Ochlocknee to step back in history for Old South Day 2023

Oct. 9—OCHLOCKNEE- Ochlocknee Community Civic Club, Inc. will present the 47th annual Old South Day Festival on November 11, 2023, at the Old School grounds at 5020 Spence St. in Ochlocknee from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Old South Day is a tribute and salute to the rich history of the area and to all heritages. What started in 1977 with 40 vendors and 1,000 attendees, has grown to 125+ vendors with more than 22,000 in attendance.

Ochlocknee, a small town of 600 residents, will swell to become a small "metropolis" this year.

Arts, crafts, food of every description, entertainment, a parade, the making of sugar cane syrup by the old fashioned kettle method, an antique house circa early 1900s, the awarding of the Old South Day Heritage quilt and even the serving of sausage and biscuits with freshly made syrup are only a portion of the day's activities.

Arts and crafts of all kinds will be presented. Each offering is unique as it is the designer's creation. Food ranging from hamburgers and hot dogs to country dinners, pork skins, barbecue, snow cones and more will all be offered.

The Old South Day Parade will feature antique cars, tractors, trucks, marching bands, area representatives, schools and much more. Abby Walton, a news anchor at WCTV will serve as Parade Grand Marshall; and Cecil Stewart, a lifelong resident of Ochlocknee will serve as Honorary Parade Marshall.

Walton joined WCTV in June of 2014 as the 5:30 p.m. and the 11 p.m. news anchor/reporter. She also anchors Fox 49 News at Ten. She was raised in Indiana and received her degree in Telecommunications News. After graduation, she spent six years at WTHI (CBS/Fox affiliates) in Terre Haute, Indiana, anchoring morning and noon shows.

White at WCTV, she has been involved in organizations such as breast cancer, and Alzheimer's disease and is also on the advisory board for Tallahassee Salvation Army.

Walton has also been honored with the Gracie Award, a national award given by the Alliance for Women in Media. She has additionally received back-to-back "Best News Anchor" from the Florida Associated of Broadcast Journalists.

Stewart will serve as the Honorary Parade Marshal. He is a lifelong resident of Ochlocknee, attended and graduated from the Ochlocknee School System, and graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College with a two-year degree in agriculture.

Stewart served six years in the Georgia Army National Guard. He is a former member of the Thomas County Board of Education, serving 28 years, where he was chairperson for four years and vice chairperson for three years.

The Stewart family was named the Georgia Master Farmer by the Georgia Extension Service and the Progressive Farmer Magazine in 1941. Stewart Farms has existed since 1874. In 2010, they were recognized as the Centennial Family Farm.

Stewart has served as the chairperson of the Old South Day Antique Museum for 20 years, when not helping with Old South Day, he spends his time farming and attending the Thomas County Central High School football games.

When thinking of the life-long residents and traditions of Ochlocknee, it is impossible not to think about the Old South Day Heritage Quilt.

The quilt is an originally designed quilt that is queen-sized and consists of 30 original-designed squares. This year's theme is "Words of Inspiration." Each square is designed by volunteers. Tickets for the drawing of this quilt are $1 each and will be drawn on Old South Day.

Individuals who volunteered for this year's quilt include Judy Carter, Tami Herring, Brenda Farros, Linda Massey, Julie Scarbrough, Patsy Slater, Judy Baggett, Lori Beverly, Donna Beverly, Betty Jo Palmer, Libby Maddox, Mollie, Allison and Rebecca Robinson, Sharon Herring aunt the late Linda Rollins. Pat Hall of Pavo did the quilting.

There will also be a drawing for the American Tactical Calvary 12 gauge over/under with an engraved receiver shotgun. Tickets for this are $5 a ticket or 5 tickets for $20. This will also be awarded on Old South Day.

There is sure to be something for everyone at this year's Old South Day, as education, enjoyment, and entertainment are all waiting. Join Ochlocknee on November 11, 2023, for a step back into their history.

For any additional information, contact Libby Maddox at 229-226-1749 or Sharon Herring at 229-574-5151.