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POPLAR BLUFF – The cobblestone streets practically echo Poplar Bluff’s past when downtown was the center of the city’s economic life.

During October, two big events are scheduled to draw people in to the downtown area. First is the Iron Horse Festival, to be held Saturday, October 4. Later in October, the Iron Mountain Market Fall Festival will be held Saturday the 25th.

Iron Horse Festival

This year’s Iron Horse Festival will include perennial favorite events like the Grape Stomp Fundraiser for Cape Arrowhead. Three-person teams are behind organized, those wishing for information or to register for that event may call Judy at 573-686-1141. A Lucille Ball Look-Alike Contest will also be held there.

Another highlight of the Iron Horse Festival will be a “Call for Authors” at Poplar Bluff’s Municipal Library, 318 N. Main Street, at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Locally-based authors and illustrators will be on hand. Those attending will have an opportunity to buy books published by the local authors.

Even man’s best friend has an event to attend with the “Downtown Dogs Mutts to Purebreeds” event to be held at 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. There will be contest categories for Cutest Small Dog, Best Looking Medium Dog, Most Appealing Large Dog, Cutest Puppy, Most Attractive Couple (dog and person) and Best in Show. There will be a $2 entry fee and first place winners will be awarded $10.

Also on hand will be the SEMO Dog Trainers with an agility run for dogs; the Poplar Bluff K-9 Patrol will give a drug dog demonstration; and then the dog show to be held at 2:30pm.

Featured as musical entertainment for the Iron Horse Festival will be the Brothers Walker, who will be performing at 5 p.m. at the Iron Horse Stage.

Organizer Penny McGath notes that again this year “Passports” will be used to allow patrons a chance at a large prize basket. Those hoping to win will need to get their free passport stamped by various vendors in order to be entered in the drawing.

Many activities are geared towards children, including a Bicycle Decorating Contest to be held at the Kid Zone, along with many free games, a bounce house and demonstrations.

Other Iron Horse Festival activities include river races, a car show, a triathlon, a celebration of Veterans to include the unveiling of the Pheonix Patriot semi-truck and the Three Rivers College Rodeo.

The opening ceremony for the Iron Horse Festival will be at 10am, with events continuing until 7pm followed by the rodeo in the Black River Coliseum.

“The Iron Horse Festival just gets bigger and better every year,” commented McGath. “And this year the weather forecast looks absolutely perfect! It should be a great day to be in Downtown Poplar Bluff!”

Iron Mountain Market’s Fall Festival

A few weeks following the Iron Horse Festival is the Iron Mountain Market’s Fall Festival which, according to Rhonda Belcher, marks the final day of the Iron Mountain Market’s season on Saturday, October 25.

“Last year’s event was very well attended, and this year we are adding even more,” said Belcher.  Among the fun events will be a Grilled Cheese Cook-Off, a costume contest for children to age 12, a bounce house, children’s games, arts and crafts, and food.

“Pony Rides will also be here this year,” she added. “The idea is to provide something for everyone.”

The Poplar Bluff Fire Department will also be on hand with their Fire Safety House.

“We try to plan a lot of activities for kids,” said Belcher. “When kids are enjoying themselves so do the grown-ups!”

“I really want to thank all the businesses and people who are helping with their support,” said Belcher.

Belcher said the market is currently looking for more sponsors for the Fall Festival, and for donations of items that can make the event even better.

There are three levels of sponsorship for this event ranging from $100 to $500, explained Belcher.

“We also need volunteers to help out with the children’s games,” said Belcher

If you would like to help with the Iron Mountain Market Fall Festival, call Rhonda Belcher at 573-429-9326, or Jim Chrisman at 573-300-9303.