The Golden Triangle is blessed with an abundance of special events — from big productions that draw thousands of visitors, such as the Market Street Festival in Columbus, the Cotton District Arts Festival in Starkville, and the Prairie Arts Festival in West Point, to smaller, more intimate gatherings.
But there’s another kind of event — one that’s purely organic.
In Caledonia, farmers have been putting on pumpkin patch events since the 1990s.
More recently, live music lovers Steve and Kay Ellis have opened their property in New Hope for the popular Barn Concert Series.
The latest homemade event comes courtesy of Wesley Stewart, whose love of Renaissance festivals inspired him to create his own version on his property off Military Road north of Columbus.
He held his first Festival of the Fae in May and was thrilled with the response from vendors and visitors alike.
This Saturday, he hopes to build on that success with his Harvest Festival.
The Renaissance festival movement began in the 1960s, when renewed fascination with the Elizabethan era and medieval Europe swept through the country.
There are no strict rules for these events. Some, like Stewart’s, are one-day celebrations; others stretch for weeks. Some even travel from place to place, much like the old circuses.
Like similar festivals, this one will feature family-friendly games, food, arts and crafts vendors, and prizes.
The festival map lists more than 60 booths, and the poster encourages costumes — an invitation that should make the atmosphere even livelier. In this way, visitors become part of the show.
We love the spirit of this homegrown event.
Who knows? Stewart’s Festival of the Fae and Harvest Festival may grow into something far bigger than anyone could have imagined — and become a lasting part of our local entertainment culture.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
