The weather is balmy and brisk, autumn is in the air, the leaves are starting to change colors -- all of which mean Autumnfest is just around the corner. Southern Pines' fall festival, Autumnfest, is slated for Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Downtown Park.

"Fitness enthusiasts will enjoy the 28th annual running of the 1-mile and 5K foot races, while shoppers can stroll through the 90 plus crafts and concession booths," says Sue Gillis of the Southern Pines Recreation and Parks Department.

Several performers are scheduled throughout the day on the main stage.

The Bavarian Brass Band takes the stage at 9:15 a.m., followed by Juggleboy at 10:30 a.m. Martial arts enthusiasts will enjoy a demonstration by Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at 11 a.m.

Autumnfest race runners will step forward at 11:30 a.m. to accept race awards. The Bavarian Brass Band returns at 12:30 p.m., and at 1:15 p.m. The wood-splinting, concrete-cracking skills of Southern Pines Recreation and Parks Department's own Tae Kwon Do under the direction of Master Melanie Wyatt takes the stage.

There will be an encore performance by Juggleboy at 1:15 p.m., and at 1:45, Terpsichore-A Moving Experience takes the stage with graceful dances.

Always a crowd pleaser with their daring feats of strength and coordination and back for an encore performance, The Academy of Tae Kwon Do perform at 2:15 p.m.

Edsel 500 will close the festival from 3 to 4 p.m. with 1940s and 1950s rock 'n' roll songs that are easy to sing along to, dance, and enjoy.

Off the stage, but also in the form of entertainment will be thrilling interactive rides such as the Castle Jump, Scramble Slide, 3-Hole Miniature Golf Course, Double-Shot Basketball Game, Cameron the Caterpillar and Rock Climbing Wall.

Runners and walkers alike can take the starting line for the 1-mile fun run/walk at 9:30 a.m. or the 5K run at 9:50 a.m. Pre-register at the Southern Pines Recreation Office or register on site beginning at 8:30 a.m. under the Rainey Shelter.

Awards will be presented to the top finishers in age categories.

This year's selection of crafts run the gamut from traditional woodworking to flashy outfits styled with colorful jewels.

"Choose something for yourself or a friend as you stroll through the rows of booths featuring yard ornaments, pottery, dried flowers, pen-and-ink drawings, stained glass, jewelry, holiday ornaments, hand-sewn items, quilts, and more," says Gillis "If all of the walking doesn't whet your appetite, certainly the aroma of steak and peppers, hot dogs, cotton candy, fried dough, pizza, and snacks will. Enjoy a tasty treat and thirst-quenching drink at the food court."

Ornament Unveiling

Ornament collectors and Library supporters are advised that Friends of Southern Pines Public Library have announced the time and location of the unveiling of the 2006 Landmark Ornament.

"Autumnfest held on Saturday, Oct. 7, in the Downtown Park will serve as the venue to reveal the subject of this year's ornament," says Special Events Chairperson Janice Reagan. "Everyone is invited to gather at the Recreation and Parks main information booth at 9:45 a.m. when the secret will be revealed."

Every year, the Friends select an architectural landmark to commemorate with a collectible 24k gold-finished ornament. The subject is kept secret until the ornament is available for sale. This is the fifth year of issue for the project. Previous subjects have been the historic train station, a streetscape of downtown, Weymouth Center, and the Shaw House. Only 500 copies of each ornament are produced, dated with the year of issue.

"While the ornaments are a fundraising project of the Friends, enabling them to support many special programs and services at the Library, they are also a way to showcase the architectural heritage and history of Southern Pines," says Library Director Lynn Thompson. "The ornaments are great gifts for visitors, as reminders of their stay in our town, as well as family keepsakes for residents."

"Ornaments will be for sale at Autumnfest at a cost of $20 and at various locations in Southern Pines in the weeks to come, while supplies last," says Reagan. "Attend the unveiling and be among the first to view and purchase this year's ornament."

The semiannual Friends of Southern Pines Public Library sale will be held at the Southern Pines train station Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 8, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Autumnfest is sponsored by Arts Council of Moore County, Southern Pines Recreation and Parks Department, Aberdeen Coca-Cola, Embarq, Johnny O's Awards, and Sandhills Trophy and Sports of Troy.