WALHALLA — Downtown merchants could be dancing in the streets if the MayFest event they are hosting attracts Mother’s Day shoppers to their stores this weekend.

Starting at 11 a.m. today, vendors will showcase booths on Main Street featuring arts, crafts and foods.

The event also features a giant blow-up castle that’s guaranteed to keep children having fun all day for $5.

Vendors’ booths will offer pottery, jewelry, handcrafts and plenty of food.

The party continues from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday with entertainment all day at the outdoor stage next to Arby’s.

From 11 a.m. to noon, politicians running for office in the June 10 primary are being offered the stage so they can make a pitch to voters.

Nancy Schwery, owner of Candle Creations, said some 30 vendors have signed up for the event. Schwery, an official with the Walhalla Merchants Association, said the event is making a comeback after it was postponed last year.

“It was called the Oconee Culture Festival last year,” said Schwery, adding that the event was scrubbed for lack of vendor interest.

Roy Freeman, owner of Roy’s Books & Music, thinks that events such as MayFest help inject life into the downtown to generate business for struggling stores.

“I did great business during Oktoberfest last year,” Freeman said. “We need more of that.”

Schwery said booths still are available at a cost of $35 for one day and $60 for two. For more information, call her at 864-710-9213.