The 12th Annual Green Creek Heritage Festival will be held Saturday, September 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Green Creek Community Center, Inc., located in Green Creek.

In the spring of 1999, Dr. Don McIntyre, then pastor of Green Creek First Baptist Church, birthed the idea of a festival depicting life in Green Creek 100 years ago. His desire was to offer to the community and surrounding area a day of fun, with a look back at how their ancestors lived their daily lives.

The festival was held at the Green Creek Community Center, Inc. and many demonstrations were given that day of the tasks inside and outside a turn of the century home. Antiques were on display and area history was shared with young and old.

Upon the retirement of Marvin Arledge, Dr. McIntyre has assumed the role of president/CEO of the Green Creek Community Center, Inc. He, along with the groups board of directors, oversees the plans for the festival. The ideas from the first festival are still in place with many artisans demonstrating various crafts. A main concern from the beginning and still today was to keep the cost as low as possible so everyone could afford to come. Parking and admission are free. The only costs are for food and the purchase of craft items. Organizers say they are very excited about this years festival and look forward to a record crowd.

The festival parade has increased in participants each year; and organizers say they would like to include as many area organizations as possible. If your civic club, church or school organization, or scout troop would like to participate in the parade register with Francine Costner at 828-863-4065.

The finale to the parade is the Firemens Barrel Roll Competition, now in its seventh year. Local fire departments that would like to participate should contact Tarrence Randolph at 828-863-2340.

The Antique Car, Truck and Antique Tractor Show will again be held across the road in the Green Creek First Baptist parking lot. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and requires a registration fee. Last year more than 80 cars were on display and more are expected this year.

The craft fair, organized by Susie Kimbrell, includes many crafters who will be on site showing and selling their wares. Contact Kimbrell at 828-863-4896 if you would like to reserve a booth to show and/or sell your handmade craft.

David Wallace and Dr. Donald McIntyre have volunteered to cook the barbecue this year. David Page, of Green Creek, will smoke chicken leg-quarters. Barbecue plates and sandwiches will be offered, along with hotdogs, ice cream, lemonade, drinks and bottled water. Proceeds from the sale of food, including the barbecue, will go the community center, a nonprofit community organization. Ten percent of all proceeds are designated to a college scholarship which is awarded to a Green Creek resident each year. (Contact a board member for information on how to apply for this scholarship.)

Phil and Gaye Johnson, Barry Jackson and Southern Pride, and Jennifer Prince are among some the festival favorites singing great gospel, country and bluegrass music. Storyteller Jim Hinsdale will be here along with Lance Smith and Lance Scarlett to spin their yarns for your listening enjoyment. There will again be a health fair, petting zoo, and many other activities. Helen Clark, acting livestock agent, will again have the 4-H Livestock Show.

The event will be advertised more in the coming weeks, so keep a watch on the local papers.

Everyone is invited and encouraged to come for the entire day. There will be something for all ages to enjoy. For more information or to volunteer to help with the festival please contact board member Krista Haynes, festival chairperson, at 828-863-4367. No pets, outside solicitation or food vendors are allowed at the festival.