Mainx24, a 24-hour-long festival celebrating Main Street and the surrounding Southside, will be Saturday.

At last count, 68 community events were planned, spanning 26 hours total.

Now in its third year, the 2009 edition of Mainx24 already surpasses past years in community involvement and programming, officials said.

Technically, Mainx24 starts at 8 a.m. with three art installations at Contropasso’s former spot on Rossville Avenue. A quick hike down the street to Firehall #1 delivers fresh pancakes at 8:30. For the Southside’s four-legged friends and their allies, the Mutt Strut starts at 9, as does a day full of horse and carriage rides. Fine arts at 509 E. Main and a crafts fair at the Clarke Center showcase Southside talent and in the afternoon, the Soho building hosts local music and dance.

The day continues with a big announcement by Mission on Main at 10 am, as well as a pre-party for the Southside Parade at the Terminal Brewhouse. Simultaneously, there are open house events at the Persian Rug Company, Shadowbox, an outdoor sculpture park near OCI, and the chance to make glass ornaments at Ignis. The parade starts at 11, featuring the Howard High School marching band, the Chattanooga Roller Derby Girls, and more than a few wild animals.

Other highlights include the OCI Chili Cook-off at 2 pm, an SEC football watching party at CreateHere at 4 p.m.; a Mainx24 fashion show at the ChooChoo at 4 p.m.; a Holiday Market at the First Tennessee Pavillion from noon to 5 p.m.; The Main Event, featuring internationally acclaimed Mix Master Mike at 9 p.m.; Eggs Benedict at 6 a.m.; and finally, Yoga for Hangovers at Madia’s, starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday.

Zarzours, the popular family restaurant on Rossville Avenue, will be open Saturday - for the first time in its 92 years.

For the full schedule, go to http://mainx24.com