Rooted in community: Deep Roots 22nd anniversary

  • The Restless Natives played soulful Southern rock throughout their set on the Deep Roots stage in downtown Milledgeville. Scan the QR code to view highlights of the festival.
    The Restless Natives played soulful Southern rock throughout their set on the Deep Roots stage in downtown Milledgeville. Scan the QR code to view highlights of the festival.
  • Allan and Julie Dodson show off their art sold at “Dad’s Woodshed.” They were one of 80 registered artisans at the market.
    Allan and Julie Dodson show off their art sold at “Dad’s Woodshed.” They were one of 80 registered artisans at the market.
  • Logan Crosby and his bandmates returned to his hometown to perform on the Deep Roots stage. Deep Roots aims to highlight local talent and offer a free performance for visitors and locals.
    Logan Crosby and his bandmates returned to his hometown to perform on the Deep Roots stage. Deep Roots aims to highlight local talent and offer a free performance for visitors and locals.
  • The John Milledge Academy Chorus stole the hearts of listeners as the young voices covered a variety of popular artists.
    The John Milledge Academy Chorus stole the hearts of listeners as the young voices covered a variety of popular artists.

    The Deep Roots Festival returned Oct. 18 for its 22nd year in downtown Milledgeville. The annual event remained free to attend, giving visitors access to an artisan market, car show, concert stage, and family-friendly activities.

    Logan Crosby, a 24-year-old modern country artist and Milledgeville native, was this year’s headlining performer. Crosby grew up in Milledgeville and lived here until gaining national attention online, primarily through TikTok, where he posted covers of popular country songs. Crosby closed the day of music with a lively performance alongside his band.

     

    The Restless Natives performed earlier on the concert stage, paying tribute to the Allman Brothers Band. All members of the band are from Macon, where the Allman Brothers were formed and built their Southern rock legacy. The Restless Natives formed in 2020 and have continued performing and sharing their love of Southern rock over the past five years.

    The Deep Roots Car Show, hosted by the Old Capital Car Club, is Milledgeville’s largest car show. More than 50 classic cars were displayed in several voting categories.

    Attendees selected their favorites to determine the winner of a people’s choice award. The show benefited Mustangs4Military, a nonprofit organization based in Augusta that raises funds to support student veterans pursuing their educational goals.

    The festival’s artisan market stretched across three blocks of South Wayne Street and featured numerous vendors. According to Milledgeville Main Street Executive Director Carlee Schulte, this was the largest artisan market the festival has hosted.

    “Dad’s Woodshed” of Winder returned to the festival to sell woodworks and can art created by artist Allan Dodson. They were one of 80 arts and crafts vendors registered for the day.

    “It’s always been a great festival,” Dodson said.

    Food trucks and tents lined the street near City Hall, offering an assortment of food and beverage options. Fall Line Brewing Co., a festival sponsor, served as the official alcohol vendor with a tent near the concert stage and another by the car show.

    The Kid Zone provided entertainment for children, featuring more than a dozen inflatables, a zip line, bungee trampoline, and sports games.

    The 22nd Deep Roots Festival brought music, art, food and family activities to downtown Milledgeville, continuing a long-standing community tradition that celebrates local culture and engagement.