OCHLOCKNEE — Each year, Old South Day pours life into Ochlocknee. Plans are already in the works for the 27th Annual event scheduled for Nov. 8.

“Ochlocknee is a community of approximately 625 persons which grows in size to approximately 19,000 on festival day,” said publicity director Sharon Herring.

Sponsored by the Ochlocknee Community Civic Club, Inc., the Southwest Georgia event opens its doors to guests from near and far from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The day will be filled with shopping, entertainment, food, a parade and much more.

“The day is full of activities, continuous fun, entertainment, education and excitement,” Herring said. “Arts and crafts, food, entertainment, a parade, museum, country fair, and the making of cane syrup by the old-fashioned open kettle method are only a few of the activities planned. Additional surprises await those who plan to attend.”

Plants, leathercraft, needlecraft, woodcraft, clothcraft, and more will be offered to all who are interested in the array of great talent.

“Arts and crafts, each unique in their presentation, will be offered by very talented exhibitors,” Herring confirmed. “The food, the magic of culinary offering, will be there to delight one’s palate.”

There will be the all-American choices such as hot dogs, hamburgers, country plates, homemade chicken and pork barbecue, and homemade sausage and biscuits with freshly made cane syrup will be offered. In addition, oriental food, old-fashioned apple dumplings, a variety of freshly baked goods and many other surprises will be presented for all matter of tastes.

The flea market will have new items, and antique exhibitors will present their specialities. Booth chairperson is Stacey Godwin, who can be reached at (229) 226-4018 after 6 p.m.

Entertainment, including gospel singing, popular music, clogging and more will fill the air with the sound of music. For further information concerning possible participation, contact April Boyd at (229) 574-5665.

Jams, jellies, handmade items, pies, cakes, photographs, sketches, drawings, and others can be entered in the Old Fashioned Country Fair. Just like in the old days, ribbons will be presented to those who place. For participation in this segment, contact Opal Ellis at (229) 574-5888.

One of the highlights of the event for many is the annual parade. Bands, area festival representatives, floats, antique vehicles, politicians, clowns and several others will march through the Ochlocknee streets. For information to join the long stretch of participants, contact Libby Maddox at (229) 227-1511 or after 7 p.m. at (229) 226-1749.

A museum filled with items of the past such as antique farm machinery, home furnishings, antique kitchen utensils and gadgets, and clothing will give the festival attendee a trip through the past. Cecil Stewart chairs this portion of the Old South Day. He can be reached at (229) 226-8252 after 6 p.m.

Unique and special to the day is the crafting of cane syrup.

“The making of cane syrup, from the grinding of the juice to the sweet, sticky and delicious finish as syrup, will be on exhibition throughout the day,” Herring said. “This is cooking on the old fashioned kettle and is very interesting to watch from start to finish, even the juice, a southern delicacy, will be offered for those who truly enjoy an old southern tradition.”

For more information, contact Herring at P.O. Box 215, Ochlocknee, Ga. 31733 or any of the contact numbers listed for a particular area of interest. Information seekers can also write to Ochlocknee Community Civic Club at P.O. Box 500, Ochlocknee, Ga. 31733.

“There is much more to be offered for all ages attending the festival. From one to 100 years or even older, everyone will find something of interest to tickle their fancy,” Herring concluded. “Surprises throughout the day will be of interest to all who attend the festival.”