Bear Creek Fall Festival to benefit Eldridge Children's Home

BEAR CREEK      -  The mission to provide support for the Eldridge Children’s Home is about to get a major financial boost, thanks to the second annual Fall Festival at Twin Forks Park in Bear Creek, planned for Saturday, Oct. 21.
The festival, sponsored by Order of Confederate Rose Jenny Brooks Johnston Chapter 18, will feature a variety of events and entertainment throughout the day, capped off with a community trunk-or-treat and costume contest.
This will mark the first year the festival has featured live Civil War reenactments by Winston County Grays Camp 1788, complete with black powder rifles and cannons.
Living history will be featured throughout the festival, as well, as it was last year, according to organizers.
A special appearance will also be made by Carla Waldrep, who portrays Aunt Jenny Johnston at various events and festivals. Waldrep will have a living history display set up pertaining to herbs and natural medicines.

The full day of events includes a benefit poker run that will start at 9 a.m., with registration at the former Bear’s Den downtown and will end around noon at Twin Forks Park.  The cost per bike is $20 with each extra hand (for any additional passengers) being $5, according to organizers.
The best hand with the highest numbers will win prizes given at 12:30 p.m. at Twin Forks Park, they said.  The poker run will also have a 50/50 raffle, according to organizers.
 Vendors have until Oct. 10, to sign up for  space at the festival, noted Alexander. Already, 40 vendors have signed up, and those needing to secure a spot at the festival need to contact Alexander at (205) 269-4403.
Live entertainment will kick off at the main stage area at 11 a.m. with the band Twisted Country from Double Springs.
Kevin Garner will be in charge of sound, so when live music is not on the stage, music will be played, organizers said.
Sam Heath, organizer of the car show at festival, stated the entry cost per vehicle is $15, with the car show being from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Twin Forks park.  Registration will take place as cars enter the park.  Trophies will be given out for first, second and third place, as well as Best in Show.
Tickets will be sold throughout the day for a black powder musket to be given away at 7 p.m., according to organizers.
Children from Eldridge Children’s Home will judge the costume contest, with the walk-out planned at the stage at 6 p.m., according to Green.
 Churches, businesses, organizations or individuals are welcome to begin arriving around 4 p.m. in order to decorate a vehicle or station for the trunk-or-treat at the park, which will also begin at 6 p.m.