The past will become present this fall across north Fulton when some annual festivals shine a spotlight on the good old days.

In Alpharetta, the Historical Society, the Alpharetta Lions Club, the Alpharetta Garden Club and the city will team up Sept. 12 for Lazy Log Cabin Days at the historic log cabin at Milton Center.

While there are similarities to the Old Milton Country Fair, said the city’s Kim Dodson, this is a new and different event.

The fair had been a function of the Lions Club with assistance from the city, she said, but the intent has been to turn it totally over to the club. This year, the Lions decided not to hold it, Dodson said.

“We hated not to have an event for residents, so we thought, let’s just have a small grass roots event with emphasis on the log cabin, which is a historical site for the city,” Dodson said.

The essence of Old Milton County Fair is still the province of the Lions, who may be holding the fair again in future years, she said.

In the meantime, members will be taking part in Log Cabin Days with displays of old-time pharmacy equipment and running free games such as bean bag toss, hoola hoop and checkers.

Historical Society volunteers will give tours of the cabin, built in 1934 by local high school students in Future Farmers of America.

“It was built as a clubhouse for FFA,” said Norman Broadwell of the Historical Society, which leases the cabin from the Fulton County School Board and maintains it as a museum. “It’s authentic in that it’s typical construction of log cabins in the 1840s and 1850s.”

Inside are displays of vintage artifacts such as tools, irons and cooking utensils.

“Log cabins played an important role in history and this event is a way to keep the pioneer spirit alive by teaching

our children about the past,” Dodson said.

The garden club will help attendees plant flowers to take home and the city will have wooden yo-yos and spinning tops. There will be a petting zoo of farm animals, pony rides and storytelling.

Chattahoochee Evening Stars will demonstrate quilt making and Autrey Mill Preserve will show how to do washboard laundry clothes demonstration and have historical games.

The AlphaFretters play dulcimer music from noon to 2 p.m., followed by an old-time banjo player from 2 to 4 p.m.

Most activities are free with the exception of $3 pony rides and $1 train rides. Food will be available for purchase.

The log cabin is at Milton Center, 8 School Drive. For more information, go to info www.alpharetta.ga.us or call (678) 297-6078.

Here are some other fall festivals taking place in north Fulton.

Sept. 11

Johns Creek Fall Family Festival

Newtown Park, Johns Creek

This year’s family event will feature carnival games, DaveFM radio promotions, the Atlanta Thrashers’ mascot, and a pie eating contest.

The free festival, which runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will also have lots of music, food, arts and crafts, and more. Newtown Park is located at 3150 Old Alabama Road

Information: www.JohnsCreekGA.gov.

Sept. 18 and 19

44th Annual Roswell Arts Festival

Historic Town Square, Roswell

Fine arts and crafts are the focus of this long-running festival, but there also are children’s activities, performing arts and music. Entertainment featuring local singers, dance companies, and children’s entertainers begins daily at noon on both days of the festival.

Children’s painting, sand art and other activities are also available. Food vendors are on site.

A free continuous shuttle runs from City Hall to the Square from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday

Information: www.roswellartsfestival.com

Sept. 25

9th Annual Alpharetta Rotary FunFest and Classic Car Show

North Point Mall, 333 North Point

Center East, Alpharetta

An impressive car show with 200 vintage cars of every make and model and type is a highlight of FunFest, which also includes a Cuisine Scene with around 20 of the areas fine restaurants. There is a Kids’ Zone with rides and games and a Kids’ Arts and Crafts Area.

Music and shows featuring live entertainment take place throughout the day.

The Alpharetta Rotary Club and the city of Alpharetta are FunFest sponsors. 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Information: www.Alpharettafunfest.com

Oct. 2

Crossroads at Crabapple Antique

and Art Festival

790 Mayfield Rd., Milton

Fifty local juried artists and 50 American Country antique dealers from six states will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for this annual event with antiques, accessories, and unique pieces of art in all media.

Additionally there will be music, food and children’s activities from 2 to 4 p.m. The festival benefits the Boy and Girl Scouts of America and many other nonprofit organizations.

Information: Sally Rich-Kolb at (770) 448.3860 or e-mail crossroadsatcrabapple@gmail.com.

Oct. 9

60th Annual Youth Day Parade

Streets of historic Roswell

“To Youth and Beyond” is the theme of the 60th Annual Frances McGahee Youth Day Parade, celebrating the children and youth of Roswell.

An outdoor festival will be held at Roswell Area Park following the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. at Roswell First Baptist Church on Mimosa Blvd.

Information: (770) 641-3705.

Oct. 9

Fall Farm Days

Smith Plantation Home

Grounds of Roswell City Hall complex

Life on a 19th century farm is the theme of this annual event with living history exhibits and activities.

Artisan demonstrations include blacksmithing, chair caning, weaving and open hearth cooking. For kids, there are period games, a petting zoo and wagon rides. Gold and gem panning can be done for $1, with participants being able to take home what they find.

The event runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free. Smith Plantation Home itself will be open from noon to 3 p.m. for $4 admission.

Information: (770) 641-3978.