Friday, August 29, 2003 |
A full weekend of festivals and events in Coweta County By MICHAEL BOYLAN
One could make an argument that this weekend is the most exciting weekend of the year in Coweta County. Not only is it the weekend of the famous Powers' Crossroads festival, but there is also a road race Saturday morning and an ice cream festival Saturday afternoon. Add the fact that Monday is Labor Day, meaning a long weekend for most people, and you have the makings of a great weekend. Things get started Saturday morning with the 27th annual Newnan-Coweta Festival Days road race, which starts and ends at the courthouse in Newnan. The one-mile run starts at 7:45 a.m. and is followed by a 5k race at 8 a.m. Registration is available at the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce and race day registration is available. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three male and female finishers and each one mile entrant receives a ribbon while 5k entrants receive a long sleeve t-shirt. Powers' Crossroads celebrates its 33rd year this weekend with a festival that seems to grow each year. Many consider the festival to actually be three festivals in one; a music festival, a food festival and an arts and crafts festival. For music there is a little something for everybody with all genres represented including country, gospel, folk, and contemporary. The Bullsboro Bluegrass Band, who has the distinction of performing at every Powers Crossroads festival so far, will perform on Saturday morning. Also performing this weekend will be the United States Marine Corps Band. For the foodies out there, Powers' Crossroads is like a slice of heaven. Over 25 church and civic groups provide a number of food selections for visitors, ranging from BBQ to festival favorites such as funnel cakes and fried pie, as well as much, much more. One could also take a trip to the historic courthouse square in Newnan on Saturday for homemade ice cream made by civic clubs, churches, schools and other organizations. Judges will award prizes to the top three flavors and visitors can try as much ice cream as they want for $1 a scoop. However, the arts festival is perhaps the biggest. Over 250 artists from 20 states will showcase their wares in a juried exhibition. Among the categories at the festival are drawings/graphics, fiber, florals, glass, jewelry, mixed media, musical, painting, photography, sculpture, wearable art and wood. There will also be demonstrations of beekeeping, blacksmithing, the sorghum syrup mill, the Powers' Plantation grist mill, tractors and dog obedience .There will also be a children's area. The festival is open 9 a.m-5 p.m. daily and is located 12 miles west of Newnan on Ga. Highway 34 West. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and military and $2 for children ages 5-12. Free parking is provided with shuttle service to the main gate. Phone 770-253-2011.
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