Before day is done today, Rock Spring United Methodist Church is likely to have sold 500 hamburgers, 300 hot dogs, 25 gallons of soup and thousands -- yes, thousands -- of fried pies.
Those are estimates by church member Linda Swanson, who has been around since the first Show and Sell in 1971.
"If we didn't make a dime," she said, "it would be a good thing for the community."
The 41st annual fall festival, held the last Saturday in September, offers wares from more than 50 artisans and crafters as well as demonstrations and a variety of home-cooked food.
The free event, according to Swanson, began as a fish fry and auction and grew from there.
"It seems to get bigger every year," she said.
Where numerous church and community fall festivals have come and gone, the Show and Sale has thrived.
"It's a good place for the community to get together," Swanson said. "Some people say it's the social event of North Georgia. People come and visit with their neighbors, sit under the big trees, talk and have a good time."
Over the years, annual proceeds of up to $10,000 from the event have helped fund items not covered in the church budget, community-service projects and other activities the church is involved in, such as a prison ministry at the Walker State Prison.
This year's Show and Sell has added a television tent for spouses more interested in watching football than shopping. At the end of the day -- hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. -- the television will be given away.
Another new wrinkle, according to Swanson, a member of the church since 1953, is the drawing for a "one-of-a-kind" 1930s reproduction quilt.
Church quilters spent from March through August stitching it together, she said.
Meanwhile, other
women -- and probably some quilters -- spent their summer baking pies,
cakes and putting up vegetable soup. However, the small fried pies -- peach, apricot, apples, chocolate and other flavors -- are apparently the big sellers.
"People stand in line for those," Swanson said. "Some of the girls have been working on them all summer."
Demonstrations will be offered in woodworking, painting, jewelry making and other activities. There are also hayrides for kids.
"Things change [from year to year]," Swanson said, noting the church has probably doubled in size over the years. "There are different crafts. And times change. People want feathers in their hair rather than bows."
What doesn't change, she said, is the camaraderie. People continue to come despite so much competition from other festivals, sporting events and outdoor activities.
Even the adjacent -- and third annual Balloons & Tunes Festival -- hasn't put a dent in the Show and Sale.
"It doesn't hurt us a bit," Swanson said. "In fact, it's probably helped. This is a one-of-a-kind [event]. It's a good day."