Spring is just around the corner, and in the South, that means pollen is coming with it.

  In Hampton, that means it’s also time for a good, old-fashioned festival.

  The 11th annual Yellow Pollen Festival is slated for March 16 from 9 a.m., to 5 p.m., in downtown Hampton.

  Admission to the festival is free. Vendors offering jewelry, woodworking and other items will be available at the event, along with festival favorites like pork skins and boiled peanuts.

  Michelle Pyrtle and Tracy North, co-owners and Rutabaga’s Market and Cafe, are coordinating Yellow Pollen Festival for the Hampton Business Merchants Association

  North said the annual occasion’s “small-town feel” helps to bring people together.

  “Everybody knows everybody, and everybody comes out to see each other,” said North.”The food is going to be unbelievable – funnel cakes, hand-dipped corn dogs, Greek food, Cuban sandwiches, and baked goods. We have shaved ice and lemonade vendors also. Of course, Rutabagas will have food, too, so we’ll have our regular menu.”

  Pyrtle said the event has “grown by leaps and bounds” over the years, and that this year promises to bring crowds to enjoy a variety of attractions.

  “We’ve got all kinds of arts and crafts, food vendors and we’ve got several bands playing,” said Pyrtle. “Last year, we had 1,000 to 1,200 people. It brings out a sense of community. Hampton’s such a beautiful little town, too.”

  For the first time this year, a number of area musicians will take the stage to perform during the festival. Those musicians include Mark Ware and Shiloh as well as duo Lisa and Andy. Solo artists Michael Jacobs, Danny Bramlet, Brittany Wyatt and Ray Phillips will also perform, as will the Hampton United Methodist Church Children’s Choir and Gift of Dance Studio.

  Jailhouse Brewing Company, at 8 Cherry St., in Hampton, will also host singer-songwriter Michael Tolcher during the festival.

  Pyrtle added that face-painting, rock-climbing and other children’s activities will be available at the festival. Local 4-H’ers will also bring sheep and goats for kids to pet during the event, and Lifesouth Community Blood Centers will have a Bloodmobile at the festival.   For more information, visit https://hamptonga.gov/223/Yel low-Pollen-Street-Festival.