Mentone Celebrates the Arrival of Fall

Oct. 4, 2011 - PRLog -- The tiny hamlet of Mentone atop Lookout Mountain boasts beautiful scenery attracting visitors from across the Southeast throughout the year. The fall season is especially a glorious time to visit with the arrival of cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. Each October, the picturesque surroundings provide the ideal background for the town’s signature event, Colorfest. The 29th annual event is set for October 14-16, 2011 offering a weekend of arts and crafts, live music, family-friendly activities, and southern hospitality.

The two-day event kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday with an outdoor performance at the Mentone Inn featuring singer and guitarist Tony Goggans followed by the highly acclaimed international jazz ensemble, the Watters/Felts Project. The evening also includes a bonfire and a dinner hosted by the Moon Lake School.
   
Music continues on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at Brow Park with renowned fiddler Gene Ivey. The 85 year old and winner of the Lifetime Achievement at the 2011 DeKalb County Fiddlers Convention will be accompanied by his young student group as well as by his picker and singer friends, including Mentone Town Clerk Wilma Fletcher. Additional performers include 12 year old Nicole Jones of Mentone, local guitarist and singer Bailey Cavalho, and banjo player Chris Hale.

At 5 p.m., Saturday, Nature’s Way, with their 50s and 60s golden oldies, will be on the Mentone Inn outdoor stage to entertain those eating catfish at the One World Adventure Fish Fry. Headlining the two-day event are Leah Seawright and drummer Mark Herndon, formerly with the band “Alabama”. Leah is now on the country music charts with “Country Girl 101” and has opened for several national acts including Restless Heart, Shenandoah, Exile, John Michael Montgomery and Mark Chestnut. On Sunday, a host of gospel music performers will entertain at Brow Park from 10 a.m. until noon. At 2 p.m., Faye Henry will close out the Festival with an engaging performance involving gongs.

While live music fills the air on Friday and Saturday, over 60 premier artists and craftsmen offering oil paintings, photography, soft and hard sculptures, wood turning and rustic furniture, pottery, forged and cut iron work, wearable art, and jewelry will be situated in and around Brow Park for those in search of one of kind artwork.  “How to” artist demonstrations will be conducted at the Mentone Inn Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday where festival goers can learn to make a Windsor chair, turn a clay pot, or forge a hook.

A spectacular performance by the Mountain Breeze Equestrian Team is also set for Sunday at 1 p.m. at the vacant lot across the street from the Post Office on Highway 117. The group of highly skilled, non-professional precision riders donates their skills at charity benefits to raise funds for children at Christmas and families in need.

Additional activities include a Business Festival where festival goers can learn more about local businesses and a children’s area featuring inflatables, a juggler/unicyclist (Saturday only), a trout pond, pony rides, and make and take art. An assortment of food vendors including catfish from One World Adventure and barbeque from the Mentone Volunteer Fire Department will also keep attendees and their tummies happy throughout the weekend. All activities are held rain or shine. Admission is free.

About a 20 minute drive northwest will take you to Eddie’s Garden Center where the holiday season is getting underway. The 27th annual Christmas at Eddie’s, a transformation of the Garden Center to a Christmas Wonderland, is set for October 15th and 16th. Over 140 Christmas trees, each sporting a different theme; ornaments ranging from western to whimsical, cartoons to retro, Victorian to collegiate; and festively decorated rooms provide endless decorating ideas for the upcoming holiday. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Eddie’s is located at 9112 Alabama Highway 40 in Henagar.

For more information on additional things to do in and around DeKalb County, contact the DeKalb Tourism at 888.805.4740 or visit www.DiscoverLookoutMountain.com.

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DeKalb Tourism is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in DeKalb County. Our mission includes to provide outstanding customer service to all guests; to provide complete and detailed information about DeKalb County, its history and attractions; to leave visitors with a positive experience; to develop strong positive long term relationships with the people and businesses of our communities; and to be a leader in the education and promotion of our county, locally, nationwide and internationally.