In Oneonta, ’tis the season for covered bridges

ONEONTA — With three covered bridges still in existence, Blount County carries the title of Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama, and, as a tribute to its roots, a one-day festival is held every year in downtown Oneonta.

Set for Oct. 12, the Covered Bridge Festival offers plenty of family fun including a quilt show, arts and crafts, a car cruise-in, live music, great food, a tour of the covered bridge tours and more. The festival is sponsored by the Blount-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce.

The highlight of the Covered Bridge Festival, now in its 40th year, is the arts and crafts show located in downtown Oneonta’s entertainment district.

Throughout the day, festivalgoers can peruse the booths of vendors selling an assortment of homemade items, handmade jewelry, artwork, wood creations, and more. Festival goers can also check out the various makes and models of cars, trucks, farm tractors, first responder vehicles, and motorcycles at the Cruise-In from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There is also a free Kids Zone with inflatables and face painting and a food court area on Railroad Avenue featuring food trucks and food vendors to satisfy any appetite.

The Blount-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a bus tour to two of three covered bridges, Horton Mill and Easley, along with stops at Palisades Park and the King’s Bend Overlook. Step back in time and embark on a tour of two of the county’s picturesque covered bridges, each with its own unique story and architectural charm. Whether a history buff or simply enjoy scenic views, the tour is an event highlight not to miss at this year’s festival. Space is limited. For more information on the bus tour, call the Chamber at 205-274-2153.

Festival goers are also invited to stop by the pancake breakfast at Lester Memorial Methodist Church from 7 to 10 a.m. to fuel up. Tickets are $5 per person and benefits the Children’s Center.

Sponsored by the Blount County Quilters Guild, a quilt show is scheduled for Oct. 12 at the Quilters Guild Cottage at Palisades Park, 1225 Palisades Parkway in Oneonta from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5. For more information, visit https://blountcountyquilters.com/.

Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information on the Covered Bridge Festival, visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CoveredBridgeFest or call the Chamber office at 205-274-2153.

No visit to Blount County would be complete without a stop at one or all of the covered bridges.

• Constructed in 1934, Horton Mill is the tallest historic covered bridge in the United States standing 70 feet above the water. The 220-foot-long bridge crosses the Calvert Prong of the Little Warrior River about 5 miles north of Oneonta off Alabama Highway 75.
• Easley Covered Bridge was constructed in 1927 and is the smallest of Blount’s remaining bridges. At just 95 feet long it crosses the Dub Branch, Calvert Prong of the Little Warrior River. It is located off U.S. 231 in Rosa.
• Constructed in 1933, Swann Covered Bridge is the longest of Blount’s bridges. Located in Cleveland, it spans 324 feet across the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River.