As the fall days grow shorter and the temperatures become milder, everyone knows the time is getting closer for Boston’s Mini-Marathon and Festival. Always held the last weekend in October, this year’s event will be Oct. 29-30 with activities focused in the downtown area.

The signature event remains the run/walk event on Saturday morning. In addition to the popular half marathon run and the 5K walk, a 5K run has been added this year. Brad Johnson, run/walk events chair, is excited about adding the 5K run and he expects more runners than ever to participate.

The Miss Boston Pageant kicks off activities the Saturday before the festival weekend. The pageant, held for the first time in an outdoor venue, will be Saturday, Oct. 23. Located in downtown Boston, Watt Park will provide a charming backdrop for the pageant. Qualifying candidates will compete in age groups: Wee Miss (ages 3 to 5), Jr. Little Miss (ages 6 to 8), Little Miss (ages 9 to 11), Junior Miss (ages 12 to 4), and Miss Boston (ages 15 to 19). Reigning Miss Boston, Courtlen McCullers, will crown the new Miss Boston. Hannah Evans is chairing this event. Registration forms are available at bostoncommunityclub.org or bostonga.com or call (229) 498-1146.

A festival atmosphere prevails Friday, Oct. 29 as food vendors set up and the crowd gathers for live entertainment in Watt Park. Participants in the cook off event, Best Barbecue in Boston, can sign in by 6 p.m.; Christine Welsh oversees this event and invites all competitors, new and experienced, to join in. Judging begins Saturday at noon by a special panel of judges; winners will be announced at 3 p.m.. Categories are butts, ribs and brisket; grand champion and reserve champion will be awarded cash prizes.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and prepare to enjoy yourself Friday night for an evening of entertainment at no charge. The entertainment begins at 8 p.m. in Watt Park featuring Naturally Southern, a full band acoustic from southern Georgia. You will find it hard to stay in your chair when these folks get cranked up! Come out and enjoy!

Saturday, Oct. 30, activities begin at 6 a.m. with vendor check in at the information booth in front of Synovus Bank on Jefferson Street and the race/walk participants check in at the tent on East Jefferson Street. Music fills the air as race/walk participants begin to line up. Runners from across the South will participate in the race which covers a wheel-measured, sanctioned course through the pastoral countryside. After the presentation of the Star Spangled Banner, the signal sounds at 8 a.m. sending the runners off to complete the 13.1 mile course; participants in the 5K Run follow at 8:10; participants in the 5K Walk leave at 8:15. 

“Registration is brisk and competition is keen,” said race director Brad Johnson. “Register early to assure receiving a packet with our popular commemorative T-shirt on race day. You will want this special design to add to your collection.” 

Register online directly at: runsignup.com; get a form from the website, bostoncommunityclub.org, city of Boston’s www.bostonga.com; forms are also available at local businesses or call Johnson at (229) 221-8092.

The tantalizing aromas of barbecue, fried fish, funnel cakes, and other festival fare fill the air as the food court opens by 9. Food trucks from Moultrie, Valdosta and Thomas County will be set up in the parking lot at Synovus bank; picnic tables surrounded by the food vendors will provide seating and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy your fare. In addition to the food court, local restaurants will be open serving their specialties.

Arts and crafts vendors, offering a wide selection of homemade, handcrafted and organic items will be set up along Jefferson Street between Main and Norton streets. There will be handcrafted wood furniture and signs, handcrafted leather goods, homemade soaps and toiletries, baked goods, custom handpainted bricks and nursery items. These are just a few of the quality crafts to be offered. Bring your Christmas shopping list because you are sure to find unique items for the special folks on your list, organizers say. Downtown shops and boutiques will be open and invite everyone in to browse and shop. Festival co-chairs are also organizing the vendors; they encourage those interested to pre-register early to insure a good spot.

Entertainment throughout the day includes a DJ playing upbeat music to keep you tapping your toes, TCCHS dancers and more. All entertainment will be located in Watt Park.

At 10:30, the Halloween costume contest will be held in Watt Park. Appealing to children of all ages, contestants line up to be viewed by the audience and judged in their costumes. To compete, simply come in your costume to Watt Park by 10:30.

Carrie Pope is coordinating this event. 

“We invite young and old alike to participate in the fun,” she said. “Judged by age groups; the competition is friendly and all participants get prizes! There will be some spook-tac-ular costumes.”

The young folks are in for a special treat. Stroll through the breezeway on the east side of Main Street to the Kids Karnival area. Activities are designed to appeal to kids 12 and under but it is open to all ages. There will be a petting zoo from Fifth Day Farm, a bouncy house, inflatable slide, obstacle course and more. All of these activities are available at no charge. For more information about the Kids Karnival, call Amanda, Christine or Hannah at (229) 498-1146.

Local fire and police departments will be on hand with safety demonstrations including precautions to take in case of house fire, the value of always wearing a seatbelt and other hands-on opportunities to heighten awareness and improve safety practices.

Classic car aficionados will enjoy the amazing vehicles displayed on Main Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marshall and Johanna Gaines have organized an outstanding group of owners and their lovingly restored vintage and classic vehicles. Don’t miss an opportunity to view these unique vehicles and talk with the owners. Contact Marshall or Johanna directly if you have questions; call or text: (229) 225-6630.

The parade will be at 2 p.m. Featuring the newly-crowned Miss Boston and her court, floats and festival queens from surrounding communities, Thomas County Central High School Marching Band, equestrian units, classic cars

 and many others, the parade will follow a different route. There is no fee to enter but you must pre-register. Forms are available on the website, at local businesses or call (229) 498-1146.

Sponsored by the Boston Community Club, the 41st Annual Mini-Marathon and Festival promises a weekend chockfull of activities for the entire family. This is one of the oldest and largest southern Georgia festivals; all proceeds are used for community events. Membership in Boston Community Club is open to everyone in the Boston community; there are no dues.

Lauren Bearden, club president, is excited about the festival. 

“In this time of COVId, we need opportunities outdoors to relax and enjoy our community,” she said. “The Mini-Marathon and Festival provides a perfect opportunity to do just that. Boston is rolling out the red carpet just for you! We look forward to seeing you.”

Visit the community club’s website, bostoncommunityclub.org or City of Boston’s website, www.bostonga.com click on events and follow prompts for Mini-Marathon or call (229) 498-1146 for more information.