Plans for the Frankford Autumnfest are wrapping up! This beloved festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, in the charming town of Frankford. The day kicks off with the annual Pancake Breakfast at the Frankford Presbyterian Church from 7 a.m. until the parade begins at 11 a.m. Be sure to try the famous buckwheat pancakes! If pancakes aren’t your thing, stop by Good Roads Bakery, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for baked goodies.
Also starting at 7 a.m. is the return of the annual 5K Race. All participants will receive a T-shirt, and medals will be awarded to the top male and female winners in each age group, which includes: 12 and under, 13-17, 18-25, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40, and 41 and up.
The Grand Parade is a highlight of the festival, averaging 50 to 60 entrants each year, including floats, horses, bands, civic groups, antique cars, and more. Line-up and registration will run from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Categories judged include bands, EMS/Fire departments (judged separately), Royalty (only those escorted by classic car/ATV), classic cars, ATVs/off-road vehicles, walkers, tractors, floats, and equine. Judging will take place at 10 a.m. Late entries are welcome to join the parade, which begins promptly at 11 a.m. Only one entry per group, company, or organization will be eligible for judging.
The art tent will feature various activities for all ages, including spin art and body art. There will be a wealth of arts and crafts, with opportunities for young entrepreneurs to display and sell their creations, including art, crafts, jewelry, and produce. Kids can enjoy games, inflatables, and a basketball tournament, which will consist of foul shots and 3-pointers. Age groups for the tournament include first and second grades, third and fourth grades, fifth and sixth grades, seventh and eighth grades, and all others. Medals will be awarded to the top three winners in each group. Play begins at 1 p.m., so arrive early to register.
Local fifth-grade students have worked hard on Heritage projects about the community, and these will be on display during the festival – don’t miss them!
No festival is complete without food, and there will be plenty of options for everyone. Expect nachos, burgers, hot dogs, barbecue, walking tacos, biscuits, cinnamon rolls, and more. Breakfast biscuits will be available for early birds. Several arts and crafts vendors will also be present. The hosts of Frankford Autumnfest invite local school bands and choirs to perform if interested, or simply to join in the fun or use the event as a fundraiser.
K9 demonstrations for search and rescue, along with introductions to traditional squirrel hunting, will be on site. If you have a passion for other types of hunting and want to introduce youth to your favorite sport, please consider attending. An archery demonstration will also be held in the gym, with local schools offering archery instruction through their physical education programs. Frankford Elementary is excited to participate in this initiative. If you love fishing and are interested in teaching others about the sport, such as how to tie flies or choose the right bait, contact Kim at 304-646-2874. The festival aims to introduce local youth and adults to the outdoors and various sports they may not be familiar with.
The committee is pleased to announce the return of the Health Fair, featuring numerous vendors and providers in the cafeteria. Additionally, mobile clinics from local health centers, including Robert C. Byrd and Maxwelton Health Center, will be present. The Health Fair will run from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The 3rd Annual Autumnfest Car Show will take place on the school grounds following the parade, where anyone interested can participate. The first 15 registrants will be entered into prize drawings. Registration costs $15. For more information, contact Crystal at 304-667-8173. The event also hopes to showcase some antique tractors from the parade on the grounds afterward.
Live music will kick off at noon with Acoustic Fusion, followed by Ben Hersman and The Sons of the Mountains at 1 p.m. Mud Hole Control will perform at 2 p.m., followed by The Thomas Taylor Band wrapping up the live music at 3 p.m.
No Autumnfest would be complete without the decorated pumpkin contest! Entries are due by 1 p.m. at Shelby’s Pond, with judging at 1:30 p.m. Be sure to check out these fantastic creations crafted by children, showcasing their imagination and creativity.
While at Shelby’s Pond, take a moment to visit the Garden of Remembrance, a newer addition to the school grounds that features memorial markers for three students from Frankford Elementary School who were tragically lost three years ago.
The Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department will be on site again this year to fingerprint children for a national database that can be used in emergencies. Additionally, there will be an interactive reptile demonstration from Critter Cave Reptiles.
Please note that the annual Frankford Ruritan Club Dinner has been canceled this year, so if your group or organization is seeking a fundraising opportunity, contact Autumnfest as soon as possible.
All vendors should be set up and have their vehicles parked by 10:30 a.m. to alleviate traffic issues with the parade and ensure the safety of parade spectators. Vendor spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so bring your own canopies, chairs, etc. Pre-registration is not necessary.
The committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to The Hollowell Foundation, The Mary B. Nickell Family, the WV Department of Arts, Culture and History; Radio Greenbrier, Car Wash Consultants, White Sulphur Springs EMS, and SJ Neathawk Lumber for their generous support and sponsorships that make this event possible. They also remind motorists of the following safety concerns: US Route 219, from the old car wash just north of Frankford to the intersection with Anthony Creek Road, will be affected by the parade. Detours will be set up as usual, so please be cautious of pedestrians near the roadways throughout the day.
Some seating will be provided, but feel free to bring your own chair. With all these events planned, you’re sure to have an enjoyable day!
(All events are subject to change without prior notice.)