Annual Festival Celebrates Covered Bridges
Oneonta, Ala. – Known as the Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama, Blount County celebrates its roots with the Blount County Covered Bridge Festival in downtown Oneonta, Alabama. Set for October 24, the 26th annual Blount County Covered Bridge Festival offers many events and diverse activities including a golf tournament, beauty pageants, pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, a 5K and Fun Run, car show, motorcycle show, river walk, food, entertainment, quilt show, and plenty of activities for the kids.
The highlight of each Covered Bridge Festival is the Arts & Crafts Show located in downtown Oneonta on Saturday, October 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hundreds of vendors line the streets selling an assortment of homemade items, handmade jewelry, artwork, wood creations, and much more along with traditional festival food. The main stage will feature live entertainment throughout the day. And there will be plenty of activities for the children in the Children’s Area located behind Downtown Diner and Floral Creations.
Another addition to this year’s festival is the Doggy Parade where beloved canines are dressed up to compete for the Covered Bridge Festival Doggy King and Queen. Parade line up begins at11:30 a.m. on the second stage between Region’s Bank and Creative Frame and Trophy. The Doggy Parade is open to dogs of all ages and breeds and pre-registration is required. For more information call 205.274.2153 or 205.559.4127. Proceeds from the Doggy Parade will go to the Miss Covered Bridge Pageant.
In conjunction with the Covered Bridge Festival, the Friends of the Locust Fork River (FLFR) will lead its annual River Walk on October 24. The guided hike travels from Swann Covered Bridge to Powell Falls and back where fall foliage is usually glorious at this time. The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes about three hours round trip. For more information, call Stephen Guesman at 205.909.6231.
Sponsored by the Blount County Quilters Guild, the Quilt Show is scheduled for October 23 and 24 at Palisades Park in Oneonta from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3. For more information, visit www.blountcountyquiltersguild.com.
The Miss Covered Bridge Pageant, a preliminary to Miss Alabama, is scheduled for October 18 in Eris Horton Auditorium at Oneonta High School. For applications or more information on all pageants, contact Jayne Posey at 205.559.4127.
Another highlight is the Covered Bridge Festival Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Blount County Children’s Center. Held at Lester Memorial United Methodist Church (108 Third Avenue East), the breakfast is from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Forms and applications for all Covered Bridge Festival festivities can be downloaded from www.blountoneontachamber.org or call the Chamber office at 205.274.2153.