Hosted by Winding Stair Farm & Nursery
Saturday, August 23rd, 11 AM – 3 PM | Cost: Free
Our FIFTH annual Family Fun Day! An event entirely dedicated to entertaining and educating our children!
Get ready for an epic Family Fun Day where the whole gang can dive into exciting activities and cool learning experiences! From mingling with local nature buffs and experts to checking out awesome vendors, there’s something for everyone. We’re brewing up a fantastic schedule, so stay tuned for all the juicy updates on our Facebook page and this event page. Let the fun begin!
Live Music from David Lloyd (11:30–2:00 PM)
Local musician David Lloyd is a singer-songwriter rooted in the Texas tradition of vivid, heartfelt storytelling. Raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and shaped by his years in Austin, his music carries a strong sense of place—songs filled with longing, hope, and the landscapes that have defined his life. Now living in the mountains of western North Carolina, David continues to write and perform with warmth, authenticity, and a knack for connecting with his audience. From intimate gatherings to sharing the stage with longtime friend Lyle Lovett, his performances are infused with sincerity and a love for the craft of songwriting.
Fairy Making with Trail Mix
Let your imagination take flight at Trail Mix’s fairy-making station! Kids (and kids at heart) can craft their own tiny, magical friends to take home — wings, sparkles, and whimsy included. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and a little bit of mountain magic.
Sweet Treats from Renee’s Cake Shoppe
Downtown Franklin’s own Renee’s Cake Shoppe is bringing the sugar and the smiles with cake pops and goodies for all ages. Whether you’re a frosting fanatic or just here for “one little bite,” these treats are almost too pretty to eat… almost.
Boba Tea with Main Street Coffee & Yogurt
Treat yourself with a refreshing boba tea from Main Street Coffee & Yogurt! Sip on sweet, chewy bubbles in a swirl of fruity or creamy flavors — the perfect pick-me-up while you wander through all the Family Fun Day activities.
Fly Tying & Casting with Fish Tales Outfitters
Learn the craft of fly tying and give casting a whirl — perfect for curious first-timers and future fishing legends alike. It’s a reel adventure for the whole family, where you’ll discover that pollinators aren’t the only ones enjoying nature… sometimes, they are the menu.
Build a Bee Hotel with Mainspring Conservation Trust
The folks from Mainspring Conservation Trust will show you how to build your very own beginner’s bee hotel — a cozy, creative hangout for native bees. This hands-on, family-friendly activity is a great way to welcome pollinators into your backyard. Who knows? This simple starter project might just inspire your child (or you!) to take on even bigger bee-friendly adventures.
Free Watermelon Tasting from 3 Barn Farm
Nothing says summer like a juicy slice of watermelon! 3 Barn Farm is serving up free samples of their sweetest, most refreshing melons — the perfect way to cool down between Family Fun Day adventures.
Free Books from Read2Me
Read2Me will provide every family with a free book, plus kids can browse a special selection of even more free titles to take home. All books are generously provided by our friends at Read2Me, who believe every child deserves the joy of reading. It’s the perfect chance to spark a young reader’s imagination.
Butterfly Watercolors with MCAA Uptown Gallery
Let your creativity take flight with MCAA Uptown Gallery! Kids can paint their very own butterfly masterpiece using watercolors — and the best part? They get to take it home as a colorful keepsake from Family Fun Day.
Ants on a Log from the Franklin Farm Hub
Get ready for a tasty treat that’s not what it seems – Ants on a Log from the Franklin Farm Hub! You’ll discover that these ‘ants’ are tastier than the real thing, plus learn about surprising insects that pollinate our world in ways you never imagined.
Microscope Marvels with Highlands Biological Station
Prepare to be amazed by the hidden beauty of the microscopic world with Highlands Biological Station. They’re bringing microscopesso you can see pollinators, bee pollen, and other tiny wonders in incredible detail!
Face Painting with Katmandew Face & Body Art (12p – 2p)
Get festival-ready with Katmandew Face & Body Art! From butterflies and superheroes to wild, glittery creations, their designs turn kids (and adults!) into walking works of art. Pick your favorite look and let the transformation begin.
Balloon Animals with Blake the Balloon Guy
Get ready to meet Blake the Balloon Guy, who’ll be twisting and turning ordinary balloons into extraordinary animal creations all day long! Whether your little ones dream of balloon dogs, giraffes, or something completely wild, Blake’s got the magic touch to make it happen.
Storytime with Macon County Public Library (12:30p – 1p)
Settle in for a cozy break as the Macon County Public Library brings stories to life for kids of all ages. From silly tales to magical adventures, their read-aloud sessions are the perfect way to spark imaginations — and maybe inspire your next library visit.
Native Bee Matching with John Kotab
Buzz on over to meet local bee expert John Kotab! Kids can test their skills in a fun Native Bee Matching Activity, learning how to spot the main pollinator bees that call western North Carolina home. It’s a sweet way to sharpen your bee IQ — no stings attached. Interested in learning more? John is the author of the terrific book Bee The Change: If We Protect, Nature Will Provide.
Build a Butterfly with Winding Stair Campground
Get crafty and create your very own butterfly — complete with wings, googly eyes, and your own child’s creativity. Using toilet paper rolls, construction paper, and a splash of imagination, kids can design a pollinator pal to take home. It’s hands-on, silly, and the easiest way to make a butterfly buddy.
Cole’s Crazy Corn Cobs
Watch Cole grill locally-grown corn to perfection, then enjoy this simple snack straight from Macon County soil. Simple, natural, and delicious!
Seed Bomb Making Station
Get your hands a little dirty and make something beautiful! At our Seed Bomb Station, kids can mix wet soil, clay, and seeds to form a softball-sized “bomb” that dries in the sun. Take it home, toss it on the ground, and watch as wildflowers burst into bloom next season — it’s gardening with a little bit of mischief.
Insect Snack Shack
Step right up to Winding Stair’s own Insect Snack Shack, where brave taste-testers can try one of six different flavors of crunchy crickets — from BBQ to Sour Cream & Onion. Along the way, kids will learn how insects provide sustainable protein for billions of people around the world. Finish your snack and you’ll earn the ultimate badge of honor: an “I Ate a Bug” sticker to show off your bravery!