Foothills fun gets early start this weekend

The rainy conditions and colder temperatures we experience last week brought leaves to the ground and sweatshirts out all across Albany and Clinton County

Although predictions are for a return to warmer and sunnier conditions than we all experienced this past weekend, that sudden blast of cooler temperatures brought to mind for most the realization that summer is certainly over with and the fall season has arrived.

With those thoughts of the season change, also come the thoughts of the fast approaching favorite weekend of the fall for the majority of those living here, the annual Foothills Festival.

Slated for a main weekend run of October 16-17, the Foothills Festival schedule will once again see things getting off to a fast start with an offering of “pre-Foothills” activities set for presentation this coming weekend.

The lineup for this 36 annual presentation of the annual Foothills Festival will officially get underway with a trio of events set for this weekend, beginning with Saturday’s traditional kick-off event, the Foothills Festival Baby Show.

To be held at the Clinton County High School, the Foothills Baby Show will get off to an early start Saturday with a 9:00 a.m. registration time, and a scheduled start time for the festivities of 10:00 a.m.

Admission is once again only $2 and additional information can be learned by contacting Rose Hunter at 606-306-2466.

On Sunday, the activities move across U.S. 127 to the Clinton County Learning Center as well as the Mountain View Recreation Park (weather permitting).

The traditional Foothills Festival Old Time Gospel Singing will once again bring some of the area’s best known and most entertaining gospel music to the stage at the Clinton County Learning Center.

Long-time gospel event organizer Ricky Brown has once again secured a top-notched line-up of entertainers for the enjoyment of everyone who chooses to come out to the Learning Center for the free afternoon of entertainment.

Brown told the Clinton County News several weeks ago that he again has chosen to include a mixed lineup of entertainers that include both local and regionally well – known gospel singing groups on stage.

Included in this year’s planned lineup of gospel groups will be Brown’s own family group – the Brown Family – as well as a pair of other well-known groups, the Spirituals and Lifetime Guarantee.

The Foothills Old Time Gospel Show is set to get underway at 1:30 p.m. on the Learning Center Auditorium stage.

Additional details can be learned by contacting Brown at 387-9187.

At about the same time Sunday afternoon, beginning at 1:00 p.m., the theme of better health opportunities will be taking center stage with the return of the Second Sunday (2S) events.

Held at both the Learning Center as well as the adjacent Mountain View Recreation Park, the health oriented lineup is a part of the Clinton County Extension Office programs designed to promote and educate local residents about the benefits of adopting a healthier lifestyle.

This year’s programs will include a combination of events featuring physical activities for all ages.

Included in the Sunday afternoon 2S schedule will be Play and Learn (PAL) events for young children as well as events geared toward helping adults discover ways to live healthier lifestyles.

In the Early Childhood Center (ECC) Multipurpose Room attached to the Learning Center, April Burchett will be leading a Dance Fit class that begins at 2:00 p.m. and will be followed by a Virginia Conner led Zumba class at 2:30.

The lineup of activities slated to be held at the Mountain View Recreation Park will include running and walking opportunities around the park walking track.

Participants who walk or run at least two miles (four laps) around the track, will receive supplemental physical activities items (while supplies last) including water bottles, pedometers, etc. Participants are reminded to check in at the registration table after each lap.

In addition, inflatable features will be on hand for all ages and a host of other activities will be available all afternoon, including hula hoop, jump rope, cornhole.

New bike racks that have been provided by the Clinton County EPHECT Health Coalition, will be installed at the beginning of Sunday’s planned activities at the park and in line with this, residents are urged to bring their bikes and trikes with them to enjoy the fall afternoon weather and a leisurely ride.

Of course the new playground equipment that was purchased and installed this year through a joint community effort spearheaded by the Clinton County Hometown Health Coalition will be available for everyone’s enjoyment all afternoon long.

Participants at the 2S event this Sunday are asked to find the registration tent and table when they arrive and sign in. The first 50 registrants will receive a free Second Sunday t-shirt.

And all of that only brings us up to the week of the main Foothills Festival lineup that will see a host of events get underway next Thursday and continue until the closing event on Saturday, October 17.

In our effort to once again help our readers get the full enjoyment out of the Foothills Festival schedule, the Clinton County News is proud to present our annual Foothills Special Section included with this week’s issue.

The section includes a breakdown of many of the weekend events as well as rules and a look at the many musical acts that will take the stage for everyone’s enjoyment on both Friday and Saturday.

Always one of the last weekends of pleasurable weather before the colder conditions arrive, and with the backdrop of fall colors provided by the mountains in our foothills region of the Appalachian mountain chain, the Clinton County News urges everyone to make plans now to enjoy a full slate of Foothills Festival activities.

Enjoy the lineup of activities on hand for the next two weekends during this 36th edition of the Foothills Festival and come together on the courthouse square and all around Albany as we residents join with former residents, friends, family and a host of visitors to once again . . .

Come See It Our Way!