Wednesday, October 9, 2024–10:20 a.m.

-News Release-

Get ready for the 9th Annual Fiddlin’ Fest on Saturday, October 12th, from 12 PM to 6 PM on Broad Street! This event promises a fun-filled day of fall activities, featuring a wide variety of craft vendors, two stages with classic bluegrass music, the Armuchee Ruritan Club Car Show, pony rides, kids’ activities, and much more. Entry is completely FREE, thanks to our Stage Sponsor, River City Bank, and Downtown Rome businesses and property owners (BID).

In the Vendor Village, located in the 200 block of Broad Street, you’ll find over 100 arts and crafts vendors showcasing unique items, from paintings and home decor to jewelry, pottery, door hangers, and handcrafted wooden goods. Enjoy live performances from local and regional bluegrass artists, including Fischer Lord, Barefoot Nellie, the Euharlee Creek Band, The Dixie Ramblers, the Steed Brothers, Jessee & The Boys, Ain’t Just Whistlin’ Dixie, Rich and Montie, and Jeremy Wells! These bands will keep the music flowing at both the South Stage in the 100 block and the North Stage by 5th Ave.

While enjoying the live music at the Cotton Block, be sure to check out the pony rides and tasty festival food, along with kids’ crafts and activities sponsored by local nonprofits. Don’t miss the Cars on Broad car show in the 300 and 400 block, featuring a variety of vehicles from every decade. The Armuchee Ruritan Club will present various “Best of” awards. For more information about the car show, visit http://www.armucheeruritan.org/cars_on_broad.

Adding to the Fiddlin’ Fest fun, the Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism invites artists of all skill levels to participate in the inaugural Plein Air Showcase on October 12th. Open to artists using oil, acrylic, or watercolor, the event encourages them to capture the festival’s lively scenes and surrounding green spaces. Artists can check in at the DeSoto Theatre at 8 AM, with submissions due by 1 PM There is a $25 entry fee, with cash prizes awarded for the top paintings and the option to sell works through a silent auction. For more details, visit RomeGeorgia.org/PleinAir or contact Kristi Kent at 706-295-5576.

Downtown shops will be open with sidewalk sales, and local restaurants will offer a delicious selection of food and drinks. Join us for a day of shopping, dining, and enjoying everything downtown has to offer during the 9th Annual Fiddlin’ Fest this Saturday, October 12th!

Please note that Broad Street will close to traffic at 7 AM for set-up and will reopen by 8 PM, affecting the 100, 200, 300, and 400 blocks, while 2nd Avenue will remain open for access. For your convenience, parking is available nearby, including the 4th Ave and 3rd Ave parking decks. Don’t miss out on this fantastic community event!

For more information, visit www.downtownromega.us or contact the Office of Downtown Development at 706-236-4520 or email [email protected]. Be sure to follow along on social media @DowntownRomeGA