Newton Citizen

Looking for some good family fun? Then load the kids up and head on out to Social Circle's 17th Annual Friendship Festival. The festival is set for Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. To 4 p.m. in historic downtown Social Circle at Ga. Highway 11 and East Hightower Trail.

The day kicks off with a parade at 10 a.m. leaving Social Circle United Methodist Church and traveling down Highway 11, ending at Annie P. Henderson Drive. The parade features 40 participants including the local high school marching band, a tractor club, the local theater troupe, Scout troops, sports teams, restaurants and businesses.

Throughout the day there will be other entertainment including classic rock 'n' roll performed by the Archmen, bluegrass presented by Blue Heaven and gospel music.

Festivalgoers can browse through some 40 vendors selling food, such as hot dogs, hamburger, barbecue and funnel cakes; handmade crafts and other items. There's also a Kid Zone where children can bounce on inflatables, get their faces painted or their hair done in a funky do, or take a pony ride.

The North Georgia Two-Cylinder Club will supply about 25 antique tractors to transport people back and forth from their cars to the festival.

Festival Chairperson Marian Snipes said the festival typically draws between 3,000 and 4,000 people.

"We would like people to come out and visit our community and see how our community comes together and has a nice day and has some fun," Snipes said.

Social Circle is located off of Interstate 20 at exit 98. For more information, call the Better Hometown program at 770-464-1866 or visit www.socialcirclegabht.com.

If you go

What: Social Circle's 17th Annual Friendship Festival, sponsored by Walton Regional Medical Center

When: Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. To 4 p.m.

Where: Historic downtown Social Circle

Cost: Admission is free.

Info: Call the Social Circle Better Hometown program at 770-464-1866 or visit www.socialcirclegabht.com.