Haunticello Is Saturday, Deer Festival Nov. 7
The Monticello – Jasper County Chamber of Commerce is very busy putting the finishing touches on the 49th annual Deer Festival to be held Saturday, Nov. 7, on the Square. The Fun Run begins at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K starts at 8 a.m. All exhibitors are to be set up by 9 a.m., when entertainment begins.
In addition, the COC sponsors Haunticello which will be held this Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to noon at businesses on and off the Square.It is also the last day for the Market on the Square, and so there will be some vendors offering fresh vegetables, handmade items, canned goods, and more. The Market is from 8 a.m. to noon.
The Deer Festival offers something for everyone with several added attractions this year. A marching band demonstration will be held at Rose Bowl Field at 11 a.m., featuring the Marching Hurricanes, and the Jackson Red Devils band.
Other demonstrations include Pa’s Chainsaw Creations, Yarn Spinning and Wood Carving.
There are currently 116 booths assigned with much to choose from including, Amish cheese, outfitters, wreaths, woodwork,knives, clothes, antler art, sign art, jewelry, candles, furniture,purses, gems & minerals, children’s activities and more.
Sixteen food booth will bring a variety of festival foods to the annual festival. There will be a food court near the entertainment which last all day, and features Backwoods Branded as the headliner and final show of the day.
The Deer Festival Queen will be crowned during the program that begins at 1 p.m., so she and her court can get to the parade for the beginning at 2 p.m. The pageant is scheduled for this Sunday, Nov. 1, at 1 p.m. at Thomas Persons Hall. At that time Little Miss Fawn wille named, and the Deer Festival Court will be finalized.
Go Fish Georgia, the U.S. Forest Service, Southern Crescent Technical College, and the Rockdale County Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron have been invited.
There will be character appearances by Digger Dog, Smokey Bear, Doc McStuffins, Sponge Bob, Hello, Kitty, and Winnie the Pooh.
The grand marshal will be Chip Duncan of the Jasper County Shrine Club, and Assistant Rabban, Al Sihah Shrine Temple, Macon., and he will bring special guests the Al Sihah Shriners.
Amy Scroggs, Citizen of the Year will also be featured in the parade.
And the Deer Festival would not be complete with the Motnicello Kiwanis Club Venison Cook-off which will be held in the sponsor, Monticello Drugs parking lot on the corner of Forsyth and Washington Streets.
It all begins with the morning run with about 400 runners, and lasts until 5 p.m. The south side of the Square, Warren Street, will be closed throughout the day for festivities.
