Knoxville, IL - Historic Walnut Grove Farm has announced it will showcase a wide diversity of local talent and food during the 42nd anniversary of the Knox County Scenic Drive, October 6 & 7, 13 & 14. Scheduled performances will feature regional musicians, with artisan demonstrations and sales taking place all four days of this traditional family event at the Barn Festival. The farm, an official stop on the Knox County Scenic Drive, is located ½ mile north of Knoxville, IL. For a schedule of events and directions go to www.WalnutGroveFarm.com.
The Knox County Scenic Drive is a self-guided fall foliage tour that has become a family tradition for thousands. The Drive began as a way to preserve and showcase the historic sites in the County, and today provides old time family fun with demonstrations of traditional crafts and work skills at every stop.
The event at Walnut Grove Farm has evolved to include fine art, local foods, kids activities and a variety of acoustic music styles. Musical performers will include regional favorites: Paul Hamilton, Sullivan's Daughter, Almost Live, Bill Kuhn, Jera Faragpanahi, Hammer & Pick, David Berchtold and others. The Toastmasters and Bobby Dillard will be presenting Saturday morning, October 6th.
Walnut Grove Farm, born of the prairie in the 1830's, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Its preservation goal is exemplified with activities during the Drive that give families a glimpse of the past. Over 25 juried artisans make and sell their wares. Woodworkers, potters, weavers, photographers, metal workers, spinners, jewelers, fiber artists, painters, and herbalists will demonstrate how they can turn their age-old skills into items that have significance today. Blick Corporation is sponsoring the Blick Art Materials Awards as a competition for the juried artists at the farm.
Kid fun includes farm animals, a mini ag-fair presented by the Knoxville FFA, carriage rides and art activities provided by the Knox College Service Fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. Taste open kettle stew, bread pudding and locally grown popcorn while listening to traditional string band music. Donations will be accepted as a way to help defray the event expenses and recent barn improvements.
Show coordinator, Alex Davis states, "Great art, music, food, farm produce and family fun is a fall combo to not be missed. All are welcome!" Check WalnutGroveFarm.com for a full schedule and artists' info, or call 309-289-4770. Like us on Facebook!