John Henry, the "steel-drivin' man," will be celebrated durng the festival in the play "Listen to that Cold Steel Ring"(c), written by Marie W. Cromer and directed by Leann Christenson. The play will be presented on the grounds at the Historic Leeds Depot Saturday at 10 am and 3 pm and Sunday at 3 pm. The play depicts the life of the railroad steel driver and the contest he waged against a steam drill at Oak Mountain Tunnel near Leeds in September 1887. Admission is free.

John Henry will also be the focus of a student art exhibit.

The Leeds Historic Depot, built in 1883-84, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and will be open for tours of its railroad exhibits during the festival. At 1 pm Saturday at the depot, John Garst, professor emeritus, University of Georgia, Athens, and folklorist, will give a lecture about the research he has done into the life of John Henry.