One of Cherokee County’s earliest courthouses. Columbus became the county seat in an election held in 1868. A large stone courthouse was constructed in 1889 at a cost of $70,000. It was replaced in 1956 with the current building which cost approximately $600,000.

Commerce Bank employees and their families have been helping out at the annual Columbus Days Bean Feed for many years. The event continues to be a popular attraction on the Friday night before Columbus Day Festival Saturday.

Visitors who arrive early for the Hot Air Balloon Glow and Regatta will be able to see first hand how the pilots and crews lay out the balloons and get them ready for inflation. It takes a number of hands to make sure everything is positioned perfectly. The first glow is scheduled for Friday, October 8 at approximately 6:45 p.m.

It wouldn’t be a parade without music. Central Junior High Marching Band turned out for last year’s parade. No doubt their songs will have toes tapping again during this year’s event. The Columbus Day Parade is scheduled to begin at 9:40 a.m. and travel from Vermont to Tennessee on Maple Street.

All kinds of “Old Time” machinery will be on display and in the Columbus Day Parade. Bring your favorite piece and show it off to the crowd.

Wilkie Jay performed as a soloist at last year’s Columbus Day Festival. He returns to the gazebo this year with Constant Chaos bandmates Greg Riddle and Darren Hardaway. The group performs rock, blues and country. Bring your lawn chairs and settle in for the performance 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Not only will Professor Farquar and Miss Polecat Annie perform on the courthouse steps at noon, they will also be meandering around the square interacting with festival goers.