Weekending: The Prater's Mill Country Fair 2016

Oct 8

Oct 8 Weekending: The Prater's Mill Country Fair 2016

Spending a Saturday at a Down Home Country Fair

Yesterday, I went with a friend to The Prater's Mill Country Fair, an event that has taken place every year for the past 45 years. Happy anniversary Prater's, you have brought me many memories and will always hold a special place in my heart!

I used to go twice a year with my mother and grandmother, way back when. A walk through the fair is truly a step back in time. In addition to the very talented artisan vendors and their wares, the fair provides an opportunity for history lessons, live music and unrivaled Southern food.

There are living history demonstrations, including blacksmithing, wool spinning, quilting, wood carving and hand tufting. Witnessing how corn was once ground at the gristmill and cotton separated from the plant and combed into little poofs of silkiness in the 1800's at the Shugart Cotton Gin gives everyone a new respect and profound appreciation for the hard work and talent of our predecessors. It is a truly amazing and humbling experience.

In addition to the history and artistry on display, the Heritage Park provides a great place to canoe the Coahulla Creek, take a walk on the nature trail, explore an amazing collection of vintage farm tools and equipment collected over the years by a single family and take a stroll through a restored caboose.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip back in time at Prater's this year and walked away with a full belly, a joyful heart and a few fantastic purchases. If you didn't have the opportunity to attend this year, please set aside some time next year to attend the 46th annual Prater's Mill Country Fair in Varnell, GA.

Please enjoy the photographs and start making those plans! You will be so glad you did. Have you attended any fall fair, festivals or celebrations? Tell us about them!

Until next time...Godspeed!