Mentone's Colorfest Introduces Three New Events

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - Oct. 14, 2013 - PRLog -- The town of Mentone welcomes the autumn season and its colorful display with a two-day celebration bringing together artists, live music, and free family fun. Sponsored by the Mentone Area Preservation Association, the annual Colorfestis set for October 19 and 20, and this year’s event introduces three new fun events – a pig roast featuring chef James Lewis, a 5K Color Run and Scarecrow Holler, a scarecrow-building contest and display.

On Saturday morning, gates open at 9 a.m. to a beautiful display of arts and crafts from over 70 premier artists and craftsmen in Mentone Brow Park with breathtaking autumn views in the background. Swing by Mason Park to admire the new Scarecrow Holler display and vote for your favorite handmade scarecrow and be sure to visit the Children’s Farm Fair across the street from Mason Park for pony rides, crafts for the kids, pumpkin painting and other family-friendly activities.

From a fish fry to a pig roast, plenty of good eats will be available throughout the event. On Friday night beginning at 5 p.m. (while supplies last), One world Adventure Company will host a Fish Fry at the Mentone Inn Pavilion. For a $10 donation, get a taste of some of the best hand breaded fish along with homemade hushpuppies, slaw, dessert, and drink. Following dinner, enjoy live bluegrass and folk rock music by The Gypsy Begonias at 8 p.m. in Mentone Square.

Saturday night at 6 p.m., festivalgoers will not want to miss the pig roast and live music hosted by Wildflower Café. The Farm to Table Pig Roast will feature Birmingham chef James Lewis who was named one of America’s best new chefs of 2011 by Food & Wine and a James Beard Foundation 2013 finalist for best chef in the South region. Mountain Song Farms, a local farmer of woodland raised heritage breed hogs, pastured chickens and pesticide free produce, will provide the pig and fresh vegetables. The Dawn Osborne Band from Huntsville will entertain the crowd with their skillful mix of sounds featuring jazz, bluegrass, soul, and folk.

Rise early Sunday morning for the Color Craze 5K Run at 8 a.m. before heading back to the festival when gates open at 11 a.m. Modeled after the popular Color Run, participants will enjoy a scenic route through Mentone while being doused with colored powder. For more information including a registration form, visit http://mentoneareapreservationassn.vpweb.com.

Throughout the weekend, a steady stream of music from talented local musicians featuring the "Sounds of Mentone" can be heard in the Brow Park pavilion. Saturday’s line-up includes performances by Taylor Poff, James Roberts, Jordan Brown, Jared Cushen, Marc Womack, Eric McKinney and Friends and Jess Goggans. Slated to perform on Sunday are Jerry Bloom, Terry Hutcheson, Amy Snider, Curtis Strangeand Paul Shirey.

In addition to the pig roast and fish fry, the Taste of Mentone will be underway where local restaurants will be offering their signature dishes during festival hours. Brow Park is located off of Alabama Highway 117, north at the caution light in Mentone. All activities are held rain or shine and festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Admission is free. Presenting sponsors include DeKalb Tourism, Skelton Orthodontics, Roger’s Music, and Mentone Camps (Camp Laney, Alpine Camp, Camp Skyline, Camp DeSoto, and Riverview Camp). Supporting sponsors are Kamama Gallery, Mentone Inn, Wildflower Café, Mountain Top Books, Mountain Top Country Store, and Snead Ag Supply.

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