JEFFERSON — In an age when everyone seems to be clamoring for the newest model of gizmo or gadget, there are still people clinging to good old-fashioned fun.
That seemed to be on the minds of most folks milling around downtown Jefferson on Saturday during the city’s annual Freedom Festival.
"We’ve been coming out for the past six or seven years. It’s become a tradition," said Zach Lego, a Jefferson resident. "I think that it’s important to build traditions like these, especially for the youth."
Any other day, Lego’s 7-year-old son, Karsin Lego, may have frowned at the thought of playing old-school activities instead of something on the computer. But Saturday’s events were just fine with him.
"My favorite part is the games and fireworks," Karsin said as he nibbled on a ear of freshly roasted corn.
For the most part, the vendors and games from Saturday’s festivals would have fit comfortably anywhere on a time line over the last 50 years or so.
There were vendors selling traditional treats like snow cones, hot dogs and barbecue hot off the grill. There was even an old-fashioned dunking booth complete with a smart-mouthed participant egging on the crowd from his perch over the tank of icy water.
Despite her petite frame, 12-year-old Hannah Voyles successfully sent the trash-talker for a brief dip two out of three times.
"It was pretty cool," said Hannah of Flowery Branch.
Although some chain food vendors decided to set up shop at the festival, for the most part they were locally owned businesses or church and community groups.
The large crowds centered in the downtown area not only provide entertainment for visitors, they also help to generate much-needed revenue for businesses on the downtown square.
"Usually we’re not opened during the evenings on Saturdays because there’s just not enough traffic coming through," said Brian Mitsdarffer, owner of the Coffee Philter in the downtown square, who set up a booth to sell smoothies. "But the festival helps to draw in a lot more business to the area."
Even the scorching heat and brief rain showers couldn’t keep festivalgoers away.
"I’ve lived in Jefferson my whole life and I’ve been coming to the festival for many, many years," said Rita Ward.
"I like the old-fashioned fun and the hometown feel of it."
Saturday’s festival truly was a hometown event. The Jefferson Police Department was on the scene to help the crowds navigate the roads safely and the Jefferson Fire Department was in charge of the closing fire works display.
Even the Jackson County 4-H group got in on the action. Instead of the usual pigs or cows, the group brought out four llamas.
"The kids work with the llamas like they would in a horse club, or something along those lines," said Suzanne Prchal, whose daughter is a part of the 4-H’s Love of Llamas group.
"They take them to shows, schools and festivals; it’s really more of an educational opportunity than a petting zoo. When we take them out in the community, it gives a lot of people the chance to see a llama close up for the first time."