The echoing of hooves clickety-clacking in the distance announces the arrival of what appears to be a headless visitor on horseback.
Locals and visitors need not be afraid however, as the friendly Headless Horseman emerges on the streets of Vevay amongst the attendees and vendors at the Sleepy Hollow Fall Celebration.
This year’s event takes place around the Switzerland County Courthouse Square and on Liberty Street this Saturday, October 11th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All activities are free and open to the public.
Switzerland County Tourism Executive Director Kendal Miller said that the event will still have its favorites, including: the apple and pumpkin pie baking contest; the roaming friendly Headless Horseman; and arts and crafts around the courthouse square.
Nearly 30 vendors will be offering everything from walking sticks to jewelry to soaps and baked goods for humans and animals alike.
Vevay’s Brian Christman will be demonstrating chainsaw carving on Liberty Street; and the ‘Headless Horseman’ will be available for pictures and “selfies” throughout the day.
Anyone can enter the pie contest, with baked apple and pumpkin pies due at the Visitors Center at 11 a.m. Judging will begin at noon with ribbons and gift certificates to local businesses awarded to top winners. A panel of judges will taste-test each pie and give points for appearance, taste, and texture of the crust.
New this year will be a bale throwing contest for men, women, and youth beginning at 2 p.m.; and free horse and wagon rides beginning at 2:30 p.m.
The bale throwing contest will be held on Liberty Street. Contestants are invited to put their tossing techniques to the test and earn ribbons, prizes, or gift certificates to local businesses. The entrant who throws the bale the farthest will be the winner.
This year’s musical performers include the ‘Kentucky Bluebelles’, an all-girl group from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.; and ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ from 2-4 p.m. Both groups will perform bluegrass music. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the music and participate in all the fun.
A “by invitation only” car show will also take place around the courthouse square; and the Lions Club will offer food and beverages as a fundraiser. Shops and restaurants will be open for business.
Two new activities will also be offered for both young and old during the festivities.
A bale tossing contest for men, women, and youth begins at 2 p.m. on Liberty Street. Contestants can pre-register at the Visitors Center until tomorrow (Friday), at 5 p.m.; or register on site.
Participants can put their tossing techniques to the test against those of their neighbors and guests to earn possible ribbons, prizes, or gift certificates to local businesses. Contenders who throw the bale the farthest without going over the foul line will be the winner. Each participant will have two opportunities to throw the bale with their longest distance prevailing.
A ‘Needle in a Haystack’ hunt is available to youth.
Numbered wooded needles will be inserted in a pile of straw. Entrants will go in one at a time in hopes of finding a needle. The number listed on the needle will coordinate with (or without) a prize bearing the same number. The contest will continue until all prizes are awarded.
Youth ages 13 and under are limited to one five-minute ‘Needle in a Haystack’ search during the event.
Disclaimers must be signed before any children or adults can participate in either the bale toss or the ‘Needle in a Haystack’ search. Youth under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign on their behalf.
For more information on the Sleepy Hollow Fall Celebration, call (812) 427-3237 or email rebecca@switzcotourism.com or visitsc@switzcotourism.com.