Selena Thornton 
Bright Leaf Hoedown-2022-Vendors
Have you ever watched those movies about the people in small towns coming together to put on a big autumn festival? Even though they are actors, watching it all play out on the screen will make you smile, seeing everyone working together to celebrate a new season.
Did you know that Caswell County has its very own autumn festival? Yes, we do! The Caswell Chamber of Commerce hosts the Bright Leaf Hoedown each September. Months of preparation and planning go into this day of fun and festivities. There is nothing like the hustle and bustle before the sun rises on the fourth Saturday of September in the town of Yanceyville.
Crafters and artisans take time to set up their displays of beautiful handmade items. The sound of engines can be heard revving up as classic cars line up for the annual car show. Musicians begin preparing to entertain the attendees for the day, and organizations of all types are busy setting up tents and tables to welcome visitors and share information.
Volunteers are busy helping vendors find their designated spaces, helping set up the kids’ area, and putting their hands to work on whatever task is needed for the day to go smoothly.
As the sun begins to rise, booths, tents, and food trucks are all you can see as you stand on the Main Street area of Yanceyville. The closer the clock gets to 9 am, the more people one can see coming to experience the day.
By noon, the Kid’s Kountry is full of children laughing and playing, standing in line to have their faces painted, playing in the bouncy house, or listening to the entertainment designated just for them on the stage. Yes, there is an entire area just for kids, complete with kid entrepreneurs’ “pop-up shops” to promote their businesses.
The day is not just fun and games for kids; there are also fun and games for adults that include the Cornhole Tournament, Beer Garden, and live music until dusk.
The Bright Leaf Hoedown is a day for the entire community and surrounding areas to come together to learn from one another, support local businesses, showcase talent, eat good food, and enjoy fellowship in a family-friendly atmosphere. The festival has been a traditional harvest festival to celebrate the agriculturally based community.
As the Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to be a part of this amazing autumn festival. If you are a business owner, this is a great opportunity to advertise your business by being a sponsor. For crafters and artists, you can showcase your work and sell some of your designs as a vendor. Food truck owners, this is a great day to share your menus with the masses by reserving your space for the day. Nonprofit and for-profit organizations, let your outreach efforts be known; the community needs to see you and hear about the resources that you offer.
If you have participated in the past, we would like to invite you back again. Last year there was an estimated 5,000 in attendance for the day, and this year – with your help – we anticipate increasing that number. You can register on the Chamber’s website to become a sponsor at any level and to reserve exhibit space.
When is it? I’m glad you asked! Mark your calendars for the 2023 Bright Leaf Hoedown happening Saturday, September 23, from 9 am to 9 pm, in Downtown Yanceyville, On The Square.
One thing I know for sure is on the itinerary for the day: FUN! You don’t have to spend the day inside watching the harvest festivals play out on the television screen. You have the opportunity to support our community, smell the crisp autumn air, eat, drink, shop, and play all day at the 2023 Bright Leaf Hoedown. See you there!
P.O. Box 29
106 Court Square Yanceyville, NC 27379
(336) 694-6106
[email protected]
CaswellChamber.org
Learn about the author at https://ncvamedia.com/authors/selena-thornton/
