Fun for all ages at the mill
Photos by Shari Harris
This 1953 Ford Jubilee won Best of Show in the Tractor Show. It had been Joe Gunter’s tractor and now belongs to his daughter, Vicki Nelson.
Mrs. Imogene Holland shared the story of this beautiful quilt, along with others, at the Quilt Turning. Also shown is her daughter, Brenda Rinne, who assisted with turning the quilts.
Licking FFA members carried the flags for the Opening Ceremony.
By Shari Harris, Publisher
The Fall Festival was held Saturday at the historic Licking Roller Mill. The day was full of events, including music by Michael Connor, who entertained in the morning and in the afternoon. The Licking FFA held a tractor show, with seven tractors entered. This year’s hog calling contest had more entries this year, vying for a $25 gift certificate from the Loaded Smoke Wagon. And mill tours included getting to see the mill turn again, thanks to a tractor and PTO hookup.
The event started much prior to the day, with the Licking FFA Chapter, guided by Mrs. Suzie Blackburn, cleaning and decorating the mill and the grounds to be ready for visitors. The opening ceremony included FFA members as well, who carried the U.S. flag and our military flags. Licking VFW and American Legion’s Michael Mas presented the Missing Man Table, in honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which was Friday, September 19.
Mill tours were given, also including the FFA, who shared information about the mill. In the mill’s basement, you could see the wheels turning for the first time in years. Unfortunately, more work must be done on the corn grinder to make it operational again.
The Texas County Health Department and the Licking Police Department teamed up to offer Car Seat Safety Checks and they were joined by the Texas County Sheriff’s Department. A TCMH ambulance crew and Licking Fire Department members were also on hand to meet the public and answer questions.
Vendors were set up along Mill Street, with colorful booths displaying fall crafts and more. Organizations also had information booths, and Three Rivers Hospice and Hickory Manor nursing home each held drawings for a door prize. Southern Roofing and Renovations was also holding a door prize drawing at the end of the day at the truck pull.
Texas County Library-Licking had books to give to children, and the VFW Auxiliary held a coloring contest for kids.
Wildcat Travel Club was at work inside the Vintage Market at Rock House Designs. They served ice cream treats to many, and appreciated Jean Potts for letting them set up there.
The first annual FFA Tractor Show winners included: Natural category: 1st place 2025 John Deere 5075E owned by Terry and Vicki Nelson; Antique category: 1st place 1953 Ford Jubilee owned by Vicki Nelson, 2nd place 1958 John Deere 420 owned by Bobby Hagler, 3rd place 1930s McCormick Deering 10 owned by Gifford Farms; Restored category: 1st place 1950 John Deere owned by Don and Linda Wrinkles, 2nd place 1953 Ford Jubilee owned by Gary Sullins, 3rd place 1983 Allis Chalmers 6060 owned by Dani Young. The Best of Show winner was the 1953 Ford Jubilee owned by Vicki Nelson.
The hog calling contest had several enter, young and young at heart, but the winner was a trio of youth who teamed up to share their best pig sounds and won the audience’s applause.
The day wrapped up with a quilt turning, organized and emceed by Christy Porter. This year saw several quilters display their work and the work of others. The beautiful colors and needlework on display was a great finale to a wonderful Fall Festival at the mill.
Photos by Shari Harris
