Attractions Galore
As the popularity of the annual John Maher Builders Spring Hill Country Ham Festival has grown, so have the attractions the festival offers. Every year new items are added to the day’s agenda to make for an even more exciting day.
For the 2009 festival more than 40 craft vendors will be assembled offering everything from jewelry to handmade bags. New this year is a booth offering maternity wear. The Spring Hill Antique Mall will be participating for the first time selling handmade furniture and hand carved Santas. Brightstone Crafts will be offering wares; the sale of which will go to their mission of supporting adults with special needs. A Farmer’s Market will have fresh herbs and preserved garden vegetables for sale and a gourmet booth will offer caramel pear butter and mini loaves of bread.
Early’s, the official country ham sponsor of the festival, will have a booth offering the delicious jams, jellies, honey and sliced ham that are offered in their store.
Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream will be participating as a food vendor this year as well as vendors selling turkey drumsticks, chicken wings and flavored frozen lemonade. Lots of barbeque and old favorites such as roasted corn, apple fritters and funnel cakes will be on hand as well.
Festival attendees will have the opportunity to participate in contests such as the “Ham Walk,” and the “Washer Pitching Contest” and earn prizes. The Pig Races, sponsored by Terminix, and the Hog Calling Competition are favorites every year and are sure to attract many participants as well.
The Corvette Club of Nashville will be participating in this year’s festival with a display of about 30 to 35 vehicles including classics and new models. The Spring Hill Arts Center will be offering a community stage with performances by the SHAC Youth Choir and a production of “The Three Little Pigs” – as told from the wolf’s point of view. SHAC will also be performing an excerpt from “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.”
The Charter Pig Pen is back by popular demand and will feature a big screen television showing college football for all of the football fans. The game-viewing will be available just steps away from the food vending.
The kids will have much to do at the Kid’s Zone. More than 25 businesses are sponsoring booths in the Kid’s Zone which will offer activities such as face painting, karaoke and even rock climbing. Inflatables will be a part of the Kid’s Zone as well. All of the activities in the Kid’s Zone are free and many booths offer prizes.
More than nine acts will be part of this year’s entertainment lineup. Herrick, The Sammi Moore Band, Kelsey Muse, The Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance and Fletcher are just a few.
The day will end with the Spectacular Fireworks show, which will be approximately 20 minutes long including the grand finale.
“There is just so much to see and do at this year’s festival,” said event organizer Chris DeBerry. “There is truly something for everyone. You won’t want to miss it!”
John Maher Builders Spring Hill Country Ham Festival
The John Maher Builders Spring Hill Country Ham Festival will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Tennessee Children’s Home (804 Branham Hughes Boulevard in Spring Hill). Admission to this family fun event is free and includes participation in all festival activities and the Kid’s Zone. Live music and entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, competitions and much more are highlights of the day. A free fireworks exhibit will begin at dark. Parking for the event is $10 per carload. (An entry fee applies to walk-ins). For more information visit the Web site: www.countryhamfest.com or call (931)486-3300.
