For more about Granville, the Fall Celebration and the Scarecrow Walk of Our Past, go to www. granvilletn. com or call 931.653.4151.
BY ANGEL KANE
Nothing says Fall like a walk around beautiful Granville in October. The weather is just about perfect during this time of year, with the foliage turning that glorious combination of golden orange that we all yearn to see with the holidays fast approaching.
Couple that with the smell of cider in the air and corn roasting on an open fire and you just might believe you’ve died and gone to “The Walton’s” heaven. If you haven’t made the forty minute trip from Wilson County to this picturesque city that reminds us of “John boy’s” hometown, then now is the time to come out.
On October 5, 2013, the town will be abuzz with the Granville Fall Celebration. The Fall Celebration is like none other with something for everyone. This year the event will include Jazz on the Cumberland at Veterans Park, overlooking the river. There will also be the Cumberland narrated cruises that will be taking place up and down the river during the event. Artists from the Upper Cumberland Arts Alliance will be on hand selling, as well as demonstrating their artistry. Various artisans and craftsmen will also be showcasing trades from years past including basket weaving, primitive cooking, soap making, wood carving, cider making and broom making. Quilts will be on display at the Historic First United Methodist Church and there will also be blacksmiths demonstrating their talents.
This year the Granville Fall Celebration will also include the Scarecrow Walk of Our Past from October 5th through the 31st. The Scarecrow Festival will take place in various historic buildings throughout Granville where life size scarecrows, depicting historic figures from Granville’s past, will be on display, each telling the story of yesteryear in Granville. Visitors will be given a guide so as they walk down Clover Street, the rich history of the town and it’s people will come alive.
The making of the scarecrows is now in full swing as various talented citizens of Granville are hard at work constructing them. One character you will
definitely want to learn about is Hop Lee, a noted Granville whiskey maker, who trained the folks at Jack Daniels and then went on to operate a large whiskey establishment on Broadway in Nashville. His story as well as many others will be told during the walk.
And when your stroll down memory lane is complete, you will want to linger a while to taste the treats of the various food establishments, listen to some music during the Sutton Ole Time Music Hour, and watch the kids ride and play amongst the various activities just for them.
The beauty of Granville is that all this splendor is available without the need for overnight accommodations, although those are certainly available. But for those of us within 35 miles, Granville is our “countrified Nantucket” gem that we can visit during the day and by evening be home, savoring not only the cider you can take “to go” but also the memories of a fall day spent in the glory of Granville.