By RUTH RICE rrice@tribdem.com
BEDFORD — For the 41st year, the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival will bring the beauty of autumn’s colors, the skill of craftsmen and the joy of live entertainment and fun food to downtown Bedford.
This year’s festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Oct. 8, and from 11 a.m. to5 p.m. on Sunday and Oct. 9.
The festival has grown so much in recent years that it has spilled over from the downtown to Fort Bedford Park.
“Last year there were about 70,000 to 75,000 (visitors),” said Dennis Tice, director of Bedford County Visitors Bureau. “It’s a big deal.”
Members of the festival committee make sure that every craft is handmade.
Tice said there will be more than 400 crafts on display, including pottery, woodworking, painted sweatshirts, dolls, baskets, and dried flower arrangements.
Demonstrations will be given in painting, woodcarving and quilting.
Hundreds of traditionally inspired, contemporary and antique quilts will be on display at Bedford Area High School on John Street at the annual quilt show and sale sponsored by the Pioneer Historical Society. A donation of $2 is requested.
Presented by the Bedford County Arts Council, a juried art exhibit featuring work by regional artists, sculptors and photographers will be on display on the first floor of the Anderson House on Pitt Street.
An antique car show featuring more than 100 vintage cars will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 8.
Harvest Queen contestants will be presented at 11 a.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Saturday’s entertainment at the gazebo will include country music with George Lucas and Allegheny at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m., magic with Dennie Huber at noon, Tribute to Billy Joel with Lee Al-verson at 1 and 4 p.m., bluegrass with Dale and Darrell at 2 and everything from original country to contemporary Christian with John and Jessie Topper at 3.
Sunday’s entertainment will include southern rock and blues with Felix and the Hurricanes at noon and 3 p.m.; and soul, Motown and rhythm and blues with Burning House at 1 and 4 p.m.
Entertainment on Oct. 8 will include Dale and Darrell at 10 a.m., World of Children at 11 a.m., Dennie Huber at noon, Elvis tribute with Phil McCaulley at 1 and 4 p.m., A’Cappella Kinda Guys at 2 and John and Jessie Topper at 3.
Entertainment on Oct. 9 will include bluegrass with Wildflower at 11 a.m.; rock, pop and country with New Edition at noon and 3 p.m.; rock, jazz, blues and classics with Gerry Gessie Duo at 1 and 4 p.m.; and A’Cappella Kinda Guys at 2 p.m.
Strolling entertainment will include storyteller Jodie King, Dennie Huber, Plaid Piper, Dale and Darrell, A’Cappella Kinda Guys and Wildflower.
Entertainment by the river at Fort Bedford Park will include Blue Shades, Joyful Notes, Heartstrings, A’Cappella Kinda Guys and Valley Road.
For the children, pony rides will be available Saturday and Oct. 8 at Fort Bedford Park. Children’s craft tents will be set up at the park Oct. 8 and 9.
Middle Earth Studios, a favorite with kids, will return this year to give youngsters a chance to become part of a play.
Festival foods to whet visitors’ taste buds will include candied apples, apple cider, barbecued chicken and beef, hot sausage and steak sandwiches, crab cakes, homemade soups, kettle corn, ice cream, apple dumplings and funnel cakes.
Free shuttle service is available from parking areas at Bedford County Fairgrounds on Business Route 30 and Old Bedford Village on Business Route 220.
