The 44th annual 2025 Catface Turpentine Festival in Portal is set for Saturday, Oct. 4 at the historic Carter Turpentine Still. Damage caused by Hurricane Helene forced the cancellation of the 2024 festival.

As has been the case from the beginning, the event organized by the Portal Heritage Society will focus on learning about and celebrating turpentining. Turpentining was a natural resources-based industry that was one of Bulloch County’s economic mainstays for decades.

And along with history, the festival offers plenty of fun.

After a 10 a.m. parade in downtown Portal starts the festival, activities will move to the Carter Still site for entertainment, food and vendor booths. Among the foods available will be rosin baked potatoes, something that does not sound appetizing, but actually

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