The annual 55th Fort Vallonia Days Festival is returning to Jackson County on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-Oct. 20 in downtown Vallonia, off of State Road 135 south of Brownstown.

During the festival, locals get to show off their crafty skills of blacksmithing, quilting and braiding along with live song and dance performances. A model steam and old gas engine display also are freely available for all attendees to enjoy.

Homemade food sellers, a flea market and craft booths are open to explore.

Before the festival on Friday, Oct. 18, there are some pre-festival activities including the pumpkin decorating contest with entries being due from 4 to 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., the band u4ia will be performing.

On Saturday, some events to look forward to include the annual Wes Hartley Memorial Shoot at 9 a.m. with registration at 8:30 a.m., the winners of the pumpkin decorating contest announced at 10:30 a.m. and the parade at 1 p.m.

Sunday, the last day of the festival, with have community church services at the Vallonia Gym starting at 10 a.m., a 5K run/walk at 1 p.m. with registration beginning at noon, a horseshoe pitch at 12:30 with registration at noon and more. Raffle drawings also will take place Sunday afternoon.

For information, contact Karlei Metcalf at 812-528-1250.