MONTICELLO — Mayor David Nichols is excited about this year’s26th annual Atwood Music Festival, which is May 26-27.

Ricky Van Shelton will headline the Friday night show, and TracyByrd the Saturday show with special guest comedian Cledus T. Judd.Tickets for the festival are now on sale.

Good food, arts and crafts and plenty of local entertainmentwill be available throughout the two days of the festival, Nicholssaid. An expanded variety of rides and games are also planned.

“We’re looking for a weekend of fun and think we have somethingfor everybody,” Nichols said.

Attractions this year include a hot air balloon race and tennistournament with cash prizes. The balloons will race Saturdaymorning and evening and will offer tether rides if the weatherpermits. Festival highlights include a Hot Air Balloon Glow Fridaynight and a fireworks display Saturday night.

The annual Les Johnson Forestry/Atwood Tennis Tournament is setfor May 26-28 during the festival. The tournament is governed byU.S.T.A. rules.

Tickets for the festival are available in Brookhaven at FirstBank and State Bank; New Hebron, Tri-County Grocery; Monticello,Rhymes Electronics, Vince Tire and Appliance, Super Valu,Monticello Town Hall, Monticello Police Department, AmSouth Bankand First Bank.