ABLEMARLE, N.C. – Along with the many activities that are offered while visiting Morrow Mountain State Park, on Sunday, November 5, the annual “Old Fashioned Day Festival” took place.
Sunday was the 101st year the park hosted the event, which drew thousands of people from all around.
Many traveled back to the 1800s and experienced a bit of history as they attended the festival. Exhibits were set up by various crafters, as well as those displaying items from long ago.
Some of the exhibits included pottery, flint knapping, shoe making, apple cider pressing, woodworking, blacksmithing, Native American crafts, “old fashioned” children’s games, storytelling, basket making, bee keeping, flute music, soap making, rope making, local photography, and much more.
People lined up to try their luck at panning for gold. Live music was provided while thousands of people enjoyed the event. There were also food trucks available for those who may have worked up an appetite while walking around and enjoying the festivities.
Among the exhibits were Richmond County’s own J.A. and Azalea Bolton, authors and storytellers. The Boltons were set up with their recent books available for purchase, as well as taking time throughout the day to do some storytelling.
Folks were seated on bales of hay while gathering around a fire pit and listening attentively to each story. An interactive archeological display was set up at the Kron House and Doctor’s office with a reenactment of the Civil War on the grounds. The Kron house and doctor’s office were open for viewing while an old fashioned horse drawn buggy sat alongside.
The park is located in Albemarle, N.C., and exists among the Uwharrie Mountains on 4,747 acres of land. The park offers year-round hiking, camping, paddling, fishing, horseback riding, swimming (seasonal), and allows visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery on one of the highest points in the Piedmont region.
There are more than 15 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of bridle trails. At the top of the mountain, there are several picnic areas to grill out and enjoy the view.
Lake Tillery lies at the bottom of the mountain. There you can find a boathouse in which canoes and rowboats can be rented, as well as bait purchased for fishing. The family campground offers 106 sites for tents, trailers, or RVs. Rustic cabins are also available for rent.
With the changing of the leaves and the crisp air, now is a perfect time to visit the mountain. Those interested can contact the park at 704-982-4402.
