Thousands expected for Powers Crossroads

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@thecitizennews.com

The Powers Crossroads Country Fair and Arts Festival turns 30 years old this weekend and the community is invited to come out and celebrate.

The event features arts and crafts, food and entertainment, and has built up quite a following over the past three decades.

Each year nearly 300 artists and crafters come to the festival grounds showcasing their wares. Many of the artists return each year and some have attended all 30 years of the festival. Artists like Gwen Gazaway, John Carlson and Betty Kemp have almost become synonymous with Powers Crossroads, while new artists like painter Mark Driscoll bring a new style and a new generation into the festival.

There is also a plethora of diverse entertainment on the Summerhouse Stage, which lights up each year with old and new talent. This year, Teresa Wade and Daniel Young, two up and coming singers, will anchor the weekend long entertainment schedule, while the Bullsboro Bluegrass Band will perform at the festival for the 30th consecutive year.

Other performers include Justin Miller, who at 13 years old is a talent to watch, and Andy Denney, a well-known local performer with notable musical talent.

One of the highlights of the festival that cannot be overlooked, though, is the food. It is almost considered a festival unto itself.

People can enjoy the usual festival fare like funnel cakes or blooming onions, but they can also enjoy "at home" food like fruit plates or a complete chicken dinner. Local church and civic groups provide the food for the festival and truly bring the community together.

There are also demonstrations of skills on the old Powers' Plantation. Festival visitors can see how a blacksmith worked and how a sorghum syrup mill and a grist mill were operated.

The experience is educational and entertaining. A children's park, full of fun for young festival visitors, is near the rear of the festival grounds. Tickets for various activities may be purchased at the children's park.

The 30th Powers Crossroads Country Fair and Festival will be Sept. 2-4, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and military personnel, and $2 for children 4-12. Parking is free and a shuttle will be available from the parking area to the festival grounds. For information, phone 770-253-2011.