An estimated 2,000 people are set to attend today’s final day of the Opp May Day celebration.

Mayor H.D. Edgar said the two-day celebration, which began yesterday, could see up to 3,000 people – which is good economic news for Opp.

“Of course, we hope those people shop in Opp,” Edgar said. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to have a good time.

“The weather looks like it’s going to hold out to be a beautiful day,” he said. “This year’s event has been organized fairly well, with one of the highlights as men’s and women’s softball tournaments.

“We just want everyone to be safe, obey the laws and have a good time in Opp,” he said.

The event was organized to “celebrate the freedom from slavery.”

Last year, Opp’s district four councilman and event director Dave Lindsey explained the motivation behind the event.

“Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in January, but it wasn’t until May that the northern forces made their advance and freed the slaves in the South,” he said. “That’s why we celebrate in May.”

The festivities will conclude tonight, and extra law enforcement is being brought in to help with traffic control.