It’s a big weekend for festivals

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@thecitizennews.com

Cooler weather brings lots of color to the trees and even more color locally in the form of festivals and fairs. Fayette County has its fair share of festivals and this weekend three communities will host their own annual events. Peachtree City’s Shakerag Arts and Crafts Festival, Tyrone’s Founder’s Day, and Inman’s Farm Heritage Days each have something special to offer the south metro area.

The 28th annual Shakerag Arts and Crafts Festival sponsored by The Peachtree City Recreation Department takes shape this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Shakerag Knoll Park off McIntosh Parkway. Scarecrows, both live and hay-stuffed will greet patrons along with mums, pumpkins and other signs of fall. For more information phone Janet Werner, event coordinator, 770-631-2553, 8-5 M-F.

Tyrone Founders Day being held in Handley Park begins with a carnival Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, September 15, 16 and 17 from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday night entertainment begins with an Ice Cream Eating Contest at 6:30 and Tyrone’s version of “American Idol,” Tyrone Idol.

Saturday’s lineup of acts begins at 10 a.m. with Crista Lynn followed by the Doris Russell Dancers at 11 a.m. The Tyrone Elementary Chorus performs at 11:30 a.m. followed by dance group Dance Contempra at noon. Peachtree City School of Dance takes the stage at 12:30 p.m.

The Founders Day Parade marches forward at 2 p.m. with a presentation of awards immediately afterwards at 3 p.m. At 4 p.m., a performance by the Tyrone Idol finalist is followed by “Just 2. at 4:30. Taylor Martinez, winner of the Fayette Idol contest will sing at 6 p.m. Elvis and the Blue Suedes rock on from 7 to 9 p.m. A fireworks display is scheduled for 9 p.m. and the Bonehead Band play from 9:30 to 11 p.m.

On Sunday, Crista Lynn performs again at 1 p.m. and Sweet Southern Showcase go on at 2 p.m.

In addition a car show will be held in the Tyrone Publix parking lot. Armbands will go on sale prior to the festival and are valid Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday only. Tickets may be purchased at the Tyrone Recreation Center, 770-487-4694 or Tyrone Town Hall, 770-487-4038. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the gate.

The eighth annual Inman Farm Heritage Days Show is September 17-19 at the Minter farm in Inman. The show site is located off Ga. Highway 92 on Hillís Bridge Road five miles South of Fayetteville, GA and 13 miles north of Griffin. Exhibitors and visitors are invited and as always admission is Free. Guests and exhibitors are encouraged to make plans to attend. Step back to a simpler place in time... a time when small farms were an American way of life for many families. Each year this festival draws thousands of visitors, who see hundreds of antique cars, trucks, tractors and engines, museum displays, live demonstrations, as well as arts, crafts, food, live music and activities for guests of all ages.

The show grounds are open daily 9 a.m. until dark. Traditionally, Friday is bustling with continuous arrival of many exhibitors as well as visitors. Saturday’s schedule is filled with demonstrations, tractor activities, and exhibits. Sunday morning will host an outdoors-church service on the show grounds followed by continuation of activities.

A living history farm animals display features mules and donkeys at the Miss Quinny’s log cabin site. The Georgia Antique Engine Club is always a hit with displays of small engines. See hundreds of beautifully restored antique tractors, hit-and-miss engines, an operating cotton gin, a saw mill, a restored 19th century log cabin, schoolhouse, country store, wheat threshing, a grist mill, black smithing, arts and crafts, children's activities, food, antique cars, music, and more. See new exhibits info and map at www.InmanFarm.com.

In Coweta County, it’s the same old street where old friends meet when the 20th Annual Fall Festival in Old Town Sharpsburg, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Exhibitors, food, antiques, art, crafts, barbecue, entertainment, music and clogging. Sunday 9 a.m. worship service available. The festival runs Saturday and sunday. For more information phone 770-252-9400.