Logan County Tobacco & Heritage Festival
October 4-11, 2008
Logan County Tobacco & Heritage Festival
Coordinated by the Logan County Chamber of Commerce
Each year, from the first Saturday through the second Saturday in October, Logan Countians embark upon what has become a major homecoming event. The Logan County Tobacco & Heritage Festival has, for over 50 years, been the time and place for families, schools, churches, and various other groups, to welcome folks back home, make new friends, and enjoy all our great county has to offer.
History
The first Tobacco Festival, as it was known then, took place back in 1941. The Festival featured a Queen’s beauty contest & Ball, fireworks, Tobacco Show, parade, concert by the Fort Campbell Band, and a square dance. The Festival was created to honor the agriculture industry, particularly the fact that Logan County was first place in the growing of one-sucker tobacco in the world. However, with the onset of WWII, the Festival was put on-hold until 1957. Since then, the Festival has run uninterrupted and has continued to hold true to its origins as well as creating events for new generations.
Present Day Success
The modern-day Tobacco & Heritage Festival typically has about 35 events that take place over seven days. Many events are coordinated through the Chamber of Commerce, while others are hosted by various organizations throughout the county. Festival events include the following:
· Pancake breakfasts
· Jesse James 5K Run & Walk
· Golf Scramble
· Hometown History Day
· Road Rally
· Kiddie Parade
· Kiddie Fun & Chalk it Up
· Little Mister & Miss Contest
· Cruise-In
· Old Time Gospel Singing
· Historic Walking Tours
· Windows on Display
· Cemetery Tours
· Taster’s Luncheon
· Pet Show & Fair
· Tasty Tamale Fest
· Carnival Rides
· Family Health Fest
· Miss Logan County Tobacco & Heritage Festival Pageant
· Tobacco Show
· “Over 50” 1-Mile Walk
· Bingo
· Craft Show & Flea Market
· Parade
· Entertainment on the Square
· Outhouse Race
· Karaoke Contest
· Fireworks
Other community events also take place during the Festival week, such as the Shaker Farm Day and Red River Meeting House Association’s Primitive Camp Meeting & Rendezvous. Approximately 100 sponsors come together with countless volunteers to make this Festival possible.
Future Commitments
As Logan County continues to grow and to change, there is a certain comfort in knowing that, like an old friend, the Tobacco & Heritage Festival will continue to be that special place and time where memories are relived and created. From an economic perspective, the Chamber is pleased to know that the Festival continues to bring thousands upon thousands of visitors into the county. Such visitors are a part of the ever-growing tourism the county is enjoying.
The Festival means something different to everyone…
· Reuniting old friends
· Visiting family
· Honoring the past
· Creating memories
· Welcoming visitors
· Strengthening the economy
· Showcasing our home
· Being a kid again
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