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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – Tunes from a variety of genres echoed throughout Old Mill Square on Saturday as children played on the grass and adults sampled alcoholic beverages during the third annual installment of Discover Shelby Fest.

The Shelby County Arts Council’s annual fall event, Discover Shelby Fest, took place this year on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Old Mill Square and on Columbiana Main Street. Despite football and a plethora of other fall festivities for residents to choose from, the annual wine festival still found success.

“It was an absolute success,” said Bruce Andrews, executive director of the Shelby County Arts Council. “We had no auditory incidents, everything (had) a smooth flow (with) great weather, great music, great people.”

Gaining its namesake through Shelby County’s tourism arm, Discover Shelby Fest is held to not only provide residents with a good time, but also spread awareness of the county’s offerings.

“I can’t say how pleased I am with the scene, with Columbiana, with the park, with the facilities at the arts council, with the volunteers,” Andrews said. “(There’s) really good synergy and teamwork in town no matter what you’re doing and particularly with these events that draw people.”

The festival featured six wineries that were set up at the event for residents to sample, including Morgan Creek Vineyards, Corbin Farms Winery, Ozan Winery, High Country Cellars, Sipsey Winery and Tiss Valley Winery and Vineyard.

“We’re excited to see (Discover Shelby Fest) continue to grow,” said Kendall Williams, manager of tourism and events for Shelby County. “Adding in more regional wineries definitely increased the selection for the attendees.”

Meanwhile, on the Discover Shelby Stage, musical guests entertained the crowd with a mixture of covers and genres.

“We sort of started out with our own, homegrown talent,” Andrews said. “The Shelby County Arts Council trains up musicians. So, the first two bands were comprised of musicians that came out of the arts council.”

The following artists and bands performed during this year’s installment of the festival:

• Leah Slaughter
• Oxmoor
• Goat Hill String Band
• The Return, The Beatles tribute band
• Intermission Band
• Phil Dudley
• William Yarbrough

Attendees looking to get a bite to eat during the event were also treated to set a food trucks to choose from in addition to the restaurants located on Columbiana Main Street.

Those in attendance with VIP wristbands were able to enjoy time in the air-conditioned VIP Area with catered food, indoor games, a festive photo booth area and college football games live streamed on the big screen in the Shelby County Arts Council’s Grande Hall.

As the Shelby County Arts Council looks to plan next year’s edition of the festival, Andrews shared that they will look into timing the event better due to the sheer number of activities that took place on Oct. 12 throughout Shelby County.

“I always try to be critical and take some critique from a situation and make it better next year,” Andrews said.

Those interested in learning more about the Shelby County Arts Council and its various classes and performances may visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.