The Cotton Gin Festival held in Bostwick on Saturday was an outstanding success, with more than 2,000 people in attendance.
People wandered through the operating cotton gin as the machines roared and the cotton flew, while others found their spot along the main street, ready for the tractor parade that started at 11 a.m.
Great shopping was offered, with arts and crafts, Christmas and Thanksgiving wreaths, knit products, organic honey from local beekeepers, and delicious homemade food and organic products for sale. There was also a playground for the children, free water from the Bostwick United Methodist Church, and a wonderful variety of hot and cold food trucks to ensure no one went hungry.
The tractor parade, led by an antique Sheriff’s car, got underway shortly after 11 a.m. and lasted almost an hour. Modern and antique tractors slowly drove down the main street to the cheers and waves of thousands lining the streets on either side.
This annual event was a wonderful day of sunshine, friendship, fun, and music from Reckless Abandon. The talented six-piece band entertained the crowds with classic rock and old country music.
The Bostwick Cotton Gin Festival was started in the late 1980s to save the Susie Agnes Hotel. With support from local residents, it raised funds to purchase the hotel and commence restoration.