This weekend the annual Festival of Trees/Mile Branch Christmas takes place at the Fairgrounds Commercial Complex in beautiful Franklinton.

The annual festival benefits the local Varnado Store Museum, which is dedicated to the preservation of Washington Parish history, and the highlight of this annual event is the live auction of fully decorated live Christmas trees.  Local community groups decorate the freshly cut trees in a variety of styles, and the festival culminates with a live auction of the trees on Sunday afternoon.  There is also one beautifully decorated Raffle Tree, and for just a few dollars you can purchase a chance to win this one! 

There are arts and crafts and food vendors on site, pictures with Santa, live Christmas caroling and more from 10-4 on Saturday and 12-4 on Sunday.  Next door to the Commercial Complex is the historic Mile Branch Settlement, which boasts a collection of authentic antique cabins decorated in the style of pioneer Christmases long ago.  The settlement is in a picturesque location, creekside under a canopy of low branching pines . . . the perfect setting to put you and your family in the holiday spirit!!  For more details and directions visit the Washington Parish Tourism website.

And here’s a special tip from the Editor—While in Franklinton, don’t miss the chance to dine at ‘world famous’ Mike’s Restaurant!  Mike’s is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 9:00 pm only and people come here from many miles around to enjoy the BEST burgers, barbeque and specialty items available anywhere!  Amazing food, friendly small town service, and prices so low you won’t believe it . . . Mile’s alone makes a visit to Franklinton worth the trip!! (985)839-9915, 952 15th Avenue in Franklinton.  Takeout available!!

The sixth annual Yellow Leaf Arts Festival takes place this year on October 25th and 26th in historic downtown St. Francisville.

This is the largest annual event sponsored by the West Feliciana arts community.  Dozens of artists will be showing, creating and selling paintings, jewelry, functional and sculptural ceramics, furniture and more in beautiful Parker Park.  Live music will fill the air and activities run from 10-5 both days.  Special guest Louisiana Poet Laureate Darryl Bourque will conduct a poetry workshop on Friday ($40 registration fee in advance), with public readings to follow Friday evening and Saturday. 

This event is free and open to the public.  For info, a complete schedule and directions visit www.stfrancisville.us or www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com.  (888)307-8241.

WHILE YOU’RE IN TOWN, remember that the nearby Angola Rodeo takes place every Sunday in October (www.angolarodeo.com).   And what would Halloween be without a visit to The Myrtles Plantation, reportedly one of the most haunted houses in America?  Mystery tours at The Myrtles run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening in October (www.myrtlesplantation.com). 

See you in St. Francisville!

In October, when skies are bluer and the air is crisp with Fall’s first touch, enthusiastic crowds once again flow through the front entrance into the beautiful Franklinton fair grounds to enjoy the spectacle of the Washington Parish Free Fair.

Since its humble beginning in 1911 in a local livery stable, this county/parish fair has steadily grown bigger and better each successive year. Today, based upon attendance records, it is believed to be the largest county/parish free fair in the USA. It is the second oldest Parish Fair in Louisiana.

Come to enjoy the excellent exhibits of cut flowers, homemaking, livestock and agricultural products. There is Old McDonald’s Farm, and live entertainment that never seems to cease on the stage. Come to experience the magic of the Midway and the excitement of the PRO Rodeo, and even to just sit a spell under one of the tall pine trees and enjoy the good food.

In addition to all these attractions there is the Authentic Historical Pioneer Village, the Mile Branch Settlement. Here you will be heartily welcomed by the many costumed hosts and experience a trip into our past as you visit the various log cabins and buildings filled with antiques and hospitality. Feel free to sit a while on one of the broad porches or tap ones feet to the live music!

This is your opportunity to experience many pioneer activities typical of the Louisiana piney woods in the 1800’s, and it’s a visit you won’t soon forget.

This fair is organized, designed and produced by hundreds of local volunteers who have given freely of their time and talents for generations. At a glance one wonders what makes this fair so special or different from the hundreds of other fairs throughout our land. This intangible quality, recognized by all yet curiously unexplained, has given the Washington Parish Free Fair its national reputation. The indisputable fact that this county/parish fair is different and truly special is the reason our visitors come back year after year.

Join us in the charming small town of Franklinton, just sixty miles north of New Orleans on Highway 25, for the Washington Parish Free Fair October 15-18.  Visit www.freefair.com for directions and a complete schedule of activities.