Suffolk News-Herald

Merchants in downtown Driver are having parties for the next two weekends – and you’re invited.

The loosely knit group of business owners in the northern Suffolk village is sponsoring two spring festivals: the 2nd Annual Spring Fling this weekend, the Driver Flea Market and Swamp Meet next weekend.

The former will feature an array of crafters, food vendors and children’s activities, including pony rides, said Ellisse Parker, who owns Arthur’s Sweet Pickle. Festivities will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The latter activity will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 3 and noon to 5 p.m. May 4. The event will give people who’ve had a chance to clean out the closets the chance to sell their discards.

People can rent space for $20 by calling 538-3820, Parker added.

If the Spring Fling is rained out this weekend, it will be held together with the flea market.

Festival-goers to both events will find special bargains and activities in Driver’s shops, Parker said.

Unlike the village’s annual Driver Days Festival, held each fall to raise money for the Driver Volunteer Fire Department, the spring festivals are being held to promote the village’s business district.

&uot;Coming out of winter, this is a way we can refocus on business in (downtown) Driver,&uot; Parker said.

Shoppers will be surprised at the array of products they will find in Driver.

&uot;People will realize they don’t always need to go to the mall,&uot; Parker said. &uot;…It will also foster teambuilding among the businesses in Driver’s downtown business district.&uot;