News Release
For Immediate Release — August 26, 2009
UT and Ames Plantation Host 12th Annual
Heritage Festival and Antique Auction
GRAND JUNCTION, Tenn. – A crisp fall Saturday, the high lonesome harmony of a bluegrass band, mouthwatering meals cooked over an open fire. These are just a few of the sights, sounds and smells of the Heritage Festival and Antique Auction, which has become a West Tennessee autumn tradition.
The Heritage Festival at Ames Plantation in Grand Junction, Tenn., gives visitors a glimpse of 19th century life with the help of more than 125 folk artists, demonstrators, re-enactors and musicians. This year's event is Saturday, Oct. 10. Photo by G. Trice.
Held at the historic Ames Plantation on Saturday, October 10, the Heritage Festival gives visitors the opportunity to slip away to a simpler time. Surrounded by 18,000 acres of farmland and forest, you really can get a glimpse of 19th century life with the help of more than 125 folk artists, demonstrators, re-enactors and musicians. See a blacksmith in action, be captivated by tall tales in a one-room schoolhouse, pick and spin heirloom cotton, you can even milk a goat! There are performances of Native American dances and Civil War re-enactments. Visitors also have the chance to learn more about a shady side of our heritage…moonshine!
A favorite part of the day for many visitors is the Antique Auction. Hundreds of items will be sold, including early Tennessee furniture, glassware, country collectibles, cast iron, old books, pottery and much more. A portion of the auction proceeds will go towards the historic preservation program at the Ames Plantation. Don’t miss a chance to take a piece of history home with you!
In addition to antiques, history buffs will enjoy learning about lifestyles of the past, as well as modern research methods that have made historical findings possible. Researchers will share information on recent archeological findings at Ames, including 19th century homesteads and the Ames Indian Mounds.
The Festival and Auction will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, and run through 5:00 p.m. If you’re looking for a fun-filled, educational outing in a family oriented atmosphere, the Heritage Festival and Antique Auction will be an excellent choice. You can enjoy both events for just one admission of only $4.00 for adults, $2.00 for children ages 5 – 16, and free for ages 4 and under. Parking is free. Enter Ames Plantation at Buford Ellington Road off Tennessee Highway 18. No pets, please.
For more information regarding Heritage Festival visit the web site http://www.amesplantation.org or call 901-878-1067. For additional information on featured items in the Antique Auction go to http://www.kennedysauctionservice.com.
Ames Plantation is privately owned and operated by the Successor Trustees of the Hobart Ames Foundation through the Will of the late Julia Colony Ames. The Ames Plantation’s 18,400 acres of land are made available to Univeristy of Tennessee AgResearch as one of 10 research and education centers located across the state. In addition to its agricultural research programs, the UT Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine and UT Extension offices in every county in the state.
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Contacts:
Jamie Evans, Ames Plantation, 901-878-1067, jevans@amesplantation.org
Ginger Trice, UTIA Marketing and Communications Services, 731-425-4768, gtrice@tennessee.edu
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2009 Heritage Festival Program