Pavo's Royal Court makes its way through the 2015 Peacock Day parade.

THOMASVILLE — An established family festival will strut its stuff in Pavo this weekend. The 29th annual Peacock Day festival is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and celebrates life in a small Southern community.

“It’s a family-friendly event and there are things for everyone,” Eileen Weiss, president of Pavo Civic Club, said. “It’s a wonderful day to spend outside and just be with your family and friends.”

A new event this year is the one-mile Fun Run. The run is for children, ages 12 and under, and begins at 8:30 a.m. Sign-up forms were distributed to area schools and approximately 50 kids are registered to participate, said event organizer Margie Massey. Local high school athletes and top scholars have been invited to act as run mentors and marshals.

“The run is not timed and they will go around the track (circling the city’s baseball field) to make a mile,” she said. “Everyone will receive a prize packet and a medal for participation.”

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. and will feature the traditional horses, first responders, and town mascot Charlie the Peacock. Grand marshal is Charles Hart and the parade will end, as tradition, with the float holding Miss Pavo and her court.

The annual Peacock Quilt raffle also will take place Saturday. The quilt, a tradition begun by Ruby Lee Johnson, is made by the Peacock Quilters each year. Tickets are $1 each and will be sold throughout the day, with the drawing at the end of the event, around 3 p.m. Ticketholder does not have to be present to win.

“The quilt is queen size and has a blue trimming around it, a peacock in the center, and is in shades of blue and yellow,” Weiss said. “It’s very beautiful. We’re always proud of the quilt every year.”

Throughout the day will also be arts and crafts and food vendors on the Peacock Center grounds (the old Pavo School), located on McDonald Street, as well as a kids’ corner with a variety of games and activities. Food staples include hamburgers, hot dogs and barbecue; arts and crafts are expected to range from jewelry to antiques.

“There’s lots to see and lots to choose from,” Weiss said. “You certainly won’t go hungry.”

There also will be live entertainment by The Daniel Parrish Band from Valdosta, who will play a variety music, and games with audience participation. Organizers promise a few surprises, too.

“The entertainment is always wonderful, the food is always delicious,” Weiss said. “It’s just a great day to spend with family and friends.”