Deep Roots Festival brings new sights, sounds and tastes to downtown Milledgeville
The Deep Roots Festival in downtown Milledgeville will bring together artisans, musicians, pitmasters and car enthusiasts Saturday in an annual event that has won regional recognition.
"We're kind of a total package event," said Frank Pendergast, festival chairman and co-founder. "We've got the arts and crafts, the barbecue and antique cars. We've got a whole area that's like a mecca for kids."
Named one of Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 events and winner of Southeast Festivals and Events Association Best Event 2009, Deep Roots can now add home to the Georgia Barbecue Association's state championship to its achievements.
"You are more than welcome to talk to the teams and ask questions," said GBA representative Greg Sebastian. "It'll get you drooling."
For $5, visitors can purchase a samples mix from six teams and then vote in the People's Choice Awards between 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
The festival, originally named Sweetwater, started with just one city block and 2,000 people. Deep Roots now encompasses eight blocks and attracts more than 16,000 people.
The artisan market runs 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and features more than 100 vendors from around the state and Southeast. The only requirement is that everything -- jewelry, wood carvings, ceramics, paintings, clothing and specialty food items -- must be handmade.
"I'm always surprised each year with the new ideas that people have come up with," said Pendergast. "It's great for things you'd want to give as gifts for Christmas."
The music on the main stage lasts until midnight and varies from electronic dance music to indie-rock to jazz. Six of the eight visiting artists put out albums in the last year: JR JR, Stokeswood, Hippo Campus, Ethan Tucker, Bronze Radio Return and Charlie Belle. TJ & the Jazz Saints and Middle Georgia's Moonshine Still, who kicked off the first festival in 2004 and is celebrating its 20 anniversary, also will perform.
"The diversity of styles is stronger this year than it has been in the past," said event co-founder Jimmy Holder.
Headliner JR JR, formerly known as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., is the Detroit-based indie pop duo of Joshua Epstein and Daniel Zott. JR JR just released its third album "JR JR" featuring the good-vibe single "Gone."
"Anytime we can play at a festival is always fun," said the band's Epstein. "It's a really good thing for people in those communities to have a music festival right there in their own back yard."
Epstein describes JR JR's sound as a contemporary spin on Beach Boys, Paul Simon and the Beatles.
"The show is pretty high energy," Epstein said. "It's going to be fun; it's going to be up. I just encourage everyone to bring their enthusiasm."
A smaller community stage features local entertainment such as the Mark the Magic Man, local dance teams and high school bands until 6 p.m.
Children age 10 and younger receive a free pass to burn off energy on the rock wall, bouncy houses and slides at the popular KidZone.
If the roar of a suped-up engine is more your speed, the Old Capital Car Club Antique Car Open Car Show is adding motorcycles to this year's showcase.
"We've really come from extremely humble beginnings," said Holder. "And now it's something everyone can participate in and enjoy."
Deep Roots Festival
When: 11 a.m.-midnight Oct. 24
Where: downtown Milledgeville
Cost: $8 ages 4-adult; $15 after 5 p.m.; free for children 3 and younger
Information: www.deeprootsfestival.com; 478-414-4014
This story was originally published October 22, 2015 at 4:20 PM with the headline "Deep Roots Festival brings new sights, sounds and tastes to downtown Milledgeville ."