Area residents will have the opportunity Saturday to get outside and experience October in Downtown Poplar Bluff during the Black River Heritage Artisans' Fifth Annual Fall Festival. The event will be held from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., at the Historic Train Depot in Downtown Poplar Bluff.
"This event always draws a steady crowd," said Iron Mountain Market Manager and festival organizer Rhonda Belcher. "We're going to have several vendor booths and food. It's going to be a lot of fun."
Belcher said as of Friday morning, she has 45 vendors scheduled with space still available. The cost to rent a booth is $20 for individuals or businesses and free for non-profit organizations.
"Most of our booths are geared toward our adult guests, with crafts and shopping, but our activities are for the kids," Belcher said.
Heather Garibay's Tribute to the Women of Country Music begins at 11 a.m. and lasts until noon. Radney "Little E" Pennington will perform from noon - 2 p.m. and Tim the Magician will begin his magic show at 2:30 p.m.
Children 12 and under can participate in the scavenger hunt, starting at 3:30 p.m.
"During our scavenger hunt, we send kids around to different booths and they really seem to have liked that in past years," Belcher said.
The costume contest will begin at 4 p.m. and is broken into two groups: Ages 0-6 and 6-12. Belcher said the first place winners in each group will win $25 gift certificates to Colton's Steak House and Grill. Second and third place prizes will also be awarded.
Baked goods, games and door prizes will also be on-hand.
Admission to the event is $1 for ages 12 and up. Children under 12 are free. Belcher said proceeds from admission will benefit future events for the community to enjoy and will also help fund the Black River Heritage Artisans winter coat and toy drive.
"Our coat and toy drive last Christmas was so popular, we've continued it again this year," Belcher said. "We will keep collecting coats and toys through our Christmas event in December."
Anyone interested in renting a booth space Saturday call Belcher at 573-429-9326.