Portia Williams | Daily Times

The John R. Simon farm dates back to 1864, and has been passed down through five generations

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PORTIA WILLIAMS

PDT Staff Writer

The 31st Annual John R. Simon Sorghum Makin’ Festival will convene Oct. 5-7. The Simon Sorghum Festival is one of the largest Appalachian events that takes place in Scioto County.

The festival is an event that is full of Southern Ohio heritage and traditions.

As is the custom, the festival will be take place on the Simon Farm, located at 8721 Pond Creek Road off State Route 73.

John Simon’s farm is a 500-acre farm that has been perpetuated through five generations. It dates back to the 1860’s to Simon’s great-great grandfather who came to the United States from France.

A variety of events will take place during the festival, the centerpiece being sorghum making, in which festival attendees may see how sorghum molasses is processed from the sorghum cane to the jar.

Homemade jams and preserves will be made and other activities will include Appalachian arts, crafts, music, and workshops.

Local artisans will make apple butter, soap, toys, furniture, wreaths, hand made quilts and wall hangings and more.

Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.

There will be live entertainment, consisting of old time music and the playing of Appalachian stringed instruments such as the fiddle, banjo, and harmonica.

Other activities for families to enjoy will include horse and wagon rides, cooking and children’s games.

Russell and Mark Hoffer’s 1918 Fairbanks-Morris Stationary Engine will be present, and a mural of sorghum-making will be on display designed by renowned artist and muralist, Robert Dafford.

The 31st Annual John. R. Simon Sorghum Makin’ Festival will be open from daylight until dark.

Admission and parking for the event is free. Participants are asked to bring a lawn chair. For more information regarding Simon Sorghum Makin’ Festival, call 740-259-6337

Portia Williams may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 234 or portiawilliams@heartlandpublications.com