Brownsville’s Hatchie Fall Fest set for October 15

During the annual Hatchie Fall Fest, events and activities are planned for all age groups including the kids. Children’s activities include bouncy houses, a petting zoo, games, face painting and more.

With over 8,000 attending last year’s Hatchie Fall Fest, this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. Held annually on the historic court square in Brownsville, Tenn., this year’s event will be Saturday, October 15. It will be a fun-filled day of kid’s games and activities, cooking and eating contests, live music, arts and crafts, a quilt show and more.

One of the most popular festival events is the Frozen T-shirt Contest. Enjoyed by all ages, participants compete to see who gets the frozen t-shirt on the fastest. The Pet Show and Blessing of the Pets is another event that adults and kids both flock to.

Are you a good cook? You can show off your skills at the cake and pie-baking contest. Maybe you’d rather try your eating skills during the hot salsa-eating contest? While the kids are busy in the bouncy houses, getting their face painted and enjoying the many games and activities, you can find great bargains at the more than 100 arts and crafts booths and local merchant’s sidewalk sales. For a bit of nostalgia, visit the “Heritage Quilts of West Tennessee” exhibit featuring heirloom and modern day fabric creations.

The fun starts at 10 a.m., and continues all day, including live performances from the main stage area: local and regional performers singing your favorite gospel, country, blues and rock melodies.

During this year’s festival you will also be able to visit Oneal Lake on the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge and participate in an Amateur Radio event. The ham radio operators will be celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week and the rich cultural heritage and significance of the Hatchie River.

The fun continues on Sunday when the Elma Ross Public Library parking lot gets revved up for the 32^nd annual Tennessee Trash Car Show. Classic and show cars from all over attend this show that has been happening in Haywood County since 1979.

The Hatchie Fall Fest is held annually on the third Saturday of October. Admission to the festival is free and open to everyone. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.hatchiefallfest.com.