By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

SHELBY— The annual Fall Festival at Shelby Iron Works Park brings back characteristics from old time harvest celebrations with antique displays, sorghum cane pressing and hayrides.

“Oh yes, we always are (excited),” said Tom Trimble, president of the Historic Shelby Association. “It’s labor intensive, but it’s well worth it.”

The Fall Festival has been going on for about 26 years, according to Trimble. It’s the biggest fundraiser for Shelby Iron Works Park, funding the “other 11 months of the year,” and the event is free to the public.

That’s why Trimble said between 4,000 and 8,000 people attend the two-day festival each year. This year’s events will take place Oct. 10-11 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. both days.

Many performers will entertain guests with genres from gospel to modern rock throughout the day as guests peruse through multiple vendors. The Country Store will also be open with a variety of products available for purchase.

Saturday will feature an antique tractor and antique motor sales, along with a tractor parade at noon. Antique vehicles will also be on display.

In addition to watching the sawmill in operation, touring the Shelby Iron Works Museum free of admission and browsing items at the blacksmith shop, guests can witness sorghum cane syrup being made the old fashion way.

The can will be crushed, juiced and cooked over an open fire, producing a syrup and Trimble said they’ll be jarring and selling it to guests. Hamburgers and hotdogs can also be purchased at the park’s food service building.

In the true spirit of harvest festivals, Shelby Iron Works Park will also provide hayride tours of the park as a way to acquaint people with the buildings and amenities.

“Bring your favorite chair and plan to stay a while,” Trimble said. “Bring the whole family. There will be something for everyone.”