Someone in Roopville thought a town festival every 100 years wasn’t often enough.

When the city celebrated its 100th birthday in 1985, its historical society was asked to organize an annual festival. Years later, the town is still attracting thousands of visitors each September.

The 27th annual Roopville Homecoming Festival Saturday will feature a full day of entertainment, starting with a road race and parade, and ending with entertainment by several local musicians.

“We have lots of new and exciting things this year, which will include our first ever 5K run/walk,” said Joan Huff, one of the event organizers. “All proceeds from the festival are used by the Roopville Archives and Historical Society for projects in and around Roopville. We use the money raised to put back into projects such as the maintenance of the Roop House.”

Huff, a member of the town’s historical society, said last year’s festival attracted about 3,000 visitors, but it’s the type of event where people come and go.

“We have about 85 vendor booths this year, mostly handcrafted arts and crafts,” she said. “We’ll also have a variety of foods, including barbecue, fried fish and other treats.”

The 5K Fun Run/Walk, sponsored by the Roopville Elementary PTO, begins with registration at 6:30 a.m. in front of Roopville Baptist Church and a gun start at 7:30 a.m.

Race pre-registration is $25 in advance and $30 on race day. For more information on the race, call 678-920-2619. Every runner will get a race T-Shirt and all proceeds go to the PTO of Roopville Elementary.

As in the past, parade lineup will begin at the Roopville Elementary School on Old Carrollton Road, at 9 a.m. for anyone riding. Walkers will line up at the north end of Old U.S. Highway 27 at the cul-de-sac, for those who do not want to walk from the school. There is no charge to participate in the parade.

“Just show up at either place and you’ll be lined up,” Huff said.

The Classic Car and Truck Show will be located behind the City Stage on West Circle. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and ends at noon.

Registration is $15 in advance and $20, day of show. Prizes will be awarded for many classes plus a 50/50 jug.

People wanting to enter a vehicle in the show or needing more information, can contact Cecil Davis at 770-845-2242.

After the parade, that starts at 10 a.m., the opening ceremony will begin at 10:45 a.m. on the City Stage.

Admission and parking are free, with the only costs being food and merchandise purchases and some of the children’s events.

“This year’s children area has been moved to a new, more level location and has added new attractions, such as rock climbing wall, bungee jump, horseback riding, petting zoo, games, face painting and more,” Huff said. “Look for signs directing you to the children’s play area.”

O’Brien Productions of Marietta is in charge of the children’s events and the owner of the business has family living in the Roopville area.

The Roop House, Roopville Archives Building, Ag Museum and Old Town Jail will be open for free tours, with an opportunity to have your picture taken “in jail.”

Free parking will be available behind the Methodist Church, old Roopville School parking lot and the Roopville Baptist Church parking lot.

After opening ceremonies, local talent will perform:

11:30 a.m. — Not By Chance, bluegrass gospel

Noon — David Milford and Johnny Wright

12:30 p.m. — Heaven’s Echoes

1 p.m. — Fever Performing Arts

1:30 p.m. — Georgia Peaches Cloggers

2 p.m. — David Bradberry, Indian flute; Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Choir

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Americana Express Band, featuring Gary Duke, Jamie and Harl Baggett, Jonathan Dorsey, and Danny Potter