The Algonquin Mill Fall FestivalCarrollton, Ohio
October 9, 2009
The Algonquin Mill Fall Festival has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents took me to the Mill as a baby; I played at the festival while in the high school marching band and now enjoy it as an adult. We’ve made it a family tradition- I’ve only missed it once in all my years. As a child I enjoyed jumping into huge piles of hay, Clydesdale-drawn wagon rides and treats like warm cider and apple-butter bread. As an adult, I enjoy shopping for home and holiday decorations, the smell of burning fires and, of course, the endless treats which include cinnamon-spiced almonds, pumpkin roles and goat milk fudge. The Algonquin Mill Festival is the most anticipated festival of the year and one of our biggest family traditions.
The Algonquin Mill was built in 1826 and operated as a grain mill until 1938. It was originally a water-powered mill but was converted to steam power in 1890. It was donated to the Carroll County Historical Society for the purpose of restoration in 1969. In 1970, the first Algonquin Mill Festival was held.After meeting at Kirk’s Restaurant in Waynesburg, Ohio for breakfast (breakfast, approx. $5) we head toward the Mill Festival, taking Route 43 South to Route 332. My dad usually joins us and we all enjoy the 30 minute ride together through the country. It is a scenic route which passes through picturesque farmland and a quaint town square. On the way, we stop at an antique sale held in a barn. We always have great furniture finds at this antique sale- I’ve found a mahogany chest and Joanna has found a crackled green pantry cupboard. This year, Joanna bought a cherry chest of drawers to match her bedroom set. Browsing for antiques is a great way to start the festival day!
On we go to the Algonquin Mill Festival (parking $8/car). The Algonquin Mill Festival is a family-friendly event with activities for all ages. There is a stage with entertainment from square dancers to violinists. Art contest entries are exhibited in the barn. Restored buildings like a stage-coach inn, a school house and the old grain mill can be visited. Tractors, steam engines and huge wood saws are on display. Stands selling crafts, decorations, food items and furniture are grouped in sections around the festival. Hayrides, face-painting and a petting zoo are only a few of the kids’ activities.My sisters and I enjoy the shopping and, most of all, the food! The choices are endless- buckeye candies, Swiss cheese and trail bologna sample bags, cookies, warm apple dumplings, sour kraut, roasted nuts, potato soup, cider, pumpkin rolls... I could go on and on. But, with all these choices one thing remains the same- I always get some peanut butter fudge!
My dad likes to just relax on the benches, observing whatever is going on around him. My sisters and I wander around the festival complex, browsing the stands that sell everything from alpaca scarves and lye soap to stained glass and wrought iron yard ornaments. At the end of the day we make our purchases and head back to fill up the car and head home. This year I found a great Christmas mantle decoration, Joanna got a few iron lawn ornaments for her new home and Megan got metal ‘icicle’ ornaments. Some years we go all out, saving for months and splurging at the Mill. Other years, we watch our spending and just enjoy the atmosphere. The Algonquin Mill Fall Festival is very special to me. It is an activity that my family has been doing for decades and we hope to continue to do together for years to come! 
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