MAINx24 Festival returns this weekend

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Holiday Cheer is in the air as the MAINx24 festival returns back the scenic city this weekend. 

“We are looking forward to this day all year long. MAINx24 is all about celebrating the fantastic businesses and restaurants and really just everything that happens on the south side,” said Kelly Allen, volunteer with the MAINx24 committee

The 24-hour festival has been celebrated in Chattanooga since 2007. 

As a part of the festival folks are able to experience the biggest parade along Main Street. 

Allen considers the festival a way to celebrate all things Chattanooga.

“There is just so much to do and experience, and a lot of the folks in the parade give things away, even like books and stuff for kids,” said Allen. “And so it is a great way to just kick off the day.” 

Following the parade,  Allen explains what MAINx24 will also feature.

“The Chili cook off is going to happen right by OCI, after that, we will have photos with Santa at the Choo Choo, we will have all sorts of live music. So you will just see people right here on the street,” said Allen. “We will have an organ set up. People will be playing and singing. We will have all kinds of different parties.”

The MAINx24 festival is free to the public all day long. 

And for more than 18 years, Allen says this event is catered to showing love to the Southside. 

“Some of our businesses tell us it is their most successful day financially, and that keeps them going all year long, because they have such a huge attendance on this one day of the year. So it is sort of like their Black Friday on Main Street” said Allen. “So it is just a great way to do your Christmas shopping. Support local businesses, find out about all the things that are happening and have just a really good time.”