SUCHES – The Indian Summer Festival returns to the Valley Above the Clouds this weekend, Oct. 4-5, on its usual schedule of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. But there are some key changes this year designed to make the festivities bigger and better than ever.
Although a family-friendly event from the start, a special kids’ area will be included this year featuring a mechanical bull. Prospective challengers can buy a ride for $5, or children can enjoy an all-day pass to check out the other games and activities in the area for $15.
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Hypnotist Terry Stokes will make his first appearance at the festival, with shows both days. He joins a lineup of entertainment that includes Nealy Webster and the yearly play put on by Woody Gap School students that honors some of the history and culture of Appalachia’s first inhabitants, the Cherokee.
A worship service will take place on Sunday morning starting at 9 a.m., which organizer Larry Wood said will be “very brief” – no more than 10 minutes. It will be led by Rev. George Burch, a former principal of Woody Gap School.
About 65 vendors are slated to showcase their wares. Wood shared that all the merchants are local to the Southeast, coming from as far away as Florida to sell homemade goods ranging from handmade, fragrant soaps to wood sculptures artfully shaped by a chainsaw.
A variety of foods will be available for guests who come with an empty stomach. The Gaddistown Homemakers will be selling their beloved pies in a variety of flavors, but more savory options for fair fare include hot dogs, hamburgers, boiled peanuts, chicken and barbecue.
In addition to home goods, jewelry, furniture, food and more, visitors can spend their cash to take a chance on the 50/50 raffle. New this year, tickets offer an opportunity for folks to win half of all “prize money” generated by ticket sales.
Similarly, there will be an auction featuring goods donated by local businesses. Values range from $5 to several hundred dollars, and potential wins include everything from clothing and knives to a telescope and even a certificate for a haircut. Speaking of which, there will be a booth set up where guests can get their hair cut.
It’s worth noting that the Indian Summer Festival is about more than just going out and having a good time, although that’s virtually guaranteed.
All proceeds raised by the festival itself go back to Woody Gap students, whether that means purchasing supplies for the classroom like paper and pencils, helping fund field trips, or footing part of the bill for a college education through scholarships.
The auction in particular will help the athletic department. This might look like taking care of referee salaries, stocking the concession stand, covering gas for away games and other trips, or paying for meals while on those trips.
As usual, the Indian Summer Festival will be held in the field behind Woody Gap School, located at 2331 GA-60 in Suches; Wood encourages those having trouble getting there to call him at 706-973-0289.
Parking is free, and admission prices for those 13 and older is $5, while ages 7 to 12 is $3. Children 6 and under get in for free.
For more information, visit https://www.indiansummerfestival.org/.
