It’s that time of the year for fall festivals and bbq around the Carolinas. The fall celebration this year called Autumn Treasures was held on the 2nd weekend in October on main street (downtown) in historic Waxhaw, NC. The weekend of October 8 – 10th was a sunny, warm weekend picture perfect for an outdoor festival. With the sun blazing on your back as you browse the art work, handmade crafts & food samples while the band played as the crowd enjoyed ice cream and ice cold slush.
The barbecue pits were smokin’ hot and ready for the main attraction ..the Chillin and Grillin BBQ Cook-off. For $10 per adult and $5 per child you can have a sample from each of the bbq vendors along with a drink. Several local vendors funeralized the hog with their unique twist on flavor. From vinegar to dry rub seasonings to home-made bbq sauce. There were at least 10 or more vendors I lost count after eating bbq samples from the first 7. I have to admit after eating so much bbq it all seemed to taste the same except for some were dry versus others that were more of a wet and juicy bbq. After my taste test, I found the one I liked most was prepared so well that it taste very good without the sauce since you can taste the sweet & smokey flavor and a little vinegar to give it a different kick.
The winners of the BBQ cook-off won from $100 – $2500 which was a pretty good win for a day cooking barbecue. Pryors BBQ and Red-n-white-bbq avenue were two of the top winners. They all displayed their trophies from their previous prize winning over the many years of winning bbq cook-off contest.
7 Best Treasures found on Main Street
- Hans dun broom shop Waxhaw, NC
The best finds were:
• Waxhaw wood turners were busy at work demonstrating how to carve and turn wood to create their masterpiece. There were some unique wood crafts on display like a vase and a cowboy hat made out of wood. The woodturners also give lessons so you can learn how to make your own masterpiece, they meet the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30pm – 9:00pm. http://waxhawwt.wordpress.com
• Chevrolet Trucks had custom flat beds made of pure wood that was a stunning sight to see. They were made an odd and different type of wood called pretty wood. And I tell you it is really very stunning and pretty.
• Home-made delicious seasoning dips that taste like Carrabba’s Italian restaurant were a nice surprise. I bought 3 bags of seasonings for $10. I can add 1 bag of garlic & herb seasoning to extra virgin oil for bread dip. You can also purchase their dip online at sandycreekherbco.com.
• The Gift shop
• The Jewelry store
• Hans dun broom shop (as in Hand made brooms made right before your eyes. You can choose the size broom you need. And I even received a lesson in how to properly use the broom to make it last a long time. (The trick is to sweep using both sides) This one was my favorite since I was WoWed by the owners trust! I didn’t have cash to purchase the broom so he said I trust you so write your name in my registry and take the broom home and send me a check to my business address.
I was so shooked that he would allow me to walk out with a handmade original broom without paying. So I quickly acted upon his trust and sent him a check for more than the $47 price of the broom. I was so honored to bless him with extra! What an experience to witness.
• The Waxhaw Antique Mart was packed with a lot of fun vintage items like cameras from the 1900’s and chandeliers and vintage magazines, jewelry and greeting cards. This place gave me a few more Christmas gift ideas.
Tell us about a fall festival you’ve enjoyed.
