The Batesville General Store, a sponsor for the 2012 Soque River Ramble, is holding its first “Fall Festival” on the property grounds at the intersection of Hwy. 197 and Hwy. 255 on Saturday October 27 from 10AM until 4PM. Barbara Rush, owner of the Batesville General Store, organized the event to carry on the local tradition of an annual festival in the Batesville community.

“Since the Batesville Community Association could not adequately staff their annual event this year due to a lack of volunteers,” said Barbara, “we decided to step in and provide a venue for visitors to experience the local ‘flavors’ of our area and to use the occasion as a fund raiser for the Habersham Humane Society.”

This year’s Fall Festival will feature live music, a silent auction, quilt raffle, bake sale, face painting, and locally donated arts & crafts, along with various vendors who have been regulars for local festivals in the past. The lunch menu will include favorites like Cuban sandwiches, homemade chili, boiled peanuts and fried pies.

“We plan to raise a minimum of $1000 for the local Humane Society,” explained Barbara. “Proceeds from the bake sale, vendor booths, quilt raffle, and other activities will be donated, including the sale of t-shirts, all in support of the little ‘critters’ who need to find a home.”

The Batesville General Store, long known as a favorite place to eat in northern Habersham County, has expanded its retail space and now offers hand-crafted items, rustic décor, live plants, and other creations for sale right in the restaurant.

“We are continuing to add new merchandise weekly in response to our customers,” said Gretchen Vanderbunt, who works in the business with Barbara. “We offer certain niche items not found anywhere else locally, and that keeps visitors and locals happy with their shopping experience here.”

Thanks to the Batesville General Store for being a sponsor of the 2012 Soque River Ramble and for providing food, entertainment, and fun for our visitors and participants.