We started off the new season with a weekend trip to the MS Pecan Festival in New Augusta, MS.

As a child, my parents took us to many places and events around our state.  I don't think I ever fully appreciated these day trips.  While they felt lack luster at the time, I look back on these excursions with a nostalgia that I want to pass along to our son.  There is plenty of fun and excitement to find in your own back yard if your are just willing to take the time and look.  We just returned from the Mississippi Pecan Festival and loved every second.  What makes this event special?

Fall is our favorite time for camping, and this event may have moved to the top of our list!

Mississippi Pecan Festival - Why This Event Should Be On Your List

Fulmer's Farmstead in New Augusta, MS, hosts this annual event about 30 minutes south of Hattiesburg.  You can make this a day trip or participate for the entire weekend event.  We chose the latter and took our RV for all three days.  Each year, this fall festival happens during the fourth weekend of September.  So, plan early and put it on your calendar for 2023.  

It was a treat to sit under the Pecan trees and drink my coffee during the quiet of the early mornings on the farm at Fulmers.

The festival begins on Friday morning and goes through Sunday afternoon.  RV's can arrive on Thursday and stay through the weekend.  I highly recommend doing this.  You can park underneath the shade of the pecan trees and relax between activities, enjoy evening card games and meals and just take advantage of country living!  The hustle of the planned events during the weekend is exciting but has a slow pace that allows you to drive the bus on how much or little you do over the weekend.

There was a nice variety of food trucks for visitors to enjoy while at the festival.

Booths line pecan orchard and include everything from arts and crafts to food trucks.   There was pottery, bird feeders, wooden furniture and children's clothes.  But there was also demonstrations that allowed you to purchase goods from high quality craftsmen.  

The Conway family was a lot of fun to visit with while at the festival.  I especially enjoyed learning about how they make their brooms and how to care for them.

I purchased a broom from Conway Brooms.  Each broom is stitched by hand and unlike anything you purchase that is factory produced.  Mr. and Mrs. Conway will even take the time to teach you how to care for your broom so that it will last for years to come.  The one I purchased has a natural handle and has a nice weight and feel.  I have loved using it at home!  

We took the time to learn about forging metal from the artist creating pieces at the festival.

The finished piece is a horse shaped bottle opener.

There was also a blacksmith booth where we watched and learned about forging metal.  We watched as an entire bottle opener was fashioned from start to finish in front of us.  I loved the finished result, and we purchased the unique piece.  The horse will remind me of the beautiful Percheron draft horses on the Fulmer's Farm.  Plus, we also picked up a bulldog meat turner for the grilling that represents our alma mater, Mississippi State University!  Hail State!

Lamey Potter makes beautiful pottery that includes functional pieces as well as decorative ones that are all unique.

I've also been holding out for a deviled egg plate for some time.  Lamey Pottery had a beautiful display of their ceramics.  Talking to the artists that produce their work and learn about who created each piece is part of the joy of shopping at local festivals.  Each time I use this deviled egg tray, I'll remember this interesting couple who hand fashion each piece, and that it is also a gift from Mrs. Fulmer.  

The antique engines took us back in time while giving us a bit of a history lesson.

Kevin and Mary Kennedy had old engines set up and running to demonstrate how to make homemade grits and corn meal.

We took the time to explore demonstrations and activities throughout the festival.  We visited with old friends and enjoyed rare uninterrupted time together as a family.  What I loved best was how low key everything was as fantastic at the same time.  It was the perfect balance activities and relaxing.  

What else is there to see at the Pecan Festival?  They offer events like:

• A Talent Show
• The "Purtiest" Rooster Contest
• Mule Pull
• Antique Engine Demos
• Stock Dogs
• A Non-Denominational Church Service on Sunday Morning

Each event was well planned, and it was worth the time and effort to visit each one.  

You don't have to wait for next year's festival to visit the Fulmer's at the General Store.  Stop by during the week or on a Saturday to enjoy lunch or shop their selection of goods and treats.

And whatever you do, don't miss the General Store.  The store at Fulmer's Farmstead sells baked goods that include pies, cakes, breads and cinnamon rolls.  But, don't skip the homemade jams, jellies and fresh produce.  

While most booths were set up to take cards, cell service is limited in this area.  Save yourself the grief of having to pass up a vendor and take cash.  I wish I had done this, but I also was able to make it work.  

The oyster shell cross is an excellent addition to my home décor.

I especially love this cigar box.  It has become a nice addition to my coffee table and is the new home to my incense.

The 35th Annual Pecan Festival will return next year in September of 2023.  But, before then, stop in at the General Store for lunch or baked goods any time of the year.  You can also book at stay at one of their Tiny Houses.  And December will bring the annual Christmas in the Orchard event.  Tickets will go on sale for this event soon, and it is a magic event in the country that we are also planning to attend.  

Joseph loves playing with his Legos under the trees!

We had a great time at the Pecan Festival.

Watching the chickens is also a favorite activity.

The Fulmer family takes great pride in making this event an exceptional experience for visitors and vendors alike.  It is well organized and has something interesting for every guests that attends.  From the activities and animals that will entertain even the littlest guests to fine craftsmen and artists, our family enjoyed every second our time at the Pecan Festival.  

Make plans early and plan to stay for the whole event next year at Fulmer's.  We will be back again and can't wait to do it all over again.  Some of my favorite memories of our visit this year was cooking meals outdoors with the sounds of farm animals in the background.  It was just what our family needed to hit pause and take a break from our daily grind!  

Until next time, look for those local homegrown events in your area, and happy camping!

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