Rosalia tunes up for fall festival

An array of autumn attractions will take over Rosalia this weekend when the Chamber of Commerce conducts its second annual Fall Festival. Pumpkins, pies and a petting zoo will await attendees at this year’s edition.

“We’ve really put together a great event,” said Jim Sharp, chamber president. “It was a great time last year, and it should be even better this year.”

Sharp will provide hay rides around Rosalia throughout Saturday with his red 1961 Ford Workmaster tractor. Hay ride pickup stations will be set up around town to transport fall frolickers to all the various attractions.

Epicenter of the festivities will be the Rosalia’s Texaco Station where a petting zoo will be located, apple cider will be pressed and blacksmith skill demonstrated by Rod Dennis of Clayton.

At a “patch” next to the post office, children can select a pumpkin for the carving contest. Prizes will be awarded to the most-skilled pumpkin carver.

The town’s best pie bakers will be honored inside the community center.

Across the street from the pumpkins Budding Rose Art Gallery will feature WSU grad student Alan Abdulkader’s photographs of the landscape and people of Rosalia. The gallery will also feature the twisted metal sculptures of local “junk welder” Ida Clausen, who will be on hand to demonstrate her skills.

Jim and Teresa Lautenslager will open their home to a selection of the area’s finest crafters Saturday afternoon. Teresa Lautenslager said she started the craft show three years ago as a get-together for her craftiest friends. On display will be homemade soaps, jewelry, dolls, candies and baked goods.

The Lautenslagers also invite people to come take a tour of their century-old Rosalia landmark house.

The Chamber’s Haunted House will open inside the old lumberyard building at dusk, about 6 p.m.

Champion fiddler Aaron and the Afterthoughts will fill the Performing Arts Center, formerly the Rosalia Christian Church, at 2 p.m., preceded by an open mic session at noon.

Throughout the day Rosalia businesses will offer specials.