The village of Mansfield has been known to celebrate some of the good things of life, like the earlier festival of mushrooms during the last few weeks of the month of April. But this time, during the fall months of September, they celebrate another food classic in a simple festival dedicated to its no-nonsense approach, versatility and timelessness; the simple cornbread. Welcome to the Mansfield Village Cornbread Festival.

The air becomes intoxicated with the different scent and tones of food that is served in and around. Specialties, both aged by time and those newly born by innovation, make their way through the cook off grounds. Chili, ham, beans all cooked into varying savory dishes come together to be eaten with the festival highlight that is the yellow cornbread.

There’s a small parade that will go through downtown that will start and kick off the corn bread festival. The 2006 festival has included the chili cook off and the cornbread bake off, so this means a whole lot more of opportunities for you to show your family recipes. There are lots of cornbread, pumpkins, squash and all other fall goodies to go by.

There s also the Annual Mansfield Village Roller RV Rally for those who enjoy the sight of an RV rally (was being redundant there). Camping and lawn seats included for those who reserve early. The Roller Run will give away hundreds of dollars and cash for prizes and trophies. Dana Auction Company also holds a country auction at Hilltop Farm for those interested to take a look.

If you are the type who just wants to keep himself busy in his vacation and either has wanderlust, then Mansfield would still be a great place to stay. Rustic village shops are open for the generic tourist, especially those looking for a great souvenir to bring back. Nature is definitely not left out of the list. You could take the scenic route, cross a creek, reminisce over wooden bridges, or just plain hike it out and see the wonders around the area. Its like a good mix of man and nature.