Country artists headline Fall Fest entertainment
Chamber says a few spots still available

It's almost Fall Fest in Jasper, as evidenced by orange sponsor signs popping up in yards and in front of businesses all over Jasper.

This will be the 31st annual event with more than 100 vendors signed up. Tables include arts and crafts, area businesses, charities and clubs all around the courthouse square from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. More than a dozen food vendors will offer festival fare.

There are only half a dozen spots left, according to Liz Street, events coordinator for the Jasper/Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce.

Entertainment at the gazebo will begin with Jessica Alvis, Miss Jasper, singing the national anthem, and followed by an allday music schedule that will include Linda Kay and Night Train, country music and zydeco, and Devon Heath, country artist from Austin.

The Jasper Lakes Area Humane Society will have a petting zoo and train rides for donations in support of their animal rescue efforts.

Kids activities include a pumpkin carving contest at noon and a kids scarecrow costume contest at 12:30 p.m., plus an entire street devoted to activities like the moonwalk, obstacle course, jumping bag and a few more "surprises" from the new owners of Moonwalks and More, Roshal and Deena Mooney.

History buffs can enjoy two stops on the courthouse square. The Old Jail, and interesting structure by itself, is home to the Jasper Historic Commission. It holds displays of early founders of Jasper and a library that include yearbooks and many family histories.

The Jasper County Historical Museum, still under reconstruction after Hurricane Rita, either will be open or will have window displays so that residents can see the progress.

On Water Street, one block south of the courthouse, the Jasper Public Library will hold their semin-annual book sale in the Fire Hall, which also has a display of an antique fire truck.

Also on Water Street, the historic Beaty Orton Victorian home will be open for free tours. The home has been restored and decorated with period furniture and photos of the family who built it.

On Zavalla Street, one block east of the courthouse, the Pine Country Gem and Mineral Club will hold their first open house. For rockhounds, the remodeled clubhouse will have displays of rocks and minerals native to the county, including petrified wood, and exotic specimens from members' collection.

Club member Eva Rosenthal will demonstrate beading techniques, and other club members will be on hand to explain their specialties.

Fall Fest sponsors include the Jasper-Newton Electric Co-op, Advantage Plus Homecare, Sabine State Bank, The Jasper Newsboy, Mobil Oil Federal Credit Union, The Medicine Shoppe, County Bank and Stringer and Griffin Funeral Home.