WILGUS - It is more than a community event; it is almost a rite of autumn. The Wilgus Sorghum Festival will be Saturday and Sunday.

Sponsored by the Lawrence County Draft Horse Association, the yearly event brings in a crowd of several thousand people.

"We don't charge admission, so we have no way of keeping count," Festival Publicity Chairperson Judy Balmer said. "But if as many people show up as have called and asked about it, it will be unbelievable."

Balmer said the event is meant to keep some traditions that are deeply rooted in local culture alive: cooking over an open fire, sorghum making the old-fashioned way - with horses, and the plowing, equestrian and produce contests that our families savored years ago.

Activities will take place from daylight to dusk each day.

Crafters will display their wares, there will be apple-butter making on site, and a petting zoo for the children. A draft horse colt will be given away Sunday.

Balmer said the festival is truly a community event. "We want people to know there are still some safe, family places to go, and there are not many of them anymore."