Autumn festivals worth falling for

The warm, vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of the autumn season create the ideal setting for fall fun in the Central Virginia region. Numerous fall festivals and Halloween events are being held all over Central Virginia, allowing everyone from children to students to
athletes to participate in the spirit of the season.

Fall friendly — Fall festivals, such as the 38th Annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, are taking place all over Central Virginia. These events feature pumpkin picking, wagon rides, corn mazes and seasonal treats like apple cider and kettle corn. Photo provided

Fall Festival & Country Store

Relive childhood fall memories at the Fall Festival & Country Store hosted by Jeter Farms. Visitors can bounce up and down on hayrides as they search for the biggest and brightest pumpkins they can find. They will also get the chance to explore or get lost in a corn maze and feed baby barnyard animals, as well as enjoy seasonal munchies such as kettle corn and apple cider. Jeter Farm is located at 181 Blue Ridge Blvd., Roanoke, Va. The festival will continue through Oct. 30th on Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays, 1 to 7 p.m. General admission is $6 and includes all activities. Learn more at jeterfarm.com.

38th Annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival

Enjoy live music from the Blue Ridge Music Style stage, the Blue Ridge String Style stage or the Blue Ridge Gospel Style stage. Attendees can see how high a mule can jump a fence in the Coon Mule Jumping contest. Get leashed into the tail wagging excitement of a Coon Dog Treeing Contest or a Coon Dog Water Race. Experience these good ol’ traditions at Ferrum College on 20 Museum Drive, Ferrum, Va., on Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and children under the age of 15. Learn more at blueridgefolklifefestival.com.

Haunted Harvest

There are spooky tales of strange signs carved into corn fields and scarecrows haunting the fields. Are these frightening stories true? Those at Layman Family Farms encourage participants to take a “wagon ride to the Haunted Harvest Cornfield” during the Haunted Harvest. The harvest will be hosted on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21 to 22, and Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27 to 29, at Layman Family Farms, located at 1815 Mountain View Church Road, Blue Ridge, Va. 24064. Admission is $10 per person and the rides are open from dusk to 11 p.m. Learn more at www.laymanfamilyfarms.com.

Fall Festival

For those wanting to stay closer to campus but not wanting to miss out on the fall fun, Liberty University’s Fall Festival hosted by Student Activities is the place to be. Explore the mountain area either on horseback or on hay rides. Be astounded by the performances of trick horse riders. Carve or paint a pumpkin to decorate dorms or apartments. Win prizes by participating in fall inspired games. Enjoy hot apple cider with other delicious seasonal treats. All these activities will be held at the Equestrian Center on Oct. 22, 1 to 5 p.m. Learn more by calling Student Activities at 434-592-3061 or visit the website at www.liberty.edu/campusrec/studentactivities.

Nelson County Fall Festival 5k

Enjoy the colorful outdoors and contribute to various charities by participating in the Nelson County Fall Festival 5k. The starting point for the one mile run/walk will be located at 1655 Rock Springs Rd., Faber, Va. and will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. After the race, relax on a hayride, participate in games and enjoy homemade baked goods. Registration for the 5k closes on Oct. 27 and the fees are $10 for age 14 and under and $20 for age 15 and older. You can register at eventful.com/lynchburg/events/categories/festivals_parades.

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