By Bonita Wilborn
Well folks, fall is finally here. That means it is time for the annual Mentone Colorfest, which has been held on the third weekend in October since 1983, a total of 35 years.
Colorfest is a two-day celebration filled with free family fun in the quaint mountain village of Mentone.
While the leaves have not yet reached their full fall colors this year, due to the warm temperatures that have lasted well into October, we must remember that green is also a color that God in his infinite wisdom prepared for us to enjoy and we still need to get out there and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Hosted by the Mentone Area Preservation Association (MAPA), Colorfest brings together art, music, food, and other activities. It’s a favorite among tourists who flock to Mentone from as far away as Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
The 2018 Colorfest kicks off on Friday, October 19, with Pontoon boat rides from 1:00pm to dusk, Saturday 10:00am to dusk, Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm. The cost for the 45 minute ride is $15 per person. Kayak and canoes can be rented on Saturday at from the boat shack at DeSoto Falls. The cost is $30 for a 3-hour rental of a kayak and $45 for a 3-hour rental of a tandem kayak or canoe (double). To reserve your kayak or for more information, call 256-634-8370.
Beginning 5:30pm on Friday, at the Mentone Inn, Fontana Stinson will serve fish plates with beans, slaw, hush puppies, and a drink for $10. Chili bowls and bean bowls will also be available. Then at 7:00pm Little River Arts Council presents Ryan Keef & Friends. The show will be held at the pavilion behind the Mentone Inn. Seating on the lawn is limited, so bring a chair or blanket to enjoy an evening under the stars.
On Saturday morning, activities begin at 9:00am with displays of handmade arts and crafts from many artists and craftsmen. Vendors will be along North Cool Street on Mentone’s western brow, as well as at the site of the old Mentone Springs Hotel.
Throughout town, local shops will be open and there will be music around town as well as at Brow Park. Festival-goers can pick up a free town Scavenger Hunt card at both MAPA booths and at 3 of the shuttle stops. DeSoto State Park and Little River Arts Council are partnering in a mosaic tile art project. Come by their booth (at the old Mentone Springs Hotel site, near Scarecrow Hollow) and have a hand in designing a part of this project. There will be Pony Rides on Saturday from 9:00am to 3:00pm and again on Sunday from 9:00am to 12:00 noon.
A highlight of the festival every year is music at the Brow Park pavilion. Enjoy the sounds of some of our area’s finest musicians! While you’re walking between North Cool St. and the hotel site, enjoy a stroll through enchanting Scarecrow Hollow, where creatively-crafted scarecrows will grace your path.
Festival parking will be available only at designated lots for a fee of $5 per car. A free shuttle service will take festival-goers to and from Brow Park and the former Mentone Springs Hotel site, with stops along the way.
Colorfest’s traditional Quilt Raffle benefits MAPA’s funding of grants that support the Mentone community. Raffle tickets cost $1 each and are available at Moon Lake Library, Southern Style Log Furniture, Earthly Elements, The Graceful Giraffe, and Mentone Market. To see the quilt and/or purchase tickets visit the MAPA booth at Colorfest.
Mentone’s community-run library traditionally holds its biggest fundraiser on Colorfest weekend. Stop by and browse at their booth on South St. Hardcover books are $2, large paperbacks are $1, small paperbacks are $.25 or 5/$1.