Tucked away in a bucolic thicket, Backwoods Fest may not be as visible or earth-shakingly audible as the nearby Lost Lands, but its 31-year existence makes it more than Thornville’s “other” festival.
Backwoods Fest always takes place on the third weekend of September, rain or shine, and as luck would have it, the fest runs concurrently with Lost Lands Festival this year.
The disparate festivals don't compete for the same audience, but the coinciding dates and close proximity of the events could cause heavy traffic on State Route 13 south of Interstate 70.
Backwoods Fest will be held on the wooded grounds at 8572 High Point Road, Thornville. Hours will be 8 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Sept. 18-19, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 20.
In addition to live bluegrass on five stages, the event will feature more than 300 craft vendors, 30-plus kinds of food and a pre-1840s encampment.
The craft vendors will be selling edible goods, clothing, art in various media, pet needs and pretty much everything in between. So, if you’re looking for a snarky greeting card, head to Backwoods Fest.
The festival offers free parking and tractor-pulled wagons throughout the parking lot to shuttle guests to and from the gates.
Accessible parking will be available, but be aware that the gravel paths are better suited to wide-wheeled motor scooters than wheelchairs with thinner tires.
Tickets cost $12 for ages 11 and older, available online or at the gate. Children 10 and younger are admitted for free. Purchases at the gate are cash only.
Festivalgoers should keep cash handy for food vendors as well. Some craft vendors will accept both cash and credit cards. There will be ATMs just outside and inside the gate.
Visit thornvillebackwoodsfest.com for tickets and more details.
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Backwoods Fest to bring crafts, bluegrass to Thornville for 31st year
