Music, Molasses, Arts and Crafts Offered at Ag Museum Festival

NASHVILLE – Hundreds of visitors will head for Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville Oct. 18-19 for the 16th Annual Music & Molasses Arts & Crafts Festival.

"This is a huge weekend of family fun," said Anne Dale, director of the Tennessee Agricultural Museum. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 with children 4 and under free.

"It's a country celebration for the entire family. We're excited about the great new attractions we've added this year," said Ann Ellington-Wagner, who is co-chairing the event with James McCormick.

Copper water fountain, gold-wrapped jewelry, fabulous garden furniture and unusual fiber sculptures will be among the new crafts that can be purchased. There will be a record number of demonstrators showing how farm and home chores were done in times past--from making molasses and gardening to woodworking and candle dipping. Music and dance can be seen and heard all across the festival grounds.

Smokey Bear will be at the American Chestnut Tree exhibit where fifty chestnut trees will be given away. Festival visitors can also register to win a country ham, gift baskets and collection of farm-fresh jams and jellies from Karen's Kitchen.

Children will love the hand-on "Farmer for a Day" activities. They can also see and touch farm animals, pick a pumpkin to decorate, take a pony ride, bob for apples or have fun at the Pumpkin Typhoon and Berry-Go-Round.

From barbecue and beans to roasted corn, sweet potatoes and grilled turkey legs, there will be a variety of food including homemade ice cream, hamburgers, hot dogs and fried pies plus outdoor cooking at the chuck wagon.

Ellington Agricultural Center is located 10 miles south of downtown Nashville, accessible from Franklin Pike or Edmondson Pike. For more information about the festival or directions call the ag museum at 615-837-5197 or visit www.tnagmuseum.org.