Typically, the arrival of Autumn means college football games, cider tastings, and fall foliage photography. For Ryan’s Crossing residents, there are several additional hallmark events to welcome back sweater weather. Pittsboro, NC will be the place to be for the next season as it is jammed-packed with opportunities to get out while remaining local.
● Beginning at the end of August, the 17-acre JimGin Farm will turn into an art lover’s paradise when the Come out and Play Sculpture Show makes its 21st appearance. The origins of this unique exhibit date back to 9/11 when local artists were offered the gift of “space” and urged to promote kindness also while showcasing their creations. Today, the gift remains as artists do not pay a participation fee and keep all proceeds from the sale of their one-of-a-kind items.
In addition to the exhibit, there are several receptions with live music provided by the North Carolina Songwriter’s Co-Op and free food provided by the artists themselves. The event will run from August 27-September 24 with receptions held each Saturday in September.
Visit Come Out and Play Sculpture Show for more details and daily hours.
● First Sunday in Pittsboro will continue through December with a great opportunity to support local businesses by shopping small and eating sweet treats. Fall dates are September 4th, October 2nd, November 6th, and December 5th.
Visit Pittsboro First Sunday for specific times or to apply to be a vendor.
● The Reclamation’s Vintage and Artisan Market returns on the afternoon of September 11th with beverages, food trucks, and endless vendors taking over Pittsboro’s South of the Courthouse area. Handicapped parking is available at the RVA Market while others are encouraged to park around Pittsboro and enjoy the walk to SOCO.
Visit Reclamation’s Vintage and Artisan Market for a list of vendors.
● The end of September will kick off two events in Pittsboro, starting with the annual Mead Fest at Starrlight Mead. This self-proclaimed “Celebration of all things Mead” includes music, local vendors, and encouragement to participate in this mini-Renaissance festival. Mead is a fermented beverage made from honey that dates back to the days of the Vikings. As the honey bee population dwindled during the last few decades, so did opportunities to make and/or try Mead.
With a resurgence of the honey bee population, thanks to the popularity of local Protect the Pollinators programs, Mead production has also made a comeback. While Pittsboro is already well-known for its proximity to microbreweries and vineyards, Starrlight Mead has been quietly turning out top-notch Mead products since 2010. This year’s Meadfest will be on September 24th from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Check out MeadFest at Starrlight Mead
● The Huckleberry Trail Farm Fall Festival is back again this year beginning on September 24th and running through the month of October. Fall favorites return with a corn maze, cotton patch, a Field of Dreams, and, of course, a pumpkin patch! Participants will be able to enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch, find the perfect pumpkin, and cut it right off the vine!
When the Huckleberry Farm family started the event in 2011, it was with the goal of encouraging local children to explore the outdoors. Today, Huckleberry offers scheduling for small group visits in addition to its regular hours. Perfect for those at high risk or those with sensory challenges.
Learn more at Huckleberry Trail Farm Fall Festival:
● Ever wonder how Chatham County fared in the US Civil War? On October 9th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, the Chatham Historical Museum will host author Ernie Dollar as he discusses this important time in the area’s history. Dollar, a local history expert, authored both Hearts Torn Asunder and Morrisville. Grab a copy and bring it along to be signed!
● The Pittsboro Street Fair returns on October 30th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, on Hanks & Credles Streets. Don’t miss this chance to try a variety of homegrown food and enjoy local entertainment, all while supporting your neighbors.
Vendors are encouraged to sign up at Pittsboro Street Fair.
As the days begin to cool, there are still many exciting things to explore locally. Ryan’s Crossing is centered perfectly among many unique activities throughout the fall – get out and get local!