The annual Northside Festival kicks off its 13th year on Friday. 

The festival was started by business people, northend residents and people wanting to give back to students. Paul Gatewood is part of the Northend Community Association which puts on the festival. He says any funds raised during the event go towards scholarships for graduating Lafayette High School students. 

“We all get together and focus on trying to raise this money for these kids and encourage them to go to college and be our future (and) make St. Joe great,” Gatewood said. 

The Northside Festival begins at 5 p.m. Friday and runs through 5 p.m. Sunday at Krug Park. The event features live music, vendors, crafts and activities for children throughout the weekend. The fireworks show begins after sunset on Friday. On Saturday, a parade at 9:30 a.m. will start at Speedy’s and travel St. Joe Avenue to end up at Krug Park. 

For more information on the Northside Festival, go to the Northside Festival Facebook page.