36th Annual Deer Festival Is November 8

The 36th annual Jasper County Deer Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8, on the Square in Monticello.

Arts and crafts vendors will set up beginning at 6 a.m., and a “Deer Dash” and fun run begin at 7:30 a.m. The Deer Dash, which begins at 8 a.m., is a 5k run, and traditionally attracts runners from all over the state.
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Pre-registration is $13 through October 31, and race day registration is $16. It begins at 6:30 a.m. The family rate is $35, with pre-registration required.

A venison cook-off, sponsored by the Monticello Kiwanis Club, is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farmer’s Market Park across from the Post Office.

There are three classes—open, which can be roast, steak, stew, etc., and does not have to be cooked on site; barbecue class, with the sauce cooked on site, and a chili class. For more information and complete rules, interested persons may contact Rusty Bullard, 706-468-6296.

In addition to the handmade arts and crafts that will be available, there will be lots of refreshments. The Monticello Band Boosters will be selling hamburgers and hot dogs. There will be funnel cakes, “blooming” onions, fresh lemonade, and lots more.

The parade, scheduled for 1 p.m., will feature Shriners from across the state, the local high school band, horses and floats from area businesses, industry and governmental agencies.

Little Miss Fawn Haley Morgan Tyler will be showcased, as will the Deer Festival Queen. The queen will be crowned at 12:30 p.m. from the finalists chosen in a pageant Sunday. Those members of the Deer Festival court include Laura Crecelius, Christie Thomas, Ivey Rogers, Holly Hammonds, and Krystin DeAnn Chappell.

Prizes will be awarded to several successful hunters, including one to the hunter who killed a deer with the most points, one to a hunter who killed the heaviest deer, and one to the youngest successful hunter.

In addition, a prize will be given to the person at the festival who has the longest beard.