 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Music & Molasses Festival hosts ‘treasures’
Goodlettsville Little-Leaguers, Overton County sorghum-makers among featured attractions Oct. 20, 21
Dickson’s Ralph Randall uses old guitar strings to hand-craft beautiful bracelets, many of which are music-themed. He’ll be selling these unique bracelets at the Music & Molasses Festival Oct. 20-21 in Nashville.
|
|
|
|
1
of
1
|
|
|
view all thumbnails for this gallery |
Though they won’t hit a homer, steal a base, or turn a double play, those Goodlettsville Little League All-Stars who captured the hearts of Americans this summer by winning the U.S. championship will nonetheless be popular headliners at the 2012 Music & Molasses Arts & Crafts Festival at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville.
This year’s festival, a fun-filled fundraiser staged annually by the Tennessee Agricultural Museum, will attract thousands of visitors on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 21. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Parking is free, and admission is $5 (children 4 and under free).
For the Goodlettsville youngsters, runners-up to world champion Japan in the history-making 2012 Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa., their Saturday-only appearance will be memorable as they visit with fans, sign autographs, and enjoy the festival.
“We’re thrilled that the Goodlettsville players, along with their parents and coaches, will be at our festival,” says museum director Anne Dale. “They were such wonderful representatives of our state and nation in the Little League World Series, and we want as many visitors as possible to see and meet them.”
Another attraction — this one from Overton County — comes to the festival after receiving distinguished national recognition. Muddy Pond Sorghum Mill is one of only 11 winners of a 2012 National Treasures Award given to “an individual or small producer in recognition of a singular and significant contribution to our nation that preserves and fosters a unique All-American craft and tradition.”
“We knew they were great, but now it’s official!” Dale says of Muddy Pond proprietors Mark and Sherrie Guenther. “After making sorghum for 20 years at our festival, the Guenthers have been recognized for their excellent product and leadership in preserving this craft.”
Billed as “A Country Celebration for the Family,” this year’s event offers a wide array of activities and attractions scattered across the three-acre hillside festival site. Music, of course, is a mainstay, including bluegrass, country, and gospel performers as well as square dancing and clogging exhibitions.
Old-time activities and crafts will be spotlighted in demonstrations and booths, and most exhibitors will have items for sale. Sallie Swor, recently retired from the museum, will show festival-goers how she carves traditional mountain doll heads from apples while her sister, Crotia Roberson, will showcase her special string finger puzzles.
Other demonstrators will be making soap, brooms, leather articles, musical instruments, pottery, folk art and historical figures carved from wood, and numerous other items. Visitors can also watch exhibitors spin and weave, quilt, make baskets, tat, knit, carve items from spoons, and make cords. Other artisans will feature a wide variety of crafts for sale, including Raggedy Ann dolls, handbags, bracelets, rugs, holiday décor, and much more. In the popular Country Hollow area of the festival, Nashville’s Darlene Shadden will be offering on-the-spot charcoal drawings, and Mary Crane of Linden will spotlight her unique stained-glass creations. Tennessee’s Back Roads Heritage organization will offer cookbooks and other items.
As for children’s activities, the ever-popular “Farmer for a Day” will again be a featured attraction along with pottery-making and an interactive “outdoor camping” area sponsored by the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. Balloons, face-painting, games, and other activities also await the younger festival visitors.
No one, regardless of age, should go hungry at the festival. An impressive lineup of food and concessions offers a full plate of possibilities, including white beans and cornbread, fried Moon Pies, burgers, salads, smoked turkey legs, funnel cakes, and homemade ice cream.
For more information on the festival or directions to the festival site, call 615-837-5197 or visit tnagmuseum.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|