JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Powells Crossroads was in celebratory spirits for the season, as the community recently hosted its second annual Fall Festival at Crossroads Park.
The festival was spearheaded by Makayla Condra, a member of the community’s park board. Condra wanted to establish an event that residents can come together to enjoy, especially at a time of year which serves as off-season for local sports teams. Additionally, the festival was formed to help support Crossroads Park, all proceeds earned going directly to the park and playgrounds, especially the newly built toddler’s playground.
“Much of this goes towards the little playground that we have,” said Condra.
Condra stated that last year’s first Fall Festival quickly became a successful and beloved event for the community, the park board and city earning over $3,000 for the toddler playset alone from paid admissions. Alderman Larry Higdon of the town’s city board expressed how the event means much to himself and other leading figures of Powells Crossroads. He explained that akin to other public events held in the community, the Board of Mayor & Aldermen want to ensure that children growing up in the area can always have a hometown, a place where community members gather for trunk-or-treats, cook-offs, and festivals that are held each year. This idea stems from the board aiming to have activities for local families to make memories and feel at home within town.
“We want our kids to have a hometown. And that’s what’s important to us,” said Higdon.
A variety of vendors and activities awaited those participating in the fall themed festivities of the day. Activities ranged from inflatable bounce houses and slides, to a hayride and a petting zoo. The petting zoo was operated by Chris and Kimberly Turner of T4 Farms Petting Zoo & Live Farm Exhibits and included several animals from their own farm.
Another animal based vendor who participated was Anna Lee Harbison and Jess Holland of Willow Rose Stables LLC. Harbison explained Willow Rose offers several services ranging from pony rides and donkey based delivery services, to also therapy programs regarding mental health. Willow Stables officially began business in October, providing a range of therapeutic programs and helping establish many parties alongside her trusty companions Dulche and Meeko, a therapy donkey and Flemish giant rabbit.
Food vendors were also present during the fall festival, such as Amanda Powell of The Hype and Connie Reynolds of 2Moma Food Truck & Catering LLC. The Hype is a truck dedicated to providing diabetic friendly beverages, ranging from teas and lattes to coffee and energy drinks all made with a combination of ingredients suitable for those with diabetes to enjoy. 2Moma Food Truck & Catering first began in nearby Chattanooga, serving homemade burgers and chickens wings. A distinct seasoning unique to 2Moma is the use of the “2Mama seasoning”, a family made recipe utilized for the food that is cooked and served.
“It’s a homemade seasoning, and it’s the only seasoning that I use on the truck,” said Reynolds.
Other vendors who participated included Banners by Haley, Crafty Husky Mom, as well as Aaron and Crystal Gonzalez who shared their leatherworks to visiting attendees.
Other activities present ranged from bingo to a silent auction, all of which helped into making this year’s Fall Festival another seasonal delight for the residents of Powells Crossroads.