MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The Fall Flower and Garden Fest in Crystal Springs will mark its 30th anniversary in October, making it older than hundreds of visitors who will step on the property at the Truck Crops Experiment Station for the celebration.

Mississippi State University sponsors the annual event for garden and horticulture enthusiasts. The Oct. 17 and 18 event will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Considered the largest home gardening show in the Southeast, past events have averaged about 6,000 participants over the two-day period.

“Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi” will be on site to open the fest on Friday with a one-mile fun walk at 9:30 a.m. Free pedometers will be available for the first 300 walkers. The walk will be followed by an antique car parade to kick off the anniversary celebration, featuring Model A and Model T cars dating from 1919 to 1926.

Features will include a huge plant sale, wagon ride and walking tours throughout the fest. Guided walking tours will examine plant insects and diseases, adaptations for accessible gardening, mammal tracking, and the station’s flower and vegetable gardens. Garden plots include banana trials; ethnic, shade, hummingbird and butterfly gardens; Mississippi Medallion winners; and All-America Selection winners.

Workers with MSU’s Extension Service and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station will be available to provide information and answer questions.

The Truck Crops Experiment Station is located on Highway 51 in Crystal Springs, 25 miles south of Jackson. Take exit 68 off Interstate 55 to get there. For more information call (601) 892-3731 or the local county Extension office.