Arthur Whitehead, of the county Cooperative Extension Service, said next Friday the festival opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 4-H Rural Life Center on Highway 903 outside Halifax. “We're expecting around 600 students from area schools to attend as they'll be able to learn more about our agricultural heritage in Halifax County.”

Frank Newell with the Eastern Bluebird Rescue Group will be on hand with exhibits, bird houses and live wolves.

Sylvan Heights will have a bird exhibit also on Friday. Tractor displays and demos will be done on Friday as well. Food vendors, crafters and other exhibitors will be on hand.

On the following day, the grounds at the 4-H center will again be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be food, entertainment and crafters,

Newell will return with his wolves and Sylvan Heights will have fossil displays.

The Rosenwald School, Farm House and Ag Museum will be open featuring displays about life in rural Halifax County 70 to 80 years ago.

The bands Unbroken and Nine Pound Hammers will be performing on stage.

There will be children's games and other activities along with hayrides, bounce houses, a cotton picking contest, pony rides and a dunking booth to test pitching skills.

The Halifax County Horse Council will be hosting the Tri-County Horse Show right across the field at the 4-H Horse and Livestock Complex.

There is no charge for entry or for parking.