It may be a small town, but Portal officials say the town knows how to put on a “big time.”
The old-fashioned phrase fits well with the theme of the town’s yearly celebration. Saturday, the town will bustle with activity as the 25th Annual Catface Turpentine Festival unfolds a day filled with excitement.
The term “catface” comes from the whisker-like slash marks turpentiners made in pine trees to gather the sap.
A parade through town at 10 a.m., led by members of the 648th National Guard unit, kicks off the day. Next, visitors will move to the turpentine still/festival area (within a short walking distance) for a welcome and dedication of memorial bricks by Portal Mayor Larry Motes and Donald Sparks , said Luree Bowen, member of the Portal Heritage Society, which hosts the event.
Memorial bricks can be purchased to honor family members and other special people, she said.
Later in the morning, officials will fire up the E. C. Carter turpentine still, the only operating still on its original site in the country, she said.
Portal celebrates the annual event in commemoration of the industry that once supported the small agricultural community. Visitors can get a taste of the past as they observe the still in operation.
The festival will include arts, crafts, festival food such as cotton candy and funnel cakes, rosin potatoes (baked in hot rosin, but do not have the pine sap taste), live music, cake walks and a country auction.
The Portal Heritage Society will be running the Burger Barn and other vendors will have barbecue, sandwiches and baked goods.
There is no admission to the festival. Visitors will also be able to purchase freshly ground corn meal and bottled turpentine.
Entertainment begins at noon with a performance by the First Baptist Church First Four, followed by a presentation by students from Portal Elementary School.
At 1 p.m., entertainment will be provided by Aaron Church of God, followed by the Friendship Baptist Church Blue Grass Band, then First Baptist Church’s “Redeemed.”
At 2:30 p.m., The Gospel Four Quartet will sing, then the Eddie Lott ATA Black Belt Academy will give an exciting exhibition, followed by music from the Brannen Chapel Men’s Chorus.
A drawing for a hand made quilt will be held at 4 p.m., then things will get lively as an old-timey country auction unfolds.
Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at 489-9414.
The old-fashioned phrase fits well with the theme of the town’s yearly celebration. Saturday, the town will bustle with activity as the 25th Annual Catface Turpentine Festival unfolds a day filled with excitement.
The term “catface” comes from the whisker-like slash marks turpentiners made in pine trees to gather the sap.
A parade through town at 10 a.m., led by members of the 648th National Guard unit, kicks off the day. Next, visitors will move to the turpentine still/festival area (within a short walking distance) for a welcome and dedication of memorial bricks by Portal Mayor Larry Motes and Donald Sparks , said Luree Bowen, member of the Portal Heritage Society, which hosts the event.
Memorial bricks can be purchased to honor family members and other special people, she said.
Later in the morning, officials will fire up the E. C. Carter turpentine still, the only operating still on its original site in the country, she said.
Portal celebrates the annual event in commemoration of the industry that once supported the small agricultural community. Visitors can get a taste of the past as they observe the still in operation.
The festival will include arts, crafts, festival food such as cotton candy and funnel cakes, rosin potatoes (baked in hot rosin, but do not have the pine sap taste), live music, cake walks and a country auction.
The Portal Heritage Society will be running the Burger Barn and other vendors will have barbecue, sandwiches and baked goods.
There is no admission to the festival. Visitors will also be able to purchase freshly ground corn meal and bottled turpentine.
Entertainment begins at noon with a performance by the First Baptist Church First Four, followed by a presentation by students from Portal Elementary School.
At 1 p.m., entertainment will be provided by Aaron Church of God, followed by the Friendship Baptist Church Blue Grass Band, then First Baptist Church’s “Redeemed.”
At 2:30 p.m., The Gospel Four Quartet will sing, then the Eddie Lott ATA Black Belt Academy will give an exciting exhibition, followed by music from the Brannen Chapel Men’s Chorus.
A drawing for a hand made quilt will be held at 4 p.m., then things will get lively as an old-timey country auction unfolds.
Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at 489-9414.