The proceeds will fund charities devoted to the children of the Sandhills.

Racing

The Southern Pines Recreation and Parks Department sponsors the youth bike races, which are open to youth ages 10 and under. The races, which are held in front of the Sunrise Theater, are free.

"Bring your own bike, and helmets are required," says Sue Gillis, program coordinator.

Registration is held from 9 to 11 a.m., and races begin at 11:15 a.m.

For more information on the bike races, call 692-2463 or visit www.southernpines.net/recreation.

At the conclusion of the youth bike races, the Pinewood Derby will commence at approximately 1 p.m.

The Derby has been a part of Scouting since 1953. During Springfest, the Cub Scouts of Moore District, Occoneechee Council, will be having their annual championship races, where the top three boys in each category will compete to win the District Trophy.

The three categories are speed, beauty and uniqueness.

Streets Closed

On the day of the event, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. North West and North East 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," says a spokesman.

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.