Fall officially began Sept. 22, and that means the Hopkins County Fall Festival isn’t too far away with the parade set Oct. 16 with decorated hay bales popping around the county all the while.
Hay bale entry forms are due by Oct. 9, and the sculptures should be completed by Oct. 21 for judging. Entry is open to all of Hopkins County.
The Fall Festival parade is set at 10 a.m. According to the press release, the parade will start at Buford Park and head down Connally St. to the square where it will turn onto Gilmer, and it will end at Lee St. and Gilmer. The press release reads, “First responders, civic groups, businesses and churches will participate.” Those interested in driving in the parade can message frontporchblake@gmail.com.
The Fall Carnival starts the following Wednesday, Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 24. Advance tickets are available at Super Handy locations for $20, and tickets can be purchased for $25 at the gate. The carnival will be open 6-10 p.m. Oct. 20-21, 6-midnight Oct. 22-23 and 3-9 p.m. Oct. 24.
The Festival begins Friday, Oct. 22 and offers free petting zones, free horse rides and free barrel train rides on the Civic Center grounds 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Arts & Crafts Show will also be ongoing 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The hay bale contest winners will also be announced at 2 p.m.at the Civic Center gazebo. The Festival continues through the next day.
To enter the Arts & Crafts show, contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443, and to enter the Hay Bale Contest, contact Shirley Patchen at 903-885-5914.
For other questions, email Blake Weir at frontporchblake@gmail.com.