The Loblolly Festival is held annually on the first Saturday in October and celebrates Laurel’s heritage as a sawmill town.  There is no entrance fee and the festival fills the streets from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Vendors from several states, artists, crafters and craftsmen set up shop in the streets of downtown Laurel for this one day event. Live music of various genres can be heard throughout the day.

Activities for children of all ages abound and range from free art fun to rides, jumps and maybe even a bucking bronco!

Food ranges from your first funnel cake of the fall to corn dogs, chicken on a stick and every variety of festival food imaginable. Our lovable lumberjack, Mr. Loblolly, visits with the crowd and will stop for a photo op, too!

Demonstrations vary from year to year, but a crowd favorite for sure is Dayton Scoggins, the chainsaw artist. Dayton will be on hand for the 2019 festival, selling his creations as well as demonstrating the art of chainsaw sculpture.

A cash prize contest for middle school and high school artists is sponsored by The Laurel Arts League.  Students paint a door skin section supplied by Masonite Corporation.  Themes vary from year to year. The art is judged by a blind panel of visual art experts. The art will be on display at the festival in the downtown YWCO on W. Oak St.   The winning art will become the property of Laurel Main Street and will be featured in a downtown venue.

For more info: http://laurelmainstreet.com/events/loblolly-festival/