Oconee Gears Up for 38th Annual Fall Festival

More than 225 arts and crafts exhibitors will be set up in downtown Watkinsville for the on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"The Fall Festival is an established event where the community comes together to see old friends, enjoy the day shopping and eating delicious foods and listening to music," said Julia Estess, Fall Festival coordinator with the .

Some of the most unique items for sale will be candleholders made out of driftwood, pine straw baskets, wind chimes, birdfeeders and clocks made out of antique china and glass, she said. There will also be jewelry made out of fishing products like spinner bait blades and soft plastic baits.

Admission is free. Festival foods like funnel cakes, barbecue, and fresh popped kettle corn will be available for purchase.  There will also be activities for the children including a rock climbing wall, a spider jump, pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatable slides, and train rides.

Musical lineup

8:30- 9 a.m. –

9:15-10:15 a.m. – Crossdriven

10:30-11:30 a.m.– Athens

11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. – Matt Joiner

1:15- 2:30 p.m. –

2:45 - 4 p.m. – The Michael Guthrie Band

Scarecrow Race

The annual Scarecrow 5K Road Race and Fun Run are held on the morning of the Fall Festival.  It's an event that has grown in popularity over the years, according to a news release.

The 5K gets under way at 8 a.m. and the Fun Run begins at 9 a.m. at . See a map of the route.

Winners from each age group and the Overall Male and Female and Overall Male and Female Masters will be awarded pottery prizes.

So far, 120 race applications have been turned in and another 100 sign-ups are expected on the day of the race, Estess said. The late entry fee is $20 per runner.

Where to park

Free parking will be available at Southwire and with complimentary hayrides over to the festival.  Several local churches are also opening up their lots and asking for a donation.

Boy Scout Troop #537 will be collecting $5 to park in a Simonton Bridge Road lot and in the parking lot as a fundraiser.

The Watkinsville police department and road department will work to keep the event running smoothly, Mayor Joe Walter said at a council meeting Wednesday.

The following intersections will be blocked for the Fall Festival:

• Main Street and 3rd Street
• Main Street and 1st  Street
• Simonton Bridge and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Streets
• Thrasher Drive and 3rd Street                   

Volunteers are still needed to help clean up from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Contact Julia Estess by phone at (706) 769-7947 or by email at jestess@oconeechamber.org.

The festival is made possible through sponsorships and volunteer efforts.  For a complete list of sponsors, visit the Chamber website.

What do you most look forward to at the Fall Festival?