Going Local-Cotton Ginning Days

 

A couple of months ago,

we ventured out to a local event.

(I'm a little behind on posting this because of technical difficulties.)

The Cotton Ginning Days Festival was held

in a nearby town and is an annual event.

Cotton is still one of the main crops grown here

in the Piedmont of North Carolina.

Here's a great article on cotton's importance in our state.

The Cotton Ginning Days Festival is held on the 2nd weekend in October each year.

This fair is a joint effort between the Gastonia Parks and Rec Department,

and the Gaston Agriculture, Mechanical, & Textile Restoration Association (GAMTRA).

There were many antique machines on display.

They are maintained by their owners

and are kept in working order.

Old time skills are featured in some of the buildings.

These two gentlemen were forging in the ironworks shed.

This festival is a celebration of the way things were done in the 1900's.

A pioneer village is on display,

with original buildings.

Of course, no heritage festival would be complete

without tractors.

These workhorses were the key to successful farming.

They are still admired by many,

but their only work now is showing off in the tractor parade.

One of our favorite parts of the festival

was the flea market area.

This so reminded us of our beloved 

Florida Flywheelers back in Central Florida,

that we visited several times a year.

Look at this handy cart.

Wouldn't it be fun to ride around the neighborhood on this?

And would you look at this sled?

I was so tempted to get it,

even though I'm fairly sure

I'd break something using it.

The icing on the cake was this cute lil' coffee bar.

What a perfect way to spend the morning,

and a cup of joe made it even better.

This is one festival we plan on revisiting next year.