FROM STAFF REPORTS

MT LAUREL – The annual Mt Laurel Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Mt Laurel Fall Festival includes shopping the many arts and crafts vendors and farmers in the Town Center; watching live music on the Bryson Square Stage sponsored by Mortgagebanc; and savoring delicious eats at Birmingham food trucks such as Jim N’ Nicks BBQ, Cantina on Wheels, and Off the Hook.

Visitors can also browse handcrafted artwork, home décor items, jewelry and pottery from local artisans and pick up fresh produce from participating farmers.

In the middle of the Town Center, the Bryson Square Stage will host entertainment for the entire duration of the festival.

Mortgagebanc is sponsoring the expanded entertainment on the Bryson Square stage.

Starting at 12:45 p.m., Raquel Lily will return to the stage at the Fall Festival; this crowd-favorite features a blend of upbeat pop, rock and jazz sounds.

At 3:15 p.m., up and coming country singer and songwriter Jackson Capps will take the stage.

Simply Infused, an olive oil and balsamic tasting room in Mt Laurel, will lead a chef demonstration on stage at noon. During the demonstration, attendees can catch a taste of the weekly chef-led cooking classes at Simply Infused.

At 2:30 p.m., experience the Canine Costume Contest presented by Lucky Dog Groomers. This annual costume contest brings a smile to everyone’s face with hilarious pet costumes and cute pups. The contest benefits the Shelby County Humane Society.

The festival will now extend to Mt Laurel’s beautiful Olmsted Park to allow for an expanded Kid’s Park area. Children of all ages will love the hayride, petting zoo, inflatables and rides in the idyllic Olmsted Park.

From Olmsted Park, festival goers can take a short walk to Mt Laurel’s two homes entered into the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builder’s Fall Community and Home Tour. The Fall Festival coincides with the annual Fall Community and Home Tour, the free city-wide event displaying the best new construction communities in Birmingham.

Vistors can discover the quality materials, craftsman styling and exceptional detail in two of Mt Laurel’s newest floorplans, the Redbud Cottage and the Leatherwood Cottage.

Located at 336 Olmsted Street and 324 Olmsted Street, these two homes are part of the new Homes at Olmsted Park collection and are only steps from the action at the Fall Festival.

Those interested an tour the best of Birmingham real estate during the two weekends of the Fall Community and Home Tour, Oct. 7-9 and Oct. 14-16 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Admission is free to the Mt Laurel Fall Festival and the Fall Community and Home Tour, and both events will be held rain or shine.

The 50th Anniversary Southern Living Idea House in Mt Laurel will be open for tours during the festival as well.

Admission for the Idea House is $15 and benefits the Mt Laurel Public Library and Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

For more information, visit www.mtlaurel.com.