Your Oak Leaf Festival sneak peek!

Got any plans for early September? Venture over to Oak Hill for 3 days of parades, rides, music and good cheer.
Here’s what the Oak Leaf Festival is all about:

September 1

After work on Friday, head to Main Street for an early taste of the weekend. Starting at 6 p.m., rides, inflatable bounce houses and prize booths open for business. (Go behind Chase Bank— you can’t miss them.)
Then walk to the amphitheater for live country music. Krista Hughes— who performed on NBC’s “The Voice” — will play with her band from 7-9 p.m. Warm, open and folksy, her music has drawn thousands of fans.
Hang around during intermission, though; the Parade of Lights down Main Street will sweep right by the amphitheater!

September 2

Now is when the Oak Leaf Festival really hits its stride. So will you— that is, if you decide to enter the 5k charity run-walk. Register at 8 a.m., warm up, then jog with fellow attendees through Oak Hill. Sign-up forms are available online.
Otherwise, come to town for shopping and breakfast. Artisans and vendors will set up booths by 9 a.m., so visit Top Knot Cafe for coffee and something sweet to go! Another option is Cafe One Ten. It’s a popular family restaurant with full-service meals. Sit down to a full plate of pancakes before hitting the town.
Other festival activities include a disc golf tournament (on Oak Hill’s new course!), more inflatable rides and live performances at the amphitheater. And guess what? Just down the road is West Virginia Firefighters’ Weekend! Venture over to the Old Collins football field on Central Avenue from noon to 4 p.m. for “rodeos” and demonstrations.
Then it’s back to Main Street for an evening parade at 5 p.m.

September 3

Sunday’s entertainment starts after lunch with a car and motorcycle show. Feast your eyes on chrome and gleaming metal while classic rock plays. In fact, you might want to snag a spot at the amphitheater; prime location aside, it will have live music throughout the day. So pack a picnic and take advantage of al fresco weather before autumn really arrives.
Next up: the chili cook-off. Sample local recipes and pick your favorite from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the amphitheater. Then find out who walks away a winner!
Or, enter this year’s contest. If you’ve got a famous Texas chili, who knows— you might win something!
Here’s what you need to know:

• Pay $20 per entry. Cost includes a table, but you must provide your own heat source.
• Bring plastic spoons and tasting bowls or cups.
• Arrive an hour early to set up your booth.
• Chili entered by individuals and businesses will be judged separately.
• Feel free to decorate your table with autumn-themed swag for your chance to win a trophy!
• Entries are eligible for cash prizes ($750 for first and $500 for second) as well as the “People’s Choice” and “Queen’s Choice” awards.

Ready to cook? The registration form is available online.
What are you looking forward to for this year’s Oak Leaf Festival?