Come take a step back in time as Sims Country BBQ celebrates the age-old tradition of molasses making with music and other festivities.

Scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the 27th annual Molasses Festival will feature vendors, live entertainment and a handful of demonstrations. Jill Kirby, the event organizer, said the focus is on the tradition and heritage of the community.

"We are sticking with many of the same traditional items that are unique to our area," Kirby said. "We also will have games and activities for all ages."

Kirby said the highlight of the day will be the making of the molasses, apple butter and apple cider. She said these demonstrations will be at the mill and kick off the moment the festival begins. She said the plan is to continue the demonstrations throughout the day, but she said people who are eager to see the process first hand should arrive early.

"It isn't often that people get to see the entire process of creating molasses and apple butter or cider," Kirby said. "Our goal is to do it all day long at the mill, so this is a must see for anyone who has never been before."

Kirby said the musical stylings of the Dollar Boys Band and Sweetbriar Jam will fill the airwaves as guests enjoy an array of displays and reenactments. She said the Sims Country Cloggers will perform throughout the day, and approximately eight people will compete in the annual Highland Games. She said there also will be plenty of food available at a minimal cost.

Other activities include the Miss Molasses Festival Pageant, displays from area organizations and reenactments from various historical groups. The festival also features two new events.

The Ridin' for Christ Horseshoe Ministry, which is a non-denominational outreach ministry that uses their passion for horses to reach people in the cowboy life with the gospel of Jesus Christ, will be engraving people's names or Bible verses on a horseshoe for free. In addition, Kirby said that at 9 a.m., approximately 20 antique tractors will parade through the streets of Dudley Shoals before making their grand entrance to the festival.

"We are looking forward to a great time," Kirby said. "This is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends while enjoying a day of fun and entertainment."

For more information, call Sims BBQ at (828) 396-5811 or Jill Kirby at (828) 396-2052. She also can be reached by e-mail at simscountrycloggers@yahoo.com.

Want to Go?

What: 27th annual Molasses Festival

When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Sims Country BBQ in Dudley Shoals

Cost: $2 admission + the cost of food and vendors

More info: Contact Jill Kirby at (828) 396-2052 or Sims BBQ at (828) 396-5811.