A one of a kind experience is waiting to be had tomorrow, November 2nd, at Bicentennial Park in Stockton. The first annual Stockton Sawmill Days will bring to life the heritage of this historical jewel in the crown of northern Baldwin County.

The event, held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., will highlight many aspects of sawmill life including demonstrations on how to “hitch a team, pull logs and load a wagon.” Professional lumberjacks will be putting their skills to the test with chainsaw carving, cross-cut sawing, log rolling and speed-pole climbing. Folk artists and exhibitors will have their talents on display as well. Leslie Smith and Bill Finch will be on hand to discuss their books Gone to the Swamp and Long Leaf Pine; respectively. The event is $15 for adults, $5 for children 12 to six years old and children under six will be admitted free of charge. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Stockton Heritage Museum.

The day will kick off with a breakfast of “flap-jacks” with sorghum syrup or “sawmill” biscuits with tomato gravy. This will be followed by the TimberWorks Lumberjack Show, which has travelled across the United States sharing its special combination of history, sports and comedy for the past 25 years. Each show features Paul Bunyanesque lumberjacks performing such feats as axe throwing and chainsaw carving. After each show one lucky member of the crowd will win a “wooden chair carved and autographed by one of our Lumberjacks.” Axe throwing and the like were a time honored tradition among lumberjacks as those in the camps more than a century ago would test their skills in competition with one another to pass the time. In case you were wondering, yes, these are the guys you see on ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games!

There is plenty of additional entertainment on tap for the day’s festivities, including bluegrass music performed by Delta Reign, gospel music from the Fifth Generation and Unity Community Choir and “authentic 1840s and 1850s music” performed by Kracker Dan, who will be dressed in period attire. Paul Tillman and the Jamin’ Folks Dulcimer Group will also be performing at the event.

A parade featuring draft horses, mules, wagons and antique cars will pass through the park for all to see. Booths featuring many forms of folk art will be on display including the Black Belt Treasurers Folk Artists and the world famous Gee’s Bend Quilters. The Alabama Loggers Council, Baldwin County Extension Forestry Department, the Alabama Forestry Commission, Baldwin County Forestry Department and Five Rivers will all be exhibitors at the event.

Dr. Matthew Smidt with the Auburn School of Forestry will be on hand as well as Chuck Simmons with the Alabama Coop. Simmons, who will also be dressed in period attire, will tell all about piney woods oxen and cattle. Dr. Greg Waselkor with the University of South Alabama will give a talk about the importance of the turpentine industry and staff from Troy State University will have artifacts from Kennedy Mills, which were the first sawmills in Alabama and located on Rain’s Creek in Stockton. The history of several sawmills from throughout south Alabama will also be on display.

There is something for everyone at this event. Blaze the arson dog and even Smokey the Bear will be in attendance, a sure treat for the kids. If you don’t get there in time for breakfast, then stay for lunch. Fried catfish and cheese grits will be on the menu with buttermilk pie for dessert! This unique event promises something fun and educational for the entire family, so bring your lawn chair early and experience a rich slice of the history and heritage of Stockton, Alabama. There’s a great time waiting for you just up the road.

Joanna Bailey is the director of the Bay Minette Public Library. She can be reached at baileyvolumes@gmail.com