Clogging to coon hunt set for homecoming

Coon hunt finale for Come home to Newton County’s Homecoming Shindig! There’s more of everything this year…more music, more demonstrations, more games, more activities, more vendors, and more food. As a special incentive to arrive early, be one of the first 200 people and receive a free pack of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.
If you would like to know about the methods and skills that your ancestors used to live comfortably in these beautiful mountains, then this is the event to attend. Watch demonstrations and visit with presenters as they showcase their expertise in a variety of activities such as bee keeping, canning, cheese making, water witching, blacksmithing, felting, foraging, and so much more.
Don’t forget to grab a seat and enjoy some of the music that will be playing all day. The Pam Setser Band, Carousel Orchestra, Southern Strings, and Fair to Middlin will each take the stage twice during the day. Also, watch the Ridge Runner Cloggers perform an exciting, upbeat clogging routine.
Games and special events will also be a big part of the day. Try your hand at an old-fashioned spelling bee or vocabulary bee. Enjoy a nice round of corn hole or horseshoes. Do you enjoy cars, trucks, and motorcycles? If so, walk through the car show and let the owners of these vehicles know how much you appreciate seeing them. Visit the singing school to learn and practice the shape notes just like in the old days and then walk through the quilt exhibits to see their beauty displayed.
The kids have not been forgotten either. A special Kid’s Zone will include a sawdust pile for the little ones to allow them to search and discover coins. There will be 3 legged races, face painting, and plenty of other activities also available.
Vendor applications are still being received, but we already have several who will be giving you the opportunity to purchase many wonderful products including jewelry, crafts, food, and genealogy books.

A new feature that will be highlighted this year is an old-fashioned general store. It will be filled with many of the older candies, toys, games, drinks, and more. Stop by and shop for items that you may not have seen since your childhood.
Top off the night by participating in an old time favorite…a coon hunt. Hear the dogs demonstrate their skills before the hunt in a treeing contest, but you’ll need to meet back at the fairgrounds at 2:00am for the weigh-in to hear the results of the actual hunt.
This year’s Newton County Homecoming Shindig will be held on Sept. 30 at the Newton County Fairgrounds starting at 10. The event is free; however, there will be a $2 parking fee per car.
A very special thank you to the Platinum Sponsors: Evan Welch Roofing and Construction, Jasper Farmer’s Market, and Yeager’s Junction Quick Stop. These wonderful organizations have been instrumental in bringing the Shindig to our county. Please remember them when needing any of the products/services that they offer.