Milledgeville’s annual Deep Roots festival welcomes locals, families and students to the downtown scene for vendors, food, live music and community. This year, Deep Roots featured art, a car show, steak cookoff, a kid zone, food trucks and a concert stage.
“I have gone to Deep Roots for the past four years as a student at GCSU and am back now as an alumni,” said Misty Mullis Glover, a GCSU alumni. “The small artists and community keep me coming back.”
Milledgeville Main Street anticipated a large crowd for Deep Roots expecting many student families and Milledgeville residents.
“I am beyond excited to attend my third Deep Roots,” said Alayna McHugh, a junior mass communications major. I plan to go with my roommates Lauren and Amy. We are definitely most excited for the live music.”
Organized by staff and volunteers working with Milledgeville Main Street, Deep Roots is an event that requires lots of attention, since it attracts many visitors.
“I work with the Milledgeville Main Street Organization and am responsible for overseeing the daily operations in downtown Milledgeville,” said Carlee Schulte, executive director at Milledgeville Main Street Organization. “I work with the public, media, businesses and community organizations to promote downtown Milledgeville. The annual Deep Roots festival is outstandingly our most popular event.”
Deep Roots is widely known for its array of vendors selling homemade treats, crafts and other creations. Cindy’s Bits and Pieces is one of the vendors selling both sweet and savory snacks and was eager to cater to the Deep Roots scene.
“I am located in Dry Branch, Georgia and make a variety of bite sized snacks,” said Cindy Epps, Cindy’s Bits and Pieces owner. “Here we have peanut brittle, mini shortbread cookies and blue cheese crackers.”
The Deep Roots festival is also the perfect opportunity to showcase handmade talents that vendors are passionate about.
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an artist,” said Madison O’Brien, owner of Madison O’Brien Art. “My style is very photographic which is inspired by my time in college as a major in fine art and photography.”
GCSU students piled around the permanent jewelry tent allowing friends to get matching bracelets, necklaces or anklets with a variety of color and style choices.
“I’ve really enjoyed hanging out with my friends Dorie and Caitlin,” said Victoria Salehabadi, a junior public health major. “Our favorite part so far is the permanent jewelry tent.”
The famous car show returned to the Deep Roots this year and caused much excitement as well bringing cars from the 1940s to the present.
“This is my first deep roots and I am having so much fun with my roommates,” said Mallorie McCollough, a freshman psychology major. “I think the cars are so cool.”
Around mid-afternoon, Georgia fans started to crowd the big screen on the street and into downtown businesses to watch the Georgia versus Ole Miss football game.
“Watching the Georgia game with the surrounding community feels like a big family,” said Cathy Freeman Settle, a Milledgeville resident. “People may be at different places, but the Georgia game connects us.”
Local artists and schools performed during the duration of Deep Roots with festival visitors anticipating the main act Logan Crosby.
“I am looking forward to hearing Logan Crosby tonight,” said Allie Reams, a junior mass communications major. “I like his song Run Away With You.”
It was no surprise that the Deep Roots festival had a numerous number of visitors. Crowds filled the street interacting with downtown vendors, music and businesses.
“Deep Roots makes Milledgeville feel more connected”, said Meghan Kay, a senior psychology major. “I have gone all four years with my friends and have always had the best time. Milledgeville is a small town and Deep Roots truly brings the excitement out in the community.”