Carroll County’s charming town of Carrollton invites all to its much-anticipated annual two-day event full of variety for all ages. Voted the 2024 People’s Choice Best Festival/Community Event, Carrollton’s Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival is slated for Friday, October 4th, and Saturday, October 5th, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day.
The Carrollton Pilgrimage begins with ticket sales starting at 8:45 a.m. on Friday at Pilgrimage Headquarters in Town Hall (Ye Olde Town Water Dept.) at 701 Lexington Street. The event offers a rare opportunity to tour historic private homes, churches, and community buildings of various architectural styles. Included among this year’s sites are The Doll House, Lum Reek, Shadesrest, Masonic Lodge, Carrollton Baptist Church, Carrollton Methodist Church, Carrollton Presbyterian Church, Grace Episcopal Church, Merrill Museum, J. J. Gee & Sons Mercantile, and nearby Cotesworth.
On Saturday, October 5th, the Pioneer Days Festival kicks off at 9:00 a.m., and Pilgrimage tours continue. Music, food, sights, and sounds will go until 5:00 p.m. centered around the heart of Carrollton on the Courthouse grounds.
Carrollton’s Mayor Pam Lee invites visitors from near and far to attend. "This is a lively, wholesome, family event—a great time to enjoy fabulous live music, tour rarely-open historic properties, and stroll our historic streets with classic cars on display. More than fifty festival vendors and exhibitors will offer arts, crafts, exhibits, and fantastic food for sale. Come relax or play some old-fashioned games with friends and family.” said Mayor Lee. “Don’t forget to visit the Merrill Museum’s Carroll County Musicians exhibit featuring Mississippi John Hurt, Mack Allen Smith & The Flames, and so much more.” Lee adds, “We’re especially excited to welcome guest speaker Walt Grayson, and Under the Gun band with special guests.”
Admission to the festival Saturday is free. Pilgrimage tickets are $25 adults, $10 students up to age 18, and tickets are good for both Friday and Saturday. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and shade tents, if desired. Parking will be available on Washington Street and in front of the historic Carrollton Courthouse.
Carrollton, Mississippi, was established in 1834 and designated as the county seat. Boasting of the fact that it is restored and not renovated, Carrollton is one of the largest historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. The town of Carrollton is remarkably well-preserved and retains much of its 19th-century appearance, possessing one of the most significant and unaltered assemblages of pre-20th century architecture in central Mississippi. Pilgrimage and Pioneer Days Festival is the premier tourism event for Carroll County, with visitors coming from 18 different states across the country.
For more information and details, visit Carroll County Development Association’s website visitcarroll.org, or call 662-392-4810.
