The Madison County Historical Complex was alive with activity Saturday and Sunday, October 11^th and 12^th , 2008 during the 39th Annual Covered Bridge Festival. 
 

 

     
The Field Mercantile provided excitement for kids of all ages with penny candy being sold. The smile on everyone's faces proved it is still a treat to purchase candy for one cent!

 

 

The Martin Gas Station was filled with giggles from children receiving a bright balloon for visiting. The station was moved to the complex in 1995 from its original location one block south of the courthouse square.

 

 

 

 

A Civil War camp on Saturday entertained a crowd with a battle in the afternoon and dancing to the Community Band. Spectators who attended these spectacular events were mesmerized by the sounds and joy of all participants. 

 

 

 

A free horse shuttle was provided by the Madison County Historical Society from the McKee Agricultural Building to the town square. One team of 3 Clydesdale horses and one team of 2 Morgan horses pulled a hay rack which were full nearly every trip.

 

 

The story telling tent on the square was a highlight of many festival attendees day. Maureen Korte portrayed Mayme Bevington, daughter of C.D. Bevington who built the famous Bevington-Kaser House located on the 18 acre historical complex.  Paxton Williams portrayed George Washington Carver in the Carver Park helping people pick cotton, make peanut butter and learning about George himself.

 

 

 Local story tellers shared stories every half hour as part of the "Passport to the Past" activity for kids. Other activities on the passport were one room school lessons at Tusha School (located at the historical complex), scavenger hunts, meeting a Civil War soldier in Monumental Park, library activities, and Courthouse tours.

 

     

 

         

 

A Civil War fashion show was held as part of the History Comes To Life program on the Mel Penrod Stage at the festival grounds. The girls were beautiful in their gowns and were even stopped to pose for pictures!

 

 

              

 

A fun day was had by all who attended. If you missed it this year, don't worry – there's always next year! The 40th Annual Covered Bridge Festival will be held October 10-11, 2009. We hope to see you there!