While it’s sometimes easy to miss the story of the faces on the collection jars or the lives mentioned in the “benefit” announcements, a group of locals are working to remind locals that “Covington County Cares.”

The event, known as the Covington County Cares Festival, is described as a “downtown festivals of old” with a selection of events, arts and crafts and antique car shows – and even a character parade. It will be held on Sat., July 28, at Andalusia City Hall and Springdale, beginning at 3 p.m.

“This is a day of family fun that will benefit Cooper’s Crew, Meredith’s Miracles, Ollie’s Army and the Alabama Talent Co.,” said organizer Kay Wossilek, whose son Christian was the overall winner of this year’s talent hunt. He, along with fellow winners, Brandtley McDonald, Jessica Stark and Jason Jones, will provide entertainment.

Monies raised will benefit the organizations, and locals have many opportunities to participate, Wossilek said.

There is a 5K sponsored by Ollie’s Army, set for 8 a.m., with registration available on active.com. The day’s main events will begin at 3 p.m. with entertainment inside the city hall auditorium hourly until 5 p.m. At 6 p.m., a three-person team adult spelling bee will be held. Cost is $25 to enter with a 20 team maximum. Additionally, there a bake off and barbecue cook off will be held. Entry fee is $5.

Children’s events throughout the day will include a jump house, obstacle course, slide and train rides. The Meredith’s Miracle’s characters will also be there for pictures and character parade.

Admission to the general event is $5.

“We’re trying to raise awareness about the diseases that have affected us so closely in this community,” Wossilek said. “At grand finale of night, at 7 p.m., we’ll have a balloon release. These will be pre-sold – pink for cancer, orange for leukemia and purple for cystic fybrois – for $3 each. They’ll line the walkway to the pond at Springdale. We’ll have a moment of silence and then release them.”

Vendors and sponsors are also needed for the event, she said.

For more information, visit the Covington County Cares Festival Facebook page; call Wossilek at 334-488-6459 or email covingtoncountycaresfestival@gmail.com.