Omega Pepper Festival promises ‘hot’ time this weekend
OMEGA, Ga. – The city of Omega is bustling as they’re getting ready for the 20th annual Pepper Festival, not letting some on and off showers affect them.
Throughout the day Friday afternoon, vendors have been getting set up in Omega…
And, organizer, Cecille Gilliard walked us through the two-decades history of the Pepper Festival.
“Well, at the time we started this, there were lots of farmers around here growing peppers. They aren’t growing that many now, but that’s why we chose pepper for the name of our festival,” said Cecille Gilliard, event organizer, Omega Pepper Festival.
In fact, her grandson Vincent has been helping out at the festival nearly every year of its operation…
Now… he’s here as a vendor.
“But, my grandma actually helped start this festival way back in the day. So, growing up, I’ve always kind of had my hands in it and actually be on this side of it. And, to be in this town that I grew up in, I just really enjoy it. And, it’s just a very family oriented vibe I get when I’m here. And, the people are really generous and it’s one of my favorite towns,” said Vincent Gilliard, vendor.
While passing showers have made things a little more slick than they would have hoped, the organizers are hoping for a large turnout this weekend.
“We want them to come down here tomorrow. Tomorrow’s that big day. We’ve got a well-known band closing us out tomorrow night… And, we want them to come, bring their kids to just have fun,” said Cecille.
“It’s very near and dear to my heart. I feel like I can give back to the community that I grew up in and all the other people that I know that have watched me grow up in this town; I feel a real deep connection when I give them my food because, you know, it’s just it’s just a part a sense of community that you don’t find in many places like in this little town,” said Vincent.
They’re not letting any chance of rain put a damper on things as they expect plenty of people out to celebrate the Pepper Festival.
The Pepper Festival will take place just off of U.S. route 319 in Omega starting at 10:30 a.m. with the Pepper Parade.
Brian Roche reporting.
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