As a lifelong resident of Effingham County, Clarence Morgan enjoys Olde Effingham Days as much as anyone.

Morgan has been on the committee for all seven years of the festival and is in his sixth year as chairman of Olde Effingham Days, which this year will be on April 13-14.

"It’s a family-oriented affair," Morgan said. "It’s a good atmosphere. Everyone enjoys it."

One of the biggest weekends of the year in Effingham County, Olde Effingham Days is two days of live entertainment, food, exhibits, shows and historical demonstrations in Springfield, adjacent to the Historic Effingham County Courthouse and Effingham County Judicial Complex.

"This festival represents a sampling of the best of Effingham," said committee member Adam Kobek. "Olde Effingham Days is a great way to showcase Effingham County, to celebrate our own, introduce the new and provide a great gathering for the community."

A new event this year is Effingham Idol, which takes the place of the Friday night street dance.

Finalists from local school competitions will showcase their talents in Effingham Idol, at 7 p.m. at the Ulmer Park stage. Prizes will be given for first and second place in the middle and high school divisions, and there will be two people’s choice winners.

"We have a great lineup of local talent," Kobek said. "I know that excitement is growing over Effingham Idol, so folks should bring their chairs and come early."

Saturday will bring a full day of festivities, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Following the opening ceremony, festival goers can enjoy a variety of live entertainers, regional tastes from food vendors and shows such as a car and motorcycle show sponsored by Springfield Merchants Association and a flower show sponsored by the Springfield and Rincon Garden Clubs.
History buffs can see (and hear) live cannon firings and Civil War reenactments or take a “Walk Down the Hill” tour at the Historic Effingham Museum and Living History Site, where they can “step back in time” to see a working blacksmith and old-fashioned methods for farming, making cane syrup and storing food. Children can enjoy activities to experience the “old days.”

“It is a great day to come out and visit with your friends, experience living history and learn what is going on around us,” Kobek said. “The festival provides a great educational opportunity with the living history site and the museum, offers locally and regionally made products, and some great food.”

Speaking of food, one of the more popular events is the “tater hawg” eating contest at 4 p.m. Those not familiar with a tater hawg might just want to see it for themselves.

The festival’s grand finale will be a concert by the Swingin' Medallions. The band will take the Ulmer Park stage at 6:15 and perform three 45-minute shows.

Festival admission and events are free and “it’s our goal to continue that way,” Morgan said.

Even though the festival is less than two weeks away, volunteers can still sign up to help. The all-volunteer committee welcomes extra hands to assist with the activities each day or clean up afterward.

“It’s never too late,” Morgan said. “We can always use volunteers.”

For more information, call Morgan at 754-6339 or Kobek at 754-2111.