What started as a small festival in 1977 with more than 1,000 attending and 40 vendors has now grown to more than 20,000 in attendance and more than 100 vendors.

For a small rural community of 650, Ochlocknee becomes a busy town on festival day.

Ochlocknee Community Civic Club Inc. is sponsoring the 40th annual Old South Day Festival Nov. 12 at the old school grounds on Spence Street in Ochlocknee.

According to organizers, the event is a salute and tribute to the rich past and a tribute to all heritages of this area. Ochlocknee itself is steeped in history and the festival pays homage to Ochlocknee. Old South Day is a homecoming for all who grew up there or had grandparents whom they visited. It is still opening its doors to all on festival day.

Arts and crafts are always a special portion of the day’s activities. Each presentation is unique, different and a true piece of art in its own way. Needlecraft, leathercraft, plants, woodcraft and so much more is offered and will delight everyone. For booth information and applications, contact Libby Maddox at 226-1749 or Belen Ausburn at 379-4675.

Food of every description will be served, said organizers. From the old standards of hamburgers and hot dogs to specialty foods and ethnic foods, there will be a variety to choose from. Come with an empty stomach and enjoy the many different choices.

An enlarged children’s section for all ages to enjoy is planned this year.

The parade is a fun part of the festival. Bands, floats, antique vehicles, area festival representatives, horses and special guests are only a portion of the representation. To participate in the parade, call Maddox at 226-1749 or 589-1427.

Entrants in the Old South Day Country Fair will be awarded ribbons just as ribbons  were given in the country fairs of yesteryear. For information and applications, call Maddox or Ausburn.

Music of all genres will be presented for festival-goers. To participate, call Maddox.

The Old South Day Living Museum is a testament to life at the turn of the 20th century. This is a home typical of the way a family living in the early 1900s to the 1930s. This living museum is a three-room house displaying items typical to that time period complete with an outdoor privy, smokehouse, clothes line, wash board and more. Organizers say this is a true step back into history.

The making of sugar cane syrup by the old fashioned open kettle method is another salute to the area’s past. From the grinding of the sugar cane for its juice, to the cooking of the juice into syrup and to the bottling of the syrup is an interesting feature for all to view.

The Old South Day Museum presents items such as antique weapons, monies, clothing, small farm machinery and household items, just to name a few. Anyone interested in displaying should contact Benny Price at 221-8802 or Ron Heaton at 977-3024.

The Old South Day Sausage and Biscuit Booth will be serving an old-fashioned breakfast of sausage, biscuits, freshly made sugar cane syrup, grits and coffee. The serving of breakfast begins at 6 a.m.

Come to enjoy, be entertained, educated or to have a wonderful day, say organizers.

For information, contact the chairpersons named above or write, Old South Day Festival, Ochlocknee Community Civic Club Inc., P.O. Box 500, Ochlocknee, GA 31773 or call Sharon Herring at 574-5151.