The nip of fall might be in the air but if the weather predictions are even close to right for this coming weekend, the sun will be shining brightly on the two events that represent the official start of the 2011 Foothills Festival.

Although the main lineup of events for this 32nd edition of Clinton County’s main fall gathering won’t be until next weekend – October 14-15, the now traditional grouping of “pre-Foothills weekend” happenings will be on the plate for this Saturday and Sunday.

With the Foothills lineup just around the corner, in an effort to give Foothills Festival fans the chance to get their plans for the fall party together early, the Clinton County News is proud to once again present our annual Foothills Festival special section.

Complete with articles previewing the upcoming schedule, a summarized look at the schedule itself, and of course, a host of photographs from last year’s Foothills just to get everyone in the mood, this year’s Foothills Festival section is designed to give everyone an early look at the fun in store for this 2011 edition.

But first things first, this weekend will bring three early Foothills happenings, beginning with this Saturday’s Baby Show slated to get underway at 10:00 a.m. (registration begins at 9:00) at the Clinton County High School.

Then on Sunday, two separate events will coincide at the Mountain View Recreation Park, and the outdoor gatherings are expected to be blessed with some of the best fall weather in years.

The Foothills Gospel Show – better known as the Foothills Old Time Gospel Singing, will get underway at the Mountain View Recreation park at 1:30 p.m.

Featuring three separate entertainer groups – two local and one from nearby Pulaski County, the Foothills Gospel Singing is sure to provide an afternoon of top-notch gospel music entertainment.

In addition to Sunday’s musical lineup at the Mountain View Park, locals will also have the chance to get in a little physical activity while enjoying the fall weather, with the return of the Second Sunday lineup of health related screenings and activities that will be held beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the Clinton County Health Coalition, the free Health Fair will include screenings for a variety of issues including blood pressure, body mass index and much more.

While most of the Second Sunday events are being offered free of charge, the lineup will also include Cholesterol and glucose testing, as well flu shots, both for nominal fees.

The Second Sunday lineup will also feature a host of displays and free information from local health and medical related businesses and agencies.

The Second Sunday lineup will continue until 4:00 p.m.

So, get in the mood this weekend with the early events, take a couple of laps around the track on Sunday to get in shape for what lies ahead, and be sure to head to town next weekend for the 32nd annual fall party for Clinton County – a fun-filled weekend chock full of happenings.

Get the schedule out and put your plan together, and be sure to get in on the fun when Albany and Clinton County invite the world for a weekend visit for what is traditionally one of the last pleasant fall weekends of the season as we bid to one and all . . .

Come See It Our Way!