- Marla Ballard Columnist
The 2nd annual Blueberry Festival at Blueberry Falls Farm will be held on Saturday, July 13. Entry fee is $5, children ages 12 and younger are free.
The festival will be open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Owner's Seth and Emmye Wilson said the first festival was such a great success, they decided to make it a tradition.
Bonnie Bleu, the Highland Cow from Blessing Creek Farm, will be at the festival for hugs and petting. Bonnie Bleu will be arrayed in her flower crown for photo ops, so bring a camera. Bonnie Bleu will be at the festival from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Highland cows are a unique breed. They are the oldest registered breed in the world. They generally live longer and produce more calves than other breeds. Another feature that makes them unique is their long hair.
Live music, art vendors, kids crafts, give-a-ways, plus more will all be part of the fun. Thirty local artisans with jams, relishes, fried pies, macaroons, along with other farm goods will be for sale. Kids activities will include face painting, waterslide, and nature crafts. Music lineup: Anderlan, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.; American Hope Band, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; John Benjamin Davis, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.; and Randy Steele, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Some seating is available, guests are welcome to bring a lawn chair.
Food trucks on site include: Speak Cheesy & Squeezy, Frothy Dog Coffee Co, Rocket City Shaved Ice, OhShucks Corn, will be at the festival. Those attending will be able to pick blueberries by the quart or gallon. The farm hosts a seasonal waterfall that may be viewed from an overlook bridge, rooftop deck, or the bridge over the creek that goes to the Creek House Lounge. Blueberry Falls Farm is located at 331 Road 944, Mentone.
A traditional chair weaving workshop is scheduled for Sunday, July 14 at the Little River Canyon Center. The event is presented by Jacksonville State University Field School and Brittney McAlister-Hughes. Hughes is the naturalist at DeSoto State Park.
Chair weaving is a global, time-honored craft that has been practiced for centuries. Chair weaving is also known by the name chair caning. The craft requires few tools making it accessible to a wide variety of crafters.
Small ladderback chairs will be provided to students, as well as the tools and supplies necessary for the workshop. A herringbone pattern using flat reed will be the instruction taught for this class.
The class is open to those ages 12 and older. The workshop is not open to younger children for safety reasons. The project can be a bit messy, so participants are encouraged to wear casual clothing. The only requirements for students are moderate hand strength, enthusiasm, and a little patience.
Fee for chair weaving workshop is $150 for supplies. Pre-registration is required by July 18. Class will be held from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. JSU
Little River Canyon Center is located 4322 Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, Fort Payne. To pre-register email southernchick888@hotmail.com. For more information go to www.facebook.com/JSUFieldSchools.
