Next Weekend

Staff Writer

Thomaston's downtown square will be decorated with hay filled of money, pumpkins, a fish derby, food, arts and crafts and live entertainment as Main Street Association brings the Flint River FallFest back Saturday, Oct. 20.

It's an all day event starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 11 p.m. There's plenty to do during that 15-hour span.

“We have a lot of everything,” said Downtown Manager Sylvia Winters. “We are really excited about this year's event and hope everyone will come out. It's free and a lot of fun.”

Food vendors and arts and craft vendors will be out in high numbers this year. Winters said so far 50 vendors have signed up. There's still room, however, for your booth of either food or arts and crafts. Call Winters at the Main Street office at 706-647-8311 to learn how.

Live entertainment will keep the crowd entertained all day. The day will start with local entertainment, mixed in with Thomaston Idol contestants set to compete November 3.

Starting at 5 p.m., local entertainer Garrett Wilson and Soul Kitchen will be followed by Tony Tyler and Connor Christian.

“We have a great line up,” Winters said. “I'm excited about Garrett and his wife performing. We really want people to come out and support our local talent. This is what this event is about: our local talent. Tony Tyler is going to rock the house and the crowd will be dancing. Connor is going to be a great way to end the show. He's sure to be a crowd pleaser.”

What more could you ask for? Hmm..maybe money? Well, they have that as well.

For the first time, there will be a needle in the haystack event. However, instead of a needle people can find fake coins that they can cash in for real money. Winters said $500 will be given away during the contest.

Pete Reems, of Reems Jeweler's and Reems' Formal Wear, will once again be giving $1,000 in cash and prizes away during the fishing derby. There will be four different age groups: 4 and under, 5 to 8, 9 to 12, and 13 to 17.

So grab the fishing pole and head out early Saturday morning. Then bring your biggest fish, no matter the species, to the Courthouse steps at 2 p.m. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m.

In each category, first place will receive $100, second place $75, third place $50 and fourth place $25.

If cooking is more your speciality, then try the pie baking contest. Semi-home made pies will be accepted. Cooks should bring their pies to the pie booth, located on the Ritz Theatre side of the square, between 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. Winners will be announced at 6 p.m. Cash prizes will be given to first place and ribbons for second and third.

Kiwanis Club will sponsor the pet parade, with costume judging at 10 a.m., that includes both kids and animals. They will have a float in the downtown parade.

Winters said there's still time to sign up to have a float, truck or car in the parade.

“All they have to do is fill out a form,” she said. “It's free and it's a great chance to show off your club, organization, team or business. Even if they want to call me, I will fill their form out for them over the phone.

“Right now we've got some great entries including the Shriners out of Macon. Cash and ribbon prizes will be given out, so we want everyone to get involved and have a chance to win.”

Entries can start to set up at 8 a.m. at Matthews Field, the parade's starting point, and judging for best entry will be done before the parade starts at noon.

Saturday's event will also give residents the chance to test their art skills with a pumpkin decorating contest. Pumpkins will be on the east side of the courthouse square, supplied by Silvertown Baptist Church, and all the paint supplies will be on hand. Judging will begin at 2 p.m. for the best pumpkin.

The winners of the coloring contest will also be announced that Saturday. If you missed the page in The Thomaston Times, sponsor for the event, you can pick one up at the local schools. First place will receive a $25 gift certificate, second place $10 and third place $5.

The Flint River FallFest is sponsored by United Bank, Bank of Upson, Upson Regional Medical Center, The Thomaston Times, Quad Graphics, Windstream, Reems Jewelers, Reems Formal Wear, Optech and West Central Georgia Bank.

It's certainly a busy day with plenty of activities to choose from. Do one or do all; it's an individual choice. The Flint River FallFest is hoping to bring hundreds to the square on Saturday. Don't miss your chance to see what's happening in Thomaston.