This year’s Gwynn’s Island Festival, scheduled for Saturday, is "going to be fantastic," according to spokesperson Cricket Call. "It really is."

New activities and exhibits are planned for the 63rd festival, which has become a highly anticipated and annual gala on the island. "There will be fun for all ages and interests," Call added.

Per tradition, the festival will kick off Friday night with its famous chicken dinner, available at the Gwynn’s Island Civic Center. For $10, residents and visitors can enjoy fried chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, a ham biscuit and cake, Call said. Take-out dinners will be available beginning at 4:30 p.m. and the sit-down dinner, from 5 to 6:30.

Contact Sandy Mikulecky at 725-9536 or Call at 725-7577 for dinner tickets. Tickets are also available at the Mathews County Visitor and Information Center. "Get your tickets early if you want a great dinner," Call said. "Don&rsqu...