Newton Citizen

Families took advantage of the train rides through Olde Town Conyers at the 2010 Olde Town Fall Festival.

It's time once again for that Conyers perennial favorite -- the Olde Town Fall Festival. In its 31st year, the Fall Festival offers a chance for families to make a day of it as they browse the arts and crafts, enjoy some lunch and let the kids join in the many activities.

This year's festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 22 on Center, Commercial and Railroad streets in Olde Town Conyers.

The event is presented by the city of Conyers and Conyers Main Street Program.

City of Conyers Director of Tourism Harriet Gattis said it's the tradition involved with the festival that makes it so special. It is Conyers' oldest existing festival and started at a time when having fall festivals was not as popular as it is today.

"We've grown to love and anticipate the festival each autumn," said Gattis.

"It brings everybody back to Olde Town to link us to the past but at the same time we have newcomers moving into the community and they've embraced it and started their own traditions."

The festival first began in 1980 under the direction of the Rockdale Historical Society but several years ago the city of Conyers took over operations.

Gattis said the city added many new vendors and attractions.

"They've taken it to a new level," Gattis said.

The 2011 Olde Town Fall Festival features roughly 85 vendors.

There's art including paintings, jewelry, wood art and clay creations. Other handiwork for sale includes accessories, monogramming, crochet and knit products, quilting, apron design and wine bottle accessories.

Food runs the gamut from hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, chicken tenders, and barbecue to roasted corn and funnel cakes.

There's plenty for kids to do, including arts and crafts and a tea cup ride.

Entertainment is also on tap at the Pavilion in Olde Town and the Conyers Depot Stage where performers from the Dominy School of the Performing Arts, the Jordan Rager Band and the Conyers Dance Ensemble will show off their talents.

Families may also browse the Scarecrow Contest entrants in the Lewis Vaughn Botanical Garden or visit with emergency first responders such at the Rockdale County Fire Department firefighters, who will have a fire truck on display.

Admission to the festival is free. For more information, visit www.oldetownfallfestival.com or call the Conyers Welcome Center at 770-602-2606.