Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair
The Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair, originally named the Pike Road Flea
Market, was launched as a fundraising effort by the Pike Road Civic Club in
1967. Determined to support their charitable projects, these dedicated women began by selling handmade crafts and treasured items from their own attics at the first market held at Merry Enterprises, the country store at the corner of Vaughn and Pike Roads. In 1968, the event found its long-standing home at the historic Marks House.
In its early years, along with crafts and home items, the fair offered homemade
peanut butter sandwiches, backyard barbecued meats prepared by the husbands of Civic Club members, homegrown vegetables, and a variety of baked breads, cakes, pies, and the now-famous Mocha Nut Squares. The fair grew quickly, and by 1975, it included over 200 vendors. Local newspapers featured recipes and stories celebrating the community’s culinary and artistic contributions. As the fair continued to grow, the Pike Road Community Club joined with the Civic Club to organize and produce the annual fall event with many members active in both organizations. The Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016 and honored its founding members, several of whom were in attendance. In 2021, the fair was held in memory of Dr. H.B. “Woody” Bartlett, the generous owner of the Marks House, who passed away earlier in the year. From humble beginnings, the Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair grew to be one of the largest and oldest outdoor arts and crafts events in the Southeast. In 2025, the Pike Road Civic Club made a heartfelt decision to step down from organizing the PRACF. The Pike Road Community Club will proudly carry the tradition forward, continuing to host and nurture this treasured event. While we mark the end of an era, we do so with immense gratitude and pride for the women of the Civic Club, whose vision, dedication and hard work shaped the fair into what it is today.
The Marks House
Meriwether Marks. Dr. Woody Bartlett purchased the home in 1957, generously allowing the Pike Road community to use it as a community center and preserve this historic landmark for generations to come. In 1967, A Thanksgiving Visitor, Truman Capote, was filmed at the Marks House, further highlighting its charm and historical significance. Over the years, the Pike Road Community and Civic Clubs have worked tirelessly to maintain and care for the property, ensuring its continued use and preservation. In 1997, the Marks House suffered significant damage due to an electrical fire. Thanks to the quick and courageous response of the Pike Road Volunteer Fire Department along with assistance from other county volunteer fire units, the house was saved from total loss. Led by the Pike Road Community Club, Civic Club and broader community, restoration efforts brought the home back to life. Today, the Marks House serves the community a gathering place for meetings, social events, weddings, showers, and more—an enduring symbol of Pike Road’s rich heritage and the community’s unwavering dedication.
Pike Road Civic Club
The Pike Road Civic Club is a non-profit organization founded in 1923 by a group of dedicated women in the rural community of Pike Road. These civic-minded pioneers supported the community through volunteer service and financial contributions, assisting local families, churches, and the original Pike Road School. Today, the Civic Club continues the legacy of compassion and service established by its founding members. All funds raised by the club are donated to a variety of non-profit organizations and charitable causes. Beneficiaries include M.A.N.E. (Montgomery Area Nontraditional Equestrians), MACOA (Montgomery Area Council On Aging), and Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse. The Pike Road Civic Club also proudly awards scholarships to high seniors who meet academic standards and demonstrate strong involvement in their churches and communities. Additionally, the club provides financial support to local volunteer fire departments, helping ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
Pike Road Community Club
The Pike Road Community Club was established in 1964 at the historic Marks House to provide families in the rural Pike Road area with a place to gather, socialize and enjoy recreational activities. When Pike Road School, which hosted many community events, closed in the 1970s, Pike Road Community Club became the heart of local activity. Today, the Pike Road Community Club continues to offer a beautiful setting for family gatherings, recreational events, weddings, and meetings for local organizations. The club remains dedicated to preserving and maintaining the Marks House, ensuring it remains as beautiful and functional as ever for current residents and future generations.