Tennessee Forest Festival Opens in Bolivar Sept. 24-26
The Tennessee Forest Festival returns to Bolivar this week, bringing three nights of rodeo action, barrel racing, a demolition derby and a 5K run to the Hardeman County AgriBusiness Center from Thursday, Sept. 24, through Saturday, Sept. 26. For families in Middleton, Walnut and the rest of northern Tippah County, the event is a short drive up the road and one of the biggest weekends on the Hardeman County calendar.
Organizers describe the festival as a celebration of the role farming and forestry play in Hardeman County, mixing education and entertainment with plenty of friendly competition. The grounds are at 210 Vildo Road in Bolivar.
Tennessee Forest Festival schedule
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. each evening. Organizers note that all times are subject to change.
- Thursday, Sept. 24: Barrel racing at 6:30 p.m., plus a 7U Hotwheels Barrel Race for young children at 6:30 p.m. at 1671 W. Market in Bolivar. Wood carving demonstrations run throughout the evening.
- Friday, Sept. 25: Free cancer screenings from the UT Health Science Center from 5 to 9 p.m., followed by the Patriot Pro Rodeo at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 26: The Forest Fun Run 5K at 8 a.m. at Pleasant Run Creek Park, the Timber Rattlin’ Demolition Derby in the evening (contestant sign-in at 5 p.m.), and a second night of the Patriot Pro Rodeo at 7 p.m.
Visitors will also find food concessions, demonstrations and displays, and a canned goods competition. The festival has already recognized winners in its canning contest ahead of opening night.
Tickets and admission
General admission is $10 per person, and children 10 and under get in free. According to festival details published this week, admission covers access to all of the evening events. Contestants in the barrel racing and demolition derby pay separate entry fees, which the AgriBusiness Center lists at $50 to $100 depending on the event.
Forest Fun Run 5K and kids’ barrel race
Runners and walkers of every age can take part in the Forest Fun Run 5K on Saturday morning at Pleasant Run Creek Park, 100 Stevens Road in Bolivar. Registration is on site starting at 7:30 a.m., and the race begins at 8 a.m. The $25 entry fee, payable by cash or check, includes a race bib and T-shirt. The course follows the park’s trails through the county’s hardwoods.
Younger fans get their own competition on Thursday. The 7U Hotwheels Barrel Race is open to children 7 and younger who bring a ride-on, battery-powered electric vehicle. There is no entry fee, and prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Plan your trip from Tippah County
Bolivar sits north of Walnut by way of Middleton, making it an easy evening trip for northern Tippah County families. With the weather turning drier and cooler this week, the festival is one of several fall events across the Middleton and Bolivar area over the coming weeks. Those heading out Saturday should note that the 5K and the evening events are at different locations, so plan travel time between Pleasant Run Creek Park and the AgriBusiness Center.
Related: Middleton Fall Festival Season Opens Sept. 27 at Porters Creek
Source: Hardeman County AgriBusiness Center; Hatchie Press
