ROCKINGHAM — Next spring, a Richmond County tradition will happen again: Thunderfest will be back in downtown Rockingham at the same time that NASCAR races start up again at Rockingham Speedway.
Monte Crump, the manager of Rockingham City, said that ThunderFest will take the place of SpringFest. SpringFest was an event in central Rockingham that drew kids, foodies, and music fans.
NASCAR said they were going to go back to The Rock, so we know that. “I’m excited to say we’re going back to ThunderFest,” Crump said. “We know it will be Easter weekend next year with events on Friday and Saturday.”
“Remember when ThunderFest was at its peak? There would be 20,000 to 25,000 people here.” We plan to have a parade, food trucks, drivers, and a great band… Along with Richmond County Government and Richmond County Tourism, we’ll be paying for this.
Hundreds of families walked through downtown Rockingham during what is now the last SpringFest, enjoying live music, food, and dozens of games for kids. A lot of different businesses and groups worked together on the event, and each did their own thing to help it grow and become an annual destination.
“People have loved this for years.” It began at Rockingham Speedway, where NASCAR races were held. “Then there was a short break when the races were over,” said Meghann Lambeth, executive head of the Richmond County Tourism Authority.
“We picked it back up for SpringFest last year.” Even though it poured with rain, a lot of people came. We’re so grateful to have nice weather this year.
A spokesperson for Lambeth said that the SpringFest had more than 50 booths selling homemade sweets, drinks, and other items. There was food, drinks, and collectibles for sale, as well as dozens of activities for kids, like face painting and wall climbing.
There was even a NASCAR-themed tire-changing challenge for students to see how good they were as a pit crew member, which now seems like a hint at future events.
“They are going to make a budget for next year’s ThunderFest…”The Richmond County Chamber of Commerce, Meghann, and Kim Williams, who is in charge of city events in Rockingham, will have a budget by the end of the year.
The Chamber will also be a sponsor. We’re thrilled that we can now plan for ThunderFest to come back. That offer is really great. “That will take the place of SpringFest,” Crump said.