The Pike County Fall Color Drive began 25 years ago as a way to
promote local crafters, artisans, and communities within Pike County by
attracting visitors to the county during the peak fall foliage time. Since that
time, the Color Drive has grown dramatically to become a significant tourism
event and a major economic driver. The Pike County Fall Color Drive is the only
countywide event held annually, and 2013 marks our silver (25 yr) anniversary.
Area residents support participating communities by displaying their crafts,
providing food services, and volunteering their time to assist with the event.
Along the drive you’ll find beautiful scenery, crafts, food,
collectibles, food, assorted merchandise, activities for kids, food,
demonstrations like blacksmithing, wool spinning, knife making, wooden bowl
carving, food, antique tractors, and petting zoos. And did I mention
food? Many people refer to the Color Drive as "eat your way across
Pike County". Food is definitely a highlight of the the Fall Color
Drive.
Besides our spectacular fall scenery, Pike County has a rich
Lincoln and Civil War history and some communities take you back in
time by highlighting these local connections to Lincoln and the past, thus
appealing to history buffs as well.
The Pike County Fall Color Drive is this weekend, October 19th and
20th. A Planning Committee with representation from many of the
participating communities has been busy planning this year’s drive almost since
last year’s event. The Color Drive is organized and executed entirely by
volunteers, which makes the Color Drive even more amazing. As you can imagine,
an event of this magnitude requires a lot of help. In many cases, the same
people have given their time tirelessly planning, organizing and working the
activities in each community for many years. The county owes them a debt of
gratitude for all they do.
The Pike County Fall Color Drive has an informational website
(www.pikecolordrive.com), which is updated to include the activities in each
participating community. You can also find information on overnight accommodations
on that site. In addition, the Pittsfield Rotary teams up with WBBA Radio
(97.5 FM) and broadcasts about and from the Color Drive all weekend long. Makes
for a fun drive.
So, please join us here in beautiful Pike County this weekend.
Take in our spectacular fall color, shop, eat, have fun, make memories. The
warm friendly people of Pike County look forward to your visit.
Visit the Chamber's website at www.pikeil.org to see our other events.
See you “out and about” Pike County,
Kaye
