Around these

parts Labor Day Weekend is synonymous with Powers' Crossroads, three festivals

in one, located on the grounds of the historic Powers' Plantation. Entering

its 32nd year, Powers' Crossroads combines some of the highest quality

artistic work from all over the United States, a plethora of good food

and a weekend full of music and entertainment.

The Festival

of Arts and Crafts will feature oil paintings, watercolor, photography,

weaving, woodcarving, jewelry and more. Though there are some exhibitors

from the area including Fayetteville artist Patsy Gullett, there are exhibitors

from over 20 states this year including artists from Jamaica, New York,

Wichita, Kansas and more. Though there are some new exhibitors showcasing

their wares, many exhibitors return each year and have a large number

of loyal customers.

The Festival

of Food is also a big draw for some annual Powers' Crossroads visitors.

People can't wait to sink their teeth into some southern fried pies, biscuits

or barbecue. "We're told all the time by visitors that our food offerings

are the best of any festival they attend each year," said Festival

Director Roxanne Wallis. Twenty five local church and civic groups prepare

a wide variety of dishes each year giving visitors the opportunity to

taste some catfish or barbecue chicken among other Southern favorites.

The Festival

of Entertainment is set at the Summerhouse Stage, which will have a nearly

non-stop parade of entertainment all weekend long. There will be dance

groups as well as artists performing country, bluegrass, gospel and blues.

Continuing their string of 31 years of performing at the festival, the

Bullsboro Bluegrass Band will kick off performances on Saturday morning.

Powers' Crossroads

was the brainchild of Tom Powers, who founded the festival in 1971. His

vision was to have an annual gathering of artists and craftspeople at

his boyhood home, the Powers' plantation. The festival is now managed

civic organizations. The festival succeeds every year due to the work

of hundreds of volunteers and proceeds from each year's event is returned

to the community through a variety of projects.

Powers' Crossroads

will run from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1 and

from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2. Admission is $5 for adults, $4

for seniors and military personnel, $2 for children ages 5-12 and free

for children under the age of five. There is plenty of free parking available

with shuttle service to the main gate. Powers' Crossroads is located on

Ga. Highway 34, 12 miles west of Newnan.