Images of children playing with the Old Timey Games
young girl playing with Jacob's ladder toy

Olde Timey Games

One of the most popular areas of the John Blue Cotton Festival is the Old Timey Games. Originally a 400 square foot area, this favorite section has expanded to 6400 square feet. Children have a chance to play hand-made replicas of the same toys that were used by children years ago. Multiple toys are available for the children and many of the Festival Committee members are on hand to show the children how the games are played. It doesn't take them long to understand how to walk on a pair of stilts. They quickly find several others to start a tug-of-war match. Many wind up with sudsy hands as they use large wands made from hangers to make gigantic bubbles. Those that are very brave attempt to perfect their skills on the balancing logs and others form teams to race each other on the walker buddies. Often assisting their children, quite frequently you will see parents playing these games too. There is a lot to do in the Old Timey Games. Come and enjoy and let your children learn to play the games their Great-grandparents and Grandparents played!

Participant in the Kiddie Tractor Pull

Kiddie Tractor Pull

Each year children are able to participate in a Tractor Pull competition.  This activity allows them to ride a small tractor that has some cargo that needs to be pulled.  Children pedal their way down the competition area.  The child in each age bracket who goes the longest distance wins a prize.  It is a fun activity.  Make sure you check our list of activities for the time and location of this event so you can have your child participate.

Pony Rides

Our Pony Rides area is another favorite activity for the children. Young children and parents can be assured that their child will have a great time riding a pony is a safe environment. Each ride is led by owners of the ponies and all children are equipped with a helmet. Many a smile can be seen on the children's faces as they ride around the ring and often you hear them ask to ride one more time.

Older children can try their hand at riding a horse along the woodline near the outdoor stage. They are also required to wear a helmet and are led along the ride route. Chidren can also pet and feed the horses. Under supervision of course!

More Activities . . .

There are a lot of interesting activities available this year for the children, teenagers and adults to enjoy. Rocky the Trick Mule will be performing near the tractor area of the festival grounds. Alberti and the Flea Circus will host shows at his area behind the John Blue Cotton Festival. He will also be strolling through the festival grounds playing his organ. A new event at the festival this year is the Haystack Dive. Ages groups of children will have the chance to dive into the haystack to search for hidden coins. Check out the entertainment page for a schedule of each event.