By Robert King -- Daily Staff Writer

FRONT ROYAL — The Festival of Leaves is again ready to offer a great mix of history, food and fun this weekend.

The 38th annual event takes place in downtown Front Royal on Saturday. It includes a number of staples, such as a parade, many vendors and local entertainment.

The heritage square has expanded from last year. The square is located behind the Ivy Lodge, which is on Chester Street and houses the Warren Heritage Society, which runs the festival.

On a lawn behind the home, the square includes demonstrations of various colonial practices, said Patrick Ferris, executive director of the Warren Heritage Society.

"The same crafts that have been put in the past will continue to be displayed, such as spinning, blacksmithing and apple butter making," Ferris said.

The square will also include cooking in the kitchen of the Balthus House, which was originally built in 1788.

Ferris said this year's heritage square has "an expanded colonial presence."

The square will host re-enactors of the Virginia Regiment, colonial soldiers from the mid-18th century, Ferris said.

In addition to the heritage square, the festival includes numerous activities and events.

The festival kicks off at 8 a.m. with the ninth annual Festival of Leaves 5K race that starts and ends at the old Warren County High School on Luray Avenue.

At 10 a.m., one of the biggest festival events, the parade, starts to roll.

The parade starts at the intersection of Stonewall and Luray avenues, and runs east on Stonewall before turning north on Royal Avenue.

"[It] proceeds on Peyton Street where it turns right onto Peyton, and then ... left onto Crescent [Street] and left from Crescent onto Chester," Ferris said.

The parade disbands at the end of Chester Street.

"We have a great parade lineup this year including equestrian units and re-enactors," Ferris said.

The heritage square opens at 10 a.m.

Live music from local and regional acts also starts at 10 a.m. at the gazebo area, and runs until 6 p.m.

Local acts include the Front Royal community band, which plays at 11 a.m., and the Warren County High School Chorus, which performs at 12 p.m.

The local rock band Sinners Trail takes the stage from 1 to 2:15 p.m., and folk musician Valerie Von Fange performs in the afternoon, Ferris said.

In addition to the entertainment, will be more than 150 vendors stretching down Main Street and parts of Chester Street. They include arts and crafts booths, commercial businesses and food vendors.

"We've got all types of vendors coming in and some unique ones this year too," said Susan Jeffery, the heritage society's business manager.

One of the most important aspects of the festival is the historical attractions the county has to offer, Ferris said.

The heritage society opens the Balthus House and Belle Boyd cottage to the public free of charge. The Ivy Lodge remains free to the public, and will also be open.

"We really ... want our local community to know about us," Ferris said.

* Contact Robert King at rking@nvdaily.com