The event coordinators say they are really excited to see the high interest in the Columbus Farm Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 3.

The event just keeps expanding. Not only do they have the Over Mountain Men, but they now have a Fife and Drum group and a Civil War display for the event.

A story teller has been added along with animals from the Humane Society. Music is scheduled, a youth livestock show planned and an apple recipe contest has been announced.

The Columbus Tailgate Market will be in full swing and you can even take a historic buggy ride with local historian John Vining.

Event coordinators say they want to be sure that everyone has an opportunity to participate. Here are some things still in the planning.

Rusty Farmer Equipment Show: They plan to pull the old equipment and farm tools from behind the barn and fill the street.&bsp; The festival will accept reconditioned equipment, but&bsp; encourages the old rusty stuff. Equipment must be from Polk County and the festival is especially interested in hard to identify items.

Preregistration is required, so please call (894-2281) to reserve your place for this &dquo;have fun&dquo; event. A prize will be given to the person who can identify the most equipment.

Clean the closet: The festival needs good clean stuffed toys for kid prizes for the country contests. Children will be given prizes for throwing a ringer, tossing a bean bag or catching a toy fish. Stuffed toys can be dropped off at the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District Office.

Vendors can still register.&bsp; Non-profits are free, craft vendors demonstrating their craft are free and others pay a fee.&bsp; Non-profits are encouraged to have fund raising activities and there is still plenty of room for more food activities.

For additional information or vendor applications, call 828-894-2281.

This event is being sponsored by the Town of Columbus, the Polk County Cooperative Extension Service, the Tryon Arts and Crafts Center and the Polk County Office of Agricultural Economic Development.

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