FAIRMONT — One of Fairmont’s most revered citizens, Ervin R. Gause, will serve as grand marshal of the 23rd annual Fairmont Farmers Festival, which is scheduled for Saturday. At his side will be Alma, his wife of 58 years.

The all-day festival includes a parade, various entertainment, arts and crafts, an antique car show, civil war reenactment and tons of food.

The festival kicks off with the parade at 10 a.m. featuring Mr. and Mrs. Gause, both retired teachers who have long called Fairmont home.

Getting the 87-year-old Gause to serve as grand marshal is a joy long anticipated by Fairmont Mayor Charles Kemp, who suggested him several years ago. Health issues prevented him from accepting then, but this fall Mr. Gause gladly accepted.

“He is an absolute legend in this community,” Kemp said. “The auditorium at Rosenwald Elementary School is named after him.”

Gause taught agriculture and horticulture at Rosenwald and Fairmont High School, worked as the district’s transportation director, and served as assistant principal at Fairmont High School for five years. He’s also been a scout leader and a deacon at First Baptist Church, North Main Street.

“Mr. Gause is one of the longest serving and most beloved educators and community leaders in the history of this town. His participation as grand marshal along with his wife is a fitting tribute to his service,” Kemp said.

Rounding out the parade will be the usual participants: Several Shriner groups, marching bands, tractors and a bevy of beautiful queens, including the reigning Miss North Carolina, Katherine Elizabeth Southard.

The Fairmont Farmers Festival Pageant was held Saturday, which served to crown six queens and three ambassadors, who will all be featured in the parade.

The 2009-2010 Festival Queens include: Wee Miss Kaylin Danielle Baily, daughter of Bill and Tammie Bailey; Little Miss Natalee Kay Britt, daughter of Erica Britt; Tiny Miss Tristen Carole Rich, daughter of Clifton and Michelle Rich; Junior Miss Madilyn Ashley Mayers, daughter of Michael and Ashley Mayers; Teen Miss Elizabeth Alexandra Rogers, daughter of Tommy and Sue Rogers; Miss Kensey Ann Bartley, daughter of David and Ann Bartley; Mini Ambassador Madison Strickland, daughter of Archie Strickland and Tina Carter; Royal Ambassador Brianna Hunt, daughter of Glois Hunt; and Ambassador Brittany Deese, daughter of Kevin and Mishalean Deese.

Following Saturday’s big parade, participants can eat lunch from a variety of food vendors, browse the arts and crafts area or check out all the shiny cars and tractors at the car show.

There will be plenty of musical entertainment, including groups performing rap, rock, gospel and country music.

Saturday night ends with a dance at the Southeastern N.C. Agricultural Center that begins at 9 p.m. The Pizazz Band will be performing. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

Another major event for this year’s festival is the Civil War Reenactment “Raid on Ashpole” to be held on Saturday and Sunday. It is sponsored by the Harrington Light Artillery and the North Carolina Artillery Battalion. Last year the group had 35 members recreating a battle between Union and Confederate troops near the town’s canal.

This year 95 members have committed to the weekend event, Kemp said. The Civil War camp will be located in the Fairmont Community Park and will open to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The battle reenactment will be located across the street from the park next to the canal. The battle begins at 2 p.m. on both days and will last about 40 minutes.

The presentation will highlight weapons that were used in the Civil War, camp life the troops endured, infantry and artillery demonstrations, army blacksmiths and folk medicine.