This post documents my experience on September 15, 2017.
If there’s ever a way to try a dish for the first time…
…you should do it through a festival.
But, interestingly enough, the Spoonbread Festival isn’t so much a food festival…
…as it is a vendor and community festival…
…with over 200 booths hosted by artists, businesses and community organizations.
Vendors sold a range of products that included Amish baskets, assorted bowls…
…hand-sewn pillows (The Bent Needle)…
…and goat’s milk soap (Udderly Bubbly).
And the options continued with pottery for the garden (Wired, Fired, Inspired)…
…wooden products for the kitchen (Round Hill Woodcraft)…
…shirts for both Southern Belles and hippies (Dippy Hippie)…
…jewelry (Deep Earth Legacy)…
…and various creative pieces from the imagination (Kayla Harned/Bryan Kidd).
Booths were also hosted by community organizations to raise funds for the fire department…
…offer prayer (Berea Baptist)…
…inform on the stockpile of chemical weapons safeguarded in nearby Richmond (Bechtel Parsons)…
…network and empower female business owners (Business Babes Society)…
…care for senior residents (Morning Pointe)…
…and promote local politicians (Jennie Haymond).
In terms of activities, kids could take advantage of a Fun Fest Park area…
…where there were rides…
…inflatables…
…games…
…and face painting.
And, with a little exploration around the festival grounds, one could also find train rides…
…antique tractor shows…
…pushup competitions…
…karaoke opportunities…
…main stage musical entertainment (Southland Drive)…
…The SunShine Cloggers taking to the streets…
…and even some eyebrow threading!
But, even with all these offerings, I didn’t forget why I came…
…and I wasn’t about to be swayed by “country fried favorites” (Fannie’s)…
…ribeye steak sandwiches…
…or the various other food options available.
I was here for my first taste of spoonbread…
…and I enjoyed it immensely with just a little bit of butter.