FAIRMONT — When he addressed those gathered Saturday on Main Street for the opening ceremony of the 23rd annual Fairmont Farmers Festival, Mayor Charles Kemp couldn’t disguise the pride he has in his community.

“This is a great day for Fairmont,” he said. “It is our day to shine.”

The festivities began with a 107-unit parade — with grand marshals being E.R. and Alma Gause — that included several Shriners groups, marching bands and drill teams, floats, tractors, horses, clowns and the queens crowned last week during the Fairmont Farmers Festival Scholarship Pageant. Reigning Miss North Carolina Katherine Southard made a special appearance.

After the parade, attention of festival-goers turned to the variety of food, games and arts and crafts booths in the downtown area. From rap and rock, to country and gospel -- a wide range of music could be heard floating throughout the area.

For many, the highlight of the day was the Civil War re-enactment of the “Raid on Ashpole” and the war camp set up in the town’s community park. This is the second year that the Harrington Light Artillery and the North Carolina Artillery Battalion have sponsored the event, which offers visitors a look at life and hardship during the Civil War.

Others wandered to the car, motorcycle and tractor show sponsored by the Fairmont Civitan Club.

The festival appealed to vistors of nearly every age level.

“I just like everything about this festival,” said Mary Taylor, of Rowland, as she watched the parade. “I come every year. I love having fun. I’m going to see everything. I’m in no hurry to go home.”

Jesse Flowers, 8, of Fairmont, also said he enjoyed everything the festival had to offer.

“I especially like the marshmallow shooter,” he said as he held up the toy he had just purchased from a vender.

Nell and Jerry Leggett, of Fairmont, also gave the festival a thumbs up rating. The couple brought their 2-year-old grandson, Taylor, to the parade.

“We come here every year,” Nell said. “This is the best thing that Fairmont does.”

Mayor Kemp said immediately after the parade that between 5,000 and 7,000 people are expected to attend the festival.

“This is the biggest day (of the year) for Fairmont,” he said. “Even if people don’t buy things, they may see something that they like that will make them want to come back.”

Saturday’s events ended with a dance held at the Southeastern North Carolina Agricultural Center. The Pizazz Band provided the music.

Today’s events include the Civil War re-enactment camp, which can be viewed today beginning at 10 a.m. An outdoor Civil War period worship service will be conducted at 11 a.m.

The “Raid on Ashpole” will be re-enacted at 2 p.m. across the street from the community park, next to the canal. According to Kemp, an addition to this year’s re-enactment includes more than 100 soldiers fighting their way down Main Street to the site of the battle.