First Posted: 1/15/2009

LUMBERTON — With clear skies and temperatures in the 60s predicted for Saturday, the weather should be just right for runners, walkers and those with an appetite for chili during the eighth annual Rumba on the Lumber.
The community-wide festival is expected to draw large crowds to the downtown. In addition to the popular 5K race and Family Fun Mile, the event will include a chili-cooking competition, activities for children, plenty of music, arts and crafts, and a variety of food.
The fun begins tonight at 6 with the Allen Orthopedic Friday Night Pasta Party at the Bill Sapp Center. Enjoy a night of music, pasta, dancing and activities for children. Music will be provided by The Holiday Band, which performs a blend of soul, blues, funk and Carolina beach music.
The downtown festival really gets rolling Saturday at 10 a.m. with the start of the Southeastern Regional Medical Center Fun Mile. This free event is a favorite among parents and children.
At 11 a.m. the Lumberton Radiological Associates 5K run/walk kicks off. Participants can run, race, walk or stroll. The cost to enter is $25.
After the run, head on over to the Bud Light North of the Border Chili Cook-off. Sample the variety of chili — from mild to fiery — of the more than 40 contestants in this year’s cook-off. Tickets are $5, and those participating in the 5K race get to sample the chili free.
Country band Heartland will play a few songs “unplugged” and Goldrush will be performing beach, oldies and rock on the stage near Third Street.
The cook-off, being organized by members of the Lumberton Football Association, will be located in front of the Black Water Grille on Third Street and continue down onto Water Street. Gold Rush will be jamming nearby.
Don’t miss the Lumbee River EMC Kidz Zone, always one of the most popular of festival activities. After the Family Fun Mile, children will have the chance to participate in face painting, rock-wall climbing, slides, rides, games and contests.
No festival would be complete without a variety of arts and crafts and food vendors on hand. There will be plenty downtown Saturday tempting Rumba participants with their wares.
The day will unwind with Rumba After Five at the Black Water Grille from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy refreshments and view pictures from the weekend’s events while being entertained by former “American Idol” contestant Charly Lowry.