Harvest Moon Festival – Oct. 5

The Harvest Moon Festival, in its 14th year, eschewed its traditional timeslot for one earlier in the month.

That’s because the Franklin event is one of two St. Mary Parish festivals that are scheduled to coincide with Tour du Teche IV, the 135-mile, three-day journey along the bayou by the same name.

Usually drawing more than 5,000 attendees, the free-admission festival is all about the town in which it resides. Produced by the Franklin Merchants Association, the event aims to remind attendees to shop local, particularly with the Christmas season approaching. It also heralds the new sugarcane harvest season and dawn of autumn.

“It’s always a pretty day,” said Joan Adams, festival organizer.

Arts and crafts are the focal point, with local and regional vendors exhibiting and selling original and resale wares. Whittled cypress, pepper sauce, purses, jewelry and handmade embroidery are among the exhibits.

Gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, pulled pork sandwiches and barbecued pig feet are some of the dishes sold by food vendors, Adams said.

A BBQ cook-off is tentatively scheduled to benefit the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department. As of late last month, the event only had one registrant. Regardless, Adams said, barbecue plate lunches are going to be sold, with proceeds going to firefighters.

Children have their own area, which features a bounce house, face painting and various games.

A car show, open to all makes and models, is scheduled. Awards include but are not limited to the best in show, best in category and best engine. The top-40 vehicles as judged are also awarded. Registration is $30.

A 5K run/walk beings at 8 a.m. Teche Action Clinic sponsors the race, and its proceeds help provide free mammograms.

Local businesses typically advertise sales, Adams said.

Five O’Clock Shadeaux play from 10 a.m. to noon; Steve Breaux and Friends follow from 1-3 p.m.; and Mike Dean closes the festival with a two-hour set beginning at 4 p.m.

The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Main Street. At its conclusion, attendees are invited to the Bayou Teche banks to watch paddlers reach the end of the tour’s Saturday leg and listen to music by Johnny Chauvin.

For more information, call (337) 578-1505, visit www.franklinharvestmoonfest.com or search the event on Facebook.