Claiming itself to be “Home of the World’s Largest Bagel,” Mattoon will feature its annual Bagelfest at Peterson Park this weekend.

Bagelfest was started 17 years ago by the Lender’s Bagel Company to introduce their product and corporation to the area. It has now become a three-day event that features activities and entertainment for all ages.

This year’s events will feature Marty Stuart as the headline entertainment on Saturday and Cyndi Thompson will be the feature performer on Friday.

Thursday is when the fun starts featuring a Bagel Bonnet Contest at 2pm sponsored by Pacesetters Beauty Salon. There will also be carnival and food booths, plus a gospel music concert at 7pm. The Beautiful Bagel Baby Contest at Cross County Mall also begins at 7pm.

Friday will be a full day with arts and crafts booths, a softball tournament and the ever-popular beer tent. The Bagelfest Parade starts at 6pm, followed by the entertainment for the night.

Bright and early Saturday morning is the Run for the Bagel at 7:30am at the YMCA. Starting at 8am, there will be the Opening Ceremonies for the “Largest Bagel Breakfast in the World Carnival.”

The rest of the day’s events will include various bands, a softball tournament, queen contest and talent competition. The entertainment for the night lasts from 8-11pm in the beer tent.

General admission for the Stuart concert wil be $2 per person.