Saturday, October 6th... Rutherfordton’s 41st Annual Hilltop Fall Festival!

To many, October means Halloween and Trick or Treating. However, in Rutherford County, particularly in Rutherfordton, our county seat, it’s all about the annual Hilltop Fall Festival. It started in 1971 and seems to get better every year. It now encompasses block after block of fun, good eats, crafts people, contests and educational events. The fun and games begin at 8:30am on Main Street in Rutherfordton!

This year, the 41st annual festival, will be even extra special as it salutes the 225-year history of Rutherfordton. Special events and exhibits will be added to celebrate this anniversary. 

The start of the festival (8:30am) features the annual 5K Race. It is immediately followed by the Tour de Pumpkin Bike Ride and the 1K Fun Run. The awards will be presented by Master of Ceremonies and Rutherfordton Mayor, Jimmy Dancy. 

The extra special events include, as part of the 225th Rutherfordton Anniversary, historical booths and exhibits by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution and the Rutherfordton 225th Anniversary Committee. 

Live music in front of the courthouse begins at 11am with the Asheville band “Brushfire Stankgrass” offering their unique blend of bluegrass, jazz and rock and roll until 1:00pm. The blues and funk band “Citizen Mojo”, the popular band from Marion, will perform on stage from 3pm to 5pm. 

The festival is one of the best family friendly events in the county with free admission, so plan to spend the day. Main Street will be blocked off and be kid safe and friendly. Food vendors, arts and crafts booths as well as the special presentations by county clubs and fraternal organizations add to the fun time. As always, the kids will love spending good times at the children’s area, and storytelling is included this year. Let us also not forget the challenging rock climbing wall and the inflatables.

Event planner, Cindy Adair wants this to be the best ever because of the big salute to Rutherfordton on its’ 225th celebration. There are more surprises in store and a guaranteed great time for all. You won’t want to miss this extra special 41st Annual Hilltop Fall Festival. See you there!