The City of Auburn will host its annual fall spectacular this weekend.
Auburnfest is set for Saturday and Sunday from noon-7 p.m. Numerous events are planned including a chili cook-off, children’s costume parade contest and entertainment by John Martin and the Southern Drive Band.
The event will also feature hay rides, a car show, numerous food vendors, pumpkin painting, craft vendors and a petting zoo. Auburn mayor Linda Blechinger will give a welcome at the start of both days’ activities.
A shuttle bus will be provided to take visitors into the downtown Auburn area.
Featured events include:
•Chili Cook off - Saturday, Oct. 16. Chili will be judged based upon aroma, consistency, appearance, taste and after-taste. Due to space constraints, a limited number of entrants will be accepted. Contestants should apply early. For more information contact cewing@cityofauburn-ga.org or call 770-963-4002 x 223.
•Costume contest and parade - Sunday, Oct. 17. Children ranging in age from birth to 12 years of age are invited to participate in a parade and costume contest. The parade and contest will begin at 5 p.m. Registration for the event opens at 4 p.m. in the Auburn council chambers. There is no fee to enter the event.
Prizes will be awarded in three age groups: 0-4 years, 5-8 years and 9-12 years of age. Costumes must be homemade or handmade. No store bought costumes are allowed.
•John Martin and the Southern Drive Band - Saturday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. Members of the Southern Drive Band include John Martin, Charles and Robert Holloway, Doug Peters, Doug Watson and Arnie Johnson.
The band has opened for country music acts including Chris Cagle, John Berry, Pam Tillis and Asleep at the Wheel. Featured on the Cowboy Up record label out of Ft. Worth, Tex., the band has played clubs across the southeast.
Three of the band members hail from Georgia. Lead singer and songwriter John Martin is an Athens native. Drummer Charles Holloway and bass player Robert Holloway are Toccoa residents.
The group’s music has been played on radio stations all over Europe and Texas. For more information, visit the band’s website at http://johnmartincountrymusic.com.
