Free Oct. 10 event will feature family activities, local vendors, fall treats and more across the nursery’s 26-acre property
BY MICHELLE KEY
PUBLISHER
OPELIKA — Family Roots Nursery & Garden Center is inviting the community to spend a fall day on the farm during its first Autumn Acres Family Fest on Saturday, Oct. 10.
The business is owned by Jake Hammell, Lindsay Tan and Jake Dachauer, who are jokingly known around the nursery as “Jake, Jake and Not Jake.”
Located at 983 Lee County Road 158, just minutes from downtown Opelika, Family Roots sits on 26 acres — a setting that helped inspire the name “Autumn Acres.”
Outreach Coordinator Sara Banks said the event was inspired in part by her childhood memories of fall in New England, where crisp air, bright colors and cozy seasonal traditions were part of the experience.
Family Roots hopes to bring some of that same feeling to East Alabama while creating a day centered on families, community and the outdoors.
Admission to Autumn Acres Family Fest is free. Festival activities are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the garden center and farm store will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Guests will be able to enjoy hot chocolate, warm apple cider and s’mores, with contributions appreciated.
Activities planned throughout the day include picnic lunches, a balloon artist, face painting, cornhole, a bounce house, train rides, crafts and photo opportunities.
One of the larger attractions will be a custom straw-bale maze, and guests will also be able to take scenic trailer tours around the property.
Organizers are also planning to welcome local vendors and artisans. Family Roots hopes to have about a dozen participants offering items such as handcrafted art, woodworking, purses, jewelry, baked goods and health and wellness information.
Booth space is being provided at no charge.
Banks said supporting local growers, farmers, makers and small businesses is an important part of what Family Roots is trying to build.
Local growers, farmers and makers, she said, are “the heartbeat of our events.”
Family Roots began in Opelika in the fall of 2024 with a vision of becoming more than simply a place to purchase plants and garden supplies.
Banks said the goal is to create a community hub where people can “connect, create and grow together.”
Autumn Acres is intended to become an annual event, and Family Roots hopes eventually to host three or four large community events each year.
Future festivals could grow to include additions such as live music, more vendors and even food competitions.
For this first Autumn Acres Family Fest, however, the focus is on creating a relaxed fall experience where families can slow down, enjoy the property and spend time together.
Banks said organizers hope visitors leave with more than photographs or purchases.
“We want their hearts full and their boots dusty,” she said.
Ultimately, she said, the goal is for guests to leave thinking, “That felt like home, but better.”
The Family Roots Nursery & Garden Center farm store and garden center will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 10, with Autumn Acres Family Fest activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional event details and the full schedule will be available through Family Roots’ website and social media.
