Video: Sawmill Economic Impact

BRUCE, Miss. (WCBI)— The square in Bruce was bustling as residents made their way to the annual Sawmill Festival but organizers say things got started way before today.

Saw Festival Chairman JOEL McNeece says” um a lot of folks filled up the square last night.. there still coming in all day today”

And with this being the 22 annual festival…they have over 100 vendors which is more than they’ve ever seen in years past and one vendor tells me why she comes back each year.

A vendor, Mary Byrd say,” I have done very well every year and I’m so glad to come here and the people they come out and they support you well and that’s what I enjoy the most.”

The saw mill festival generated about 5- thousand people total each year.
Now many small towns hold festivals such as this to help boost the local economy and Saw mill Chairman says that’s just what This one does.

The festival is very unique. The City of Bruce has 6 civic organizations and they each play a role in helping to make the festival a success In different areas.

McNeece say,” so all the money from our vendors from our tee- shirt sales here at the festival goes into one pot and then after we finish paying all the bills at the end of the festival we divide that up among the same 6 civic clubs and then they re-invest it right here in the community.”

residents tell me they don’t mind giving back because they like supporting the community… and every one has their what they like seeing at the festival each year.

Chairman McNeece says the money generated from the festival goes to scholarships and other charitable organizations.