From Heritage Days to Human Hamster Balls to a Talent Show, this year’s Best of Badin Festival is gearing up to be great fun for everyone.

The two-day festival begins with a bang on Friday with performances by the Southern Express Cloggers. The Essentials play for a street dance from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. On Saturday, the Nostalgia Band plays music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Over at the Badin Museum complex three museums depict every aspect of Badin history. On the grounds, a Heritage Days display includes a Civil War demonstration, arrowheads, woodworking, basket weaving and a tractor show. Inflatable rides include the Human Hamster Balls this year, a certain pleaser for the younger set.

The ever-popular Tours of the Narrows Dam run on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Badin High School Alum will gather for reunions: the class of 1955, the last class to hold their graduation ceremony in the Badin Theater, and the class of 1956.

New this year is the Badin’s Got Talent show. Applications for entry may be made until September 10 by calling 704-322-1143 or email badingirl1@yahoo.com. Auditions take place at the Badin Inn on September 11 from 10 a.m. to Noon. Males and females of any age may apply and there are prizes for the winners.

There’ll be a variety of food and drink available and plenty of booths where you can find that unique gift for yourself or someone special.

And to top off a grand event, a spectacular fireworks display takes place over Badin Lake at 9 p.m. on Saturday night.

Best of Badin Festival, Friday and Saturday, September 17 and 18, 2010. Save the date.

Best of Badin Festival