Second Saturday in the Bay: Dolly Should, and you should, too

BAY ST. LOUIS -- Dolly Parton should come to Bay St. Louis.

That's the sentiment behind Saturday's "Dolly Should," a Parton-themed Second Saturday Art Walk in Old Town. The festival pays tribute to the iconic singer and actress, who will turn 70 on Jan. 19.

"When we did Frida (Kahlo) Fest back in the summer, someone said, 'We should do something for Dolly,'" merchant Ann Madden of Smith and Lens said. "Plus, (Sandy Maggio of Smith and Lens) and I are both big fans. If you're not a fan of Dolly's, if you come to this, you will leave one. I'm not a big country music person, but it's all nostalgia."

Maggio, who called Parton a "national treasure," said she deserves the recognition.

"Dolly Parton is an icon of both music and fashion," she said. "She's a very positive person. Everybody loves Dolly. She's very community-driven."

The one-day festival will include an edible sculpture contest, petting zoo, square dancing, bake-off, an around-town pie-tasting, hayrides and live music. And although Parton will probably not be there in person, her spirit will be everywhere.

"We're having a Dolly Parton look-alike contest at 7:30 p.m.," Madden said. "This is for women and men who want to put on their best Dolly attire."

Parton wannabes can also take part in the Books, Boots and Boobs 5K costume run.

Maggio said the run is a nod to one of Parton's more noticeable attributes -- her devotion to childhood literacy.

"All the proceeds from the race will go to benefit the Hancock County Library on behalf of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, so put your wigs on and get ready to run," she said. "(Parton) does so much to help promote early-childhood literacy. She's a very giving person."

Both of the organizers said the Bay has been very supportive.

"This a community effort," Madden said. "It's already a Second Saturday and all of the stores and restaurants were already staying open. We have had a lot of enthusiastic feedback from the merchants who are on board."

Maggio said getting the merchants on board for Dolly Should was fairly easy.

"Frida Fest was successful, but everyone knows who Dolly is and everyone wants to be a part of this," she said.

Though they may agree on the event, they are divided when it comes to Parton's music.

"'Jolene,' absolutely 'Jolene,'" Maggio said when asked her favorite Parton song.

Madden chose something from Parton's film debut as Doralee Rhodes.

"I love the theme from '9 to 5,'" Madden said. "My kids like it, too."

But will Dolly actually show up?

Madden said they reached out to the singer in a number of ways.

"We received some contact information, and we sent her people a formal invitation," she said. "We haven't heard back from her officially, but we did hear that she will be in Los Angeles and probably won't be able to attend. We're still hopeful, and who knows? Maybe she can make it next year."

But Madden promises a great time this year, even if Parton can't attend.

"Everyone should come out, because this is going to be amazing," Madden said. "You will be really sad if you miss this."

This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 5:10 PM with the headline "Second Saturday in the Bay: Dolly Should, and you should, too ."