History
John Blue Festival
John Blue Cotton Festival began in 1983 years ago as a way to educate school children about early farm life, but it has since become a much anticipated community gathering.
This year’s festival will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of the John Blue House at 13040 X-Way Road. Admission is $5.
The first event some was a display of antique machinery and displays about farm-life. The life of inventor John Blue was the main focus, according to historian and descendant, Jim Blue.
That display soon grew into the John Blue Cotton Festival that is now equal parts country fair, hoedown, social gathering, history museum and crafter’s paradise.
THE JOHN BLUE HOUSE
In the 1890s, when success came to John Blue, he built on his land what is called "one of the beautiful and typical homes of the Southland." It's gothic steamboat features lace-like trimmed two-tier porches which encircles the house. 12 unique doors to the home are found on the outside.
THE MCNEILL LOG HOUSE
In 1820, brothers Daniel and Duncan McNeill, settled in the Laurel Hill area. It is believed that Daniel built the McNeill log cabin in the area in 1828.