The echoing of hooves clickety-clacking in the distance announces the arrival of what appears to be a headless visitor on horseback. Locals and visitors need not be afraid however, as the friendly Headless Horseman emerges on the streets of Vevay amongst the attendees and vendors at the Sleepy Hollow Fall Celebration. This year’s event takes place around the historic Switzerland County Courthouse Square and on Liberty Street on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. All activities are free and open to the public.

“We’re pleased to announce that Sleepy Hollow is back,” said Kendal Miller, executive director of Switzerland County Tourism. “The event was in hiatus last year as the Vevay-Switzerland County Bicentennial was in full swing. People missed Switzerland County’s fall celebration.”

Miller said that the event will still have its favorites including the apple and pumpkin pie baking contest, the roaming friendly Headless Horseman, and arts and crafts around the courthouse square. Nearly 30 vendors will be offering everything from walking sticks to jewelry to soaps and baked goods for humans and animals alike. Vevay’s Brian Christman will be demonstrating chainsaw carving on Liberty Street. The Headless Horseman will be available for pictures and “selfies” throughout the day.

Anyone can enter the pie contest with baked apple and pumpkin pies due at the Visitors Center at 128 West Main Street in Vevay at 11:00 a.m. Judging will begin at noon with ribbons and gift certificates to local businesses awarded to top winners. A panel of judges will taste-test each pie and give points for appearance, taste, and texture of the crust.

“Sleepy Hollow is a family-oriented event that kick-off the fall season in Switzerland County. The town is decorated for the season with fall displays in yards and in storefronts,” said Miller.

New this year will be a bale tossing contest for men, women, and youths beginning at 2:00 p.m., and free horse and wagon rides beginning at 2:30 p.m. The bale throwing contest begins at 2:00 p.m. on Liberty Street. Contestants are invited to put their tossing techniques to the test and earn ribbons, prizes, or gift certificates to local businesses. Entrants who throw the bale the farthest will be the winner.

This year’s musical performers include the Kentucky Bluebells, an all-girl group from 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. and My Brother’s Keeper from 2-4 p.m. Both troupes will perform bluegrass. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the music and participate in all the fun.

A “by invitation only” car show will also take place around the courthouse square. The Lion’s Club will offer food and beverages as a fundraiser and shops and restaurants will be open for business.

For more information on the Sleepy Hollow Fall Celebration, telephone (812) 427-3237 or e-mail rebecca@switzcotourism.com or visitsc@switzcotourism.com. Information on lodging, county events, and local businesses be found on to the Switzerland County Tourism website at switzcotourism.com or join their Facebook fan pages at Switzerland County Tourism-Vevay, IN and Sleepy Hollow of Vevay, IN.