Knoxville, IL…. Historic Walnut Grove Farm is celebrating 38 years on the Knox County Scenic Drive. Specializing in hand-made art, live music, homemade food, homegrown produce, and family fun is the Barn Fest at Walnut Grove Farm. Local youth showcase their talents with Kids Rock the Arts contest October 4 & 5, 11 & 12. The farm, an official stop on the Knox County Scenic Drive, is located ½ mile north of Knoxville, IL. For a schedule of events and directions go to www.Barn-Fest.com.

The Knox County Scenic Drive is a self-guided fall foliage tour that is a family tradition for thousands. The event at Walnut Grove Farm, has evolved into a juried artisan shopping showcase that includes one-of-a-kind gifts of woodcarving, basketmaking, painting, weaving, soap making, quilting, beading and sign making. A variety of jewelry, pottery, Paper Mache, driftwood, upcycled antiques, wearable fiber art and tie-dye, hand blown glass and natural fall florals. Artisan jams and foods, along with farm produce sales and kid activities are farm staples. Find details on www.Barn-Fest.com.

Kids Rock the Arts Contest at Walnut Grove Farm is sponsored by Blick Art Materials and Galesburg Community Art Center. More “kid fun” includes the “MINI Cow Corral” both weekends, a mini ag fair presented by the Knoxville FFA with student projects present on the Oct 11 only, parent-guided farm games on other days. Register for “Magic Movement for Kids” with Kathleen Ridlon Oct 11 & 12 “drop and shop”. Kids have fun while parents shop in the barn. Tacos and Thai food truck with chef Laura Lytle, and Rise and Grind coffee and energy drinks is a great Drive start up or perk up!

Live music with each artist scheduled for two hours are: David Berchtold at 1PM October 4th, John Heasly at 1PM October 5th, Cluck Ole Hen String Band at 3PM Oct 5th, John Heasly at 1PM Saturday, October 11th, and Taproot Wranglers at 1PM on Oct 12th.

“We have new artisans, foods, and great music showcased in a Civil War Era Barn with a 38-year history of superb quality,” Rich Wood, show coordinator states. For a full schedule and artists’ info go to www.Barn-Fest.com, or call (309) 337-5354. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.