The fort is a popular attraction for those attending Fort Vallonia Days.
Tribune file photo
VALLONIA — The month of October is a busy one for Jackson County as an annual fall festival makes its appearance for the 54th year.
During the third weekend of October, people will gather in the small Jackson County community of Vallonia to celebrate its establishment in 1811, known as Fort Vallonia Days.
Activities will go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21 and 22. However, a few things will be going on Oct. 20.
Pumpkin decorating contest entries are due between 4 and 6 p.m. that day, and the band u4ia will perform at 7 p.m.
Entry forms for the contest are available online at fortvalloniadays.com. The age divisions are 6 to 11, 12 to 17 and 18 and older, and the categories are prettiest, scariest, most creative and Fort Vallonia Days themed. Pumpkins can be carved, painted or decorated.
Entries should be dropped off in the two-hour time frame at Vallonia Christian Church for judging. First place will be awarded for each division and category, and the grand prize winner will receive $75. Each participant will receive a Fort Vallonia Days wooden nickel, and all pumpkins will be displayed during the festival.
Winners will be announced at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 21 at the main stage on Main Street. Winners should be present to collect their prize.
Before that, the Mick Gray Memorial Trail Ride and Wes Hartley Memorial Muzzle Loading Shoot will commence at 9 a.m in the field behind Vallonia Christian Church. A state riding permit is required to participate in the trail ride.
Registration for the shooting match is at 8:30 a.m., and the shooters meeting is at 9 a.m. Free breakfast will be provided by Blondie’s Pizzeria & Pub.
At 9:30 a.m., winners of the Little Mister and Little Miss contest will be announced.
Entertainment will take the stage from 11 a.m. to noon before the parade travels down Main Street at 1 p.m.
At 2 p.m., the tomahawk and knife throw will take place in the fort, and there will be more live music and entertainment for the remainder of the day.
Oct. 22 kicks off with a community church service at 10 a.m. in the Vallonia Gym.
Entertainment is scheduled throughout the afternoon on the stage, and there also will be a team cornhole tournament at noon, a horseshoe pitch at 12:30 p.m. and a 5K run/walk at 1 p.m. Signup for the cornhole tournament starts at 11 a.m. beside the fort, and registration for the 5K and horseshoe pitch begins at noon.
The festival will end with booth drawings at 4 p.m.
On both days of the festival, a variety of demonstrators will be set up within the fort, a model steam and old gas engine display will be outside the fort, booths will be set up selling food and crafts, there will be a flea market and people can check out the merchandise shop in the Joe Jackson Community Center.
For information, visit fortvalloniadays.com.