Thursday, October 10, 2024–12:21 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
As preparations continue for Saturday’s Fiddlin’ Fest, members of the Rome Downtown Development Authority are already looking toward next year’s event, which could see one major change.
Fiddlin’ Fest is already one of the largest attractions in Downtown Rome, drawing an estimated 25,000 attendees, but some believe it could be even bigger with a date change.
“It has always been on the second Saturday in October, and we’ve been scared to change it because we are nine years in, and it’s tradition,” said Rome Downtown Development Authority Director Aundi Lesley. “However, it is a nightmare to get people to volunteer because every single year it is during fall break.”
Lesley told the DDA board Thursday, that with the Geo Caching event retiring, now might be a good time to consider moving Fiddlin’ Fest to either the first or third Saturday of October.
“We think we could get even more attendees if it did not fall on fall break,” she added. “Most importantly, I think we would have a much easier time finding volunteers.”
Most of those on the board seemed to support the third weekend as preferable, which would put Fiddlin’ Fest on October 18, 2025.
This year’s Fiddlin’ Fest is this Saturday, October 12, from noon until 6 p.m.
Broad Street will close to traffic at 7 a.m. for set-up and will reopen by 8 p.m., affecting the 100, 200, 300, and 400 blocks, while 2nd Avenue will remain open for access. For your convenience, parking is available nearby, including the 4th Ave and 3rd Ave parking decks.
The event featured a wide variety of craft vendors, two stages with classic bluegrass music, the Armuchee Ruritan Club Car Show, pony rides, kids’ activities, and much more. Entry is completely free, thanks to our Stage Sponsor, River City Bank, and Downtown Rome businesses and property owners.
In the Vendor Village, located in the 200 block of Broad Street, you’ll find over 100 arts and crafts vendors showcasing unique items, from paintings and home decor to jewelry, pottery, door hangers, and handcrafted wooden goods. Enjoy live performances from local and regional bluegrass artists, including Fischer Lord, Barefoot Nellie, the Euharlee Creek Band, The Dixie Ramblers, the Steed Brothers, Jessee & The Boys, Ain’t Just Whistlin’ Dixie, Rich and Montie, and Jeremy Wells! These bands will keep the music flowing at the South Stage in the 100 block and the North Stage by 5th Ave.
While enjoying the live music at the Cotton Block, check out the pony rides and tasty festival food, along with kids’ crafts and activities sponsored by local nonprofits. Don’t miss the Cars on Broad car show in the 300 and 400 block, featuring a variety of vehicles from every decade. The Armuchee Ruritan Club will present various “Best of” awards.
Adding to the Fiddlin’ Fest fun, the Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism invites artists of all skill levels to participate in the inaugural Plein Air Showcase on October 12th. Open to artists using oil, acrylic, or watercolor, the event encourages them to capture the festival’s lively scenes and surrounding green spaces. Artists can check in at the DeSoto Theatre at 8 AM, with submissions due by 1 p.m. There is a $25 entry fee, with cash prizes awarded for the top paintings and the option to sell works through a silent auction.
Downtown shops will be open with sidewalk sales, and local restaurants will offer a delicious selection of food and drinks.