Halloween-themed Earth's Bounty coming Saturday

Harvest, Halloween and the bounty of autumn will all be celebrated at the October 7 Earth’s Bounty Festival at Singing Brakeman Park downtown on Front Street.

Children will delight at making their own Halloween masks, guided by the Meridian Arts Council and the Meridian High School Honor Society. They’ll also go round and round the festival site in a popular pony cart provided by the Coyote Hills Equine Rescue group.

Kids and adults alike may wonder how in the world a cotton gin operates. Mississippi Farm Bureau has the answer, in the form of a miniature, working cotton gin that demonstrates the process. The agency will also bring along Lilly Bell, a simulated cow that visually explains the dairy process.

After loading up on fresh produce and homemade products, customers may want to stop by the Program for Public Information booth to get useful tips on flood plain management. These experts can provide guidance in determining if your home or business is in a flood plain and, if so, what your options are.

Presenting Sponsor Greater Meridian Health Clinic is offering a range of free screenings and, in addition, free teeth cleaning for kids. The screenings will include blood pressure, BMI and weight, and diabetes risk.

Many vendor favorites, such as the Master Gardeners, will be back, while new vendors for the month include CW Body Organics and Romelda Harrison baked goods. Live entertainment from Aa’Kella Hudnall is guaranteed to keep toes tapping throughout the festival, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday. Complementing the festival will be the monthly Art Walk, which is moving from Dumont Plaza to the small plaza between Union Station and the Railroad Museum, making it more convenient for customers.