By Leon G. Russ staff writer lruss@hometown-news.com The streets of downtown Spartanburg were packed with festival-goers all weekend long as the annual Spring Fling pulled in young and old alike to the huge street festival. Johnice Wofford of Moore was found walking along Church Street with her husband and two children. She recalled attending Spring Fling when she was a child. She said, "It's been wonderful. It's so family - friendly." She recalled her experiences as a child at Spring Fling and always wanted to bring her kids out but had been worried about violence at previous affairs. Those fears were alleviated, as police were very visible all around the festival. Wofford said, "To have my kids experience this is just wonderful and it's a perfect day for it." There certainly was something for everyone. Music filled the air with bands performing in Morgan Square, on a stage on North Church Street hard against St. John Street, and on stage in Barnet Park. Food was in abundance. Festival-goers who wandered down North Church Street had their choice of tacos, corn dogs, cotton candy, candy apples, funnel cakes, gyros, pizza, and much more. There was something to satisfy any palate. Main Street east of Wild Wing and Groucho's looked like an open-air bazaar. Jewelry, hand - carved wooden figures, candles, soaps, dog clothing and people clothing all could be bought and bargained for. Entertainment could be found around nearly every corner. There were rides for the kids, the King BMX Stunt Show featuring bike riders flying high into the air, skate boarders doing the same, jugglers, clowns, and dancers. Chaz the Magician held court at the intersection of South Church Street and Main Street. A huge crowd gathered around him as he performed sleight of hand and other tricks. He spotted slightly - built Hien Dang, an exchange student from Vietnam currently living in Moore. He told her she was stronger than she realized. The crowd watched as he placed a penny in his hand and closed his fist. He then told her to squeeze her hands as hard as she could. The crowd was amazed when he opened his fist and the penny was bent. Chaz, also known as Charles C. Misenheimer of Richfield, North Carolina, noted this was his fifth year performing at Spring Fling. "It's a great festival," he said, "I just love it." This was the first year the Lopez's of Greer came to Spring Fling. They explained they usually go to Greenville but heard about Spring Fling in Spartanburg and decided to give it a try. They were glad they did. John Lopez was impressed with the layout of Spring Fling, stating there was "a lot more room here than in Greenville." His wife Mona echoed that and noted, "I think we've only seen half of everything that's here." Mona also was happy there was so much free stuff for the kids. With prices soaring for nearly everything, being able to give the kids a fun day outdoors for little cost was a blessing. The smiles, the laughter, the oohs and ahhs that echoed throughout downtown Spartanburg exclaimed that this Spring Fling was a rousing success.