Fall Farm Fun

Published 12:37 pm Friday, October 1, 2010

Downtown Columbus will be bustling with local flavor and fall fun tomorrow as the town holds the second annual Columbus Farm Festival.

The fun starts at 9 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m. You can take a stroll through the Antique Tractor Show, have a hot meal and cold drink or sample fresh baked goods, take a carriage ride, watch Overmountain Men reenactors and much more.

A new addition to this years attractions is a Polks Got Talent talent show, offering several different acts performing on stage for your entertainment. The line-up will feature local musicians, a Zumba Fitness performance, a clogging show, a musical storyteller, gymnasts, dancers and singers.

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You can even get your grocery shopping done during the farm festival at the Columbus Farmers Market. It will be opened extended hours throughout the day, offering a wide selection of local produce, meats, artisan cheeses, fresh breads and baked goods, as well as handmade crafts, body care products, woodworking and even treats for your furry friends.

You can take in a historic guided tour of Columbus on a horse and buggy carriage ride and stay for the Pony Parade in the afternoon. While you’re over by the courthouse, stop by and wet your whistle at the apple cider making exhibit, or enter the apple recipe contest for a chance to win cash prizes. Several food vendors will be located along Mills Street, including Franks Old Fashioned Ice Cream, Joses Wood Fired Pizza and Dentons Bar-B-Q.

Local area businesses like Christopher Carrolls Woodcrafts and Tami Russell Weaving will have demonstration booths, and the Overmountain Men and Civil War reenactors will set up historically accurate encampments, offer guided tours and join in the parade.

There will plenty of free fun games for kids and a hay mountain for them to jump on. Farm animals will be brought in by Polk farmers and the Foothills Humane Society will have some pet friendly creatures up for adoption.

The Boy Scouts will bury a time capsule commemorating the 100th anniversary of BoyScouting in America. All former and present Boy Scouts are invited to attend and participate in the cermony on the front lawn of the Polk County courthouse.

Mills Street (Hwy. 108) will be closed from tonight at 7:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. tomorrow. Motorists will use Peak, Ward and Walker Streets to gain access to Mill Street beyond the downtown area.

The 2009 festival brought out more than 5,000 people. This year organizers say they are expecting even more fun as the community celebrates Polk&bsp; County’s heritage, its charming character, and new growth.

For more information contact Lynn Sprague at 828-894-2281 or John Vining at 828-894-8218.