Take a trip into yesteryear and attend the 41st annual Old South Day Festival, sponsored by the Ochlocknee Community Civic Club Inc. It is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 11, at 5020 Spence St. in Ochlocknee.

The day is a tribute to the past and a salute to the blending of all heritages in this region. Arts, crafts, food, a parade, entertainment, an antique museum, an antique house showing how life was at the turn of the 20th century, the making of sugar cane syrup by the old-fashioned open kettle method, an old-fashioned breakfast serving homemade biscuits, fresh cane syrup, sausage, etc. and an old-fashioned country fair are only a portion of the activities festival organizers have planned.

The arts and crafts segment is to feature many handmade items each in their own unique presentation. It will include handmade belts, handmade jewelry, woodcraft and more. Booth spaces measure 15 feet by 15 feet. Non-electrical spaces are $50 per booth and electrical spaces are $100. Exhibitors are responsible for their own tables, chairs, tents, etc. The deadline is Oct. 31. After that date, vendors must make an appointment with booth chairperson Belen Ausburn to complete the forms. For information, contact Ausburn at (229) 200-1023.

Spaces for baked goods, food booths and new flea market items are very limited. Activities on the grounds begins at 

The Old South Day Parade, beginning at 11 a.m., has always been a great part of the day’s activities. Antique vehicles, horses, wagons, antique fire engines, politicians, area festival representatives and much more will participate. For information, call Libby Maddox at 226-1749 or (229) 589-1427.

Entertainment is always a great part of the day’s activities. To participate, contact Dona Evans at (678) 923-6542.

The Old South Day Antiques Museum offers a glimpse in the past and will feature tools, home furnishings, newspaper clippings, monies, firearms and much more. To participate, contact Benny Prince at (229) 221-8802.

Step into the past with the Old South Day Country Fair. Old-fashioned country fairs were held each year in the past. Those who competed would bring their best in handmade items, baked good, canned goods, art items, quilts and more. Items will be judged and winners receive a ribbon. To participate contact call Libby Maddox at 226-1749 or (229) 589-1427.

Another interesting part of the day’s festivities is a tour through the antique homestead circa 1900. The house is typical of the lifestyle of the people who lived in three-room houses from 1900-29 in the South. It is furnished with items typical of that time period and features a working family presenting how life was lived.

The making of sugar cane syrup by the old-fashioned open kettle method is part of this area’s rich history. At the turn of the 20th century, most farmers would produce cane syrup as an extra income for their families. If the people were not farmers, they would be the labor hands for these farmers and help in the making of syrup. The exhibition shows the making of the syrup from the grinding of the sugar cane, to the cooking of the syrup and then to the bottling of the syrup. The making of the syrup was a very important part to this area and to watch the process is interesting to all ages, organizers say.

The Old South Day Heritage Quilt, chaired by Judy Carter, is reminiscent of the old-fashioned quilts made. This quilt is truly an heirloom and will be a collector’s item to whoever wins the quilt. This year’s quilt theme is Antiques featuring 30 original designed squares by 30 members of the Ochlocknee community. Each person has chosen their subject and sewed, cross-stitched or embroidered their square. No two are alike.

For the early-risers, a breakfast of homemade biscuits, fresh cane syrup, sausage, grits, etc. will be served at 6 a.m.

For more information, contact publicity director Sharon Herring at 574-5151 or write Ochlocknee Community Civic Club, P.O. Box 500, Ochlocknee, GA 31773.