Ames Plantation hosts annual Heritage Festival

GRAND JUNCTION — On Oct. 13, the normally serene grounds of the Ames Plantation will transform into a bustling hub of activity, as thousands of visitors flock to the 15th annual Heritage Festival.
More than 150 folk artists, demonstrators, re-enactors and musicians will re-create rural Tennessee from years gone by. Participants may start their day by exploring Ames Plantation’s Heritage Village, an authentic replica of a 19th century rural settlement. There they can see a blacksmith in action, learn how to spin and weave cotton or sample savory foods cooked over an open fire.
They can also view the nationally renowned Stencil House, so named for the elaborate stencil designs that cover the homes walls. Built in the 1830s, this home is believed to contain the oldest surviving displays of stenciling in the South.
From the Heritage Village, it’s a short stroll to a reproduction of a Civil War camp, where visitors can chat with re-enactors in period dress and watch Civil War re-enactments. Cannons will be blasted every half hour.
Some of the region’s top bluegrass and string band musicians will be performing throughout the day, in addition to a traditional Native American performance.
 Unique handmade crafts will be available from local vendors and a large collection of antique tractors and early steam engines will be on display. The kids will also enjoy hand picking cotton or hand milking a goat.
The Heritage Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 4–16. Children ages 3 and younger are free. Parking is free. Pets are not allowed.
Participants should enter Ames Plantation at Buford Ellington Road off Tennessee Highway 18.
For more information regarding Heritage Festival visit the website http://www.amesplantation.org or call (901) 878-1067.
Ames Plantation is privately owned and operated by Successor Trustees of the Hobart Ames Foundation through the Will of the late Julia Colony Ames. The Ames Plantation’s 18,400 acres of land are made available to UT AgResearch as one of 10 Research and Education Centers located across the state.

Published in The Messenger 10.02.12

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