Category: Events

2012 Townsend, TN Christmas Parade

Come celebrate the Christmas season in Townsend, TN with the annual Townsend Community Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 2 at 2:30 pm. “A Vintage Christmas” is this year’s theme and if there ever was a town that knew about Smoky Mountain Christmas’ of yesteryear, it’s Townsend, TN.

Parade lineup begins at 1 pm before the actual parade which starts at the intersection of Town Square Drive and Highway 321. The parade will proceed south on Highway 321 and end at Nawger Nob. Parade goers can listen to Christmas music at Nawger Nob following the parade. Prizes will be announced here as well.

Prizes will be given for first, second and third place winners in the categories of large floats, small floats (motorcycle, golf cart, decorated four-wheeler, horse-drawn vehicle, tractor, automobile) and horse or pony and rider. Large floats carry a first, second, and third place prize of $100, $75. and $50. Small float prizes are $50, $35, and $25. Horse or pony & rider prizes are $35, $25, and $15.

People from Townsend and all over Blount County will be competing in the parade. The City of Townsend will provide the only Santa and Mrs. Claus in the parade.

Parade staging areas are as follows:

-Floats and horse-drawn vehicles: The road between IGA and Pizza Hut and lined up on Old Highway 73 and Town Square Drive.

-Cars and motorcycles: Make a left on Old Bridge Road to be lined up on Old Highway 73 up to the corner of Town Square Drive.

-Tractors: The Sevier County Electric Substation.

-Horses and 4-wheelers/golf carts/bikes: At the Visitor Center (not on Myers Road), turn left, and unload on the grass in front of the field. Unloaded trailers must be moved immediately to Nawger Nob, where they can park in the field. Horses should wait in the field until told to line up and proceed. 4-wheelers are not permitted in the field; line up in single file on the grass below the bike trail just past the field gate.

-Wreckers and emergency vehicles – Along Highway 321 on the road side.

If you have questions call Townsend City Hall at 865-448-6886.

Blount County Potters Guild Holiday Show

On Saturday, December 1 the Blount County Public Library in Maryville will play host to the Blount County Potters Guild Holiday Show and Sale from 10 am to 4 pm.

You’re bound to find such unique pieces as the whimsical creations known as face jugs and clay animals that have become popularized by the show in years past. Old-fashioned ways like wood firing clay pots and mugs in the most traditional sense are still a part of the show as well with numerous items on display from that form.

Marion Schlauch is the one whose been a professional potter for 38 years, moving to Blount County in 1978 when her husband began teaching at Maryville College. A resident of Walland, she loves to create colorful, contemporary pottery, both wheel thrown and slab built. Two pieces of her work are in the permanent collection at the Renwick Gallery, which is part of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

Schlauch started the annual Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival in Townsend, a show that attracts plenty of artisans and shoppers alike. She said lots of potters have home shows this time of year, but many in this area live secluded with little space for parking.

Carol Ware, a retired art teacher at Maryville High School, is participating. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Ware had adapted a very playful style and has moved from just making animal sculptures into jewelry as well

David Grant is another whose work is well-known in the area. He has been a full-time potter since 1999 and studied at Middle Tennessee State University and UT. He uses a wood fire technique to get the effects from the ash on the glazes. Grant also uses broken glass pieces that melt to form rivulets of color, a very old folk tradition.

Caroline and Larry Thomas are the potters specializing in face jugs. They maintain a studio and gallery in Wears Valley. Theirs is a keen interest in folk artistry that includes both functional and sculptural pieces.

The show and sale will include refreshments. Because close to 1,500 people visit the library on any given day, these local potters are hoping for a good turnout.

Wears Valley Oktoberfest

Wears Valley is bringing back its own version Oktoberfest to the valley for a second year after a successful first run last fall featuring a slew of bluegrass and country performances, lumberjack competitions, crafters, and other family-oriented events sure to draw another large crowd.

Wears Valley is bringing back its own version Oktoberfest to the valley October 19,20, and 21 for a third year following two very successful runs in 2010 and ’11. Oktoberfest will feature a slew of bluegrass and country music performances, a vocal talent competition, crafters, and other family-oriented events. After last year’s turnout, Oktoberfest 2012 is sure to draw another large crowd.

Wears Valley Oktoberfest is a FREE event sponsored by the Wears Valley Chamber of Commerce. Just down the road from Townsend, Tn,  be sure to bring the kids along to Oktoberfest, there are numerous events aimed at making this family friendly including bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, bungee jumping, a rabbit chase, sack races, a gyro spinner, cow milking and a trackless train traveling throughout the festival. Over 100 crafters are expected to be in attendance, along with 16 various food vendors.

There will be various offerings of German food along with other great valley favorites served throughout the weekend. Celebrate the harvest season with all the cultural experiences in the valley including arts, crafts and even a live vocal talent competition. This is the first “Stars of the Smokies” Vocal talent competition and who knows Wears Valley might just product the next Carrie Underwood right here. Contestants will compete for over $4,000 in prizes. The competition will be judges by several local celebrities.

Stay and worship with us on Sunday morning, October 21st at 9:00 a.m. with Pastor Joslin accompanied by The Cove Mountain Boys. The service is sure to get your spirit revived all the while hearing a great message and some inspirational music as well.

Special guest Bill Landry from WBIR’s Heartland Series will be at the festival Saturday from 2-4 pm and on Sunday from Noon – 1:30 pm.

Parking is a suggested $5 donation which helps benefit the Wears Valley Fire Department as well as Wearwood School. Entry into Oktoberfest is a suggested donation of canned goods going to support the Sevier Country Food Ministry.

For a full list of Townsend events, visit our Townsend Calendar of Events page to stay up to date on all the latest happenings in the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”. Wears Valley is located just minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tn down Wears Valley Road (Hwy. 321) at traffic light No. 3 in Pigeon Forge.

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center events

Ever wonder what it was like to live in East Tennessee as far back as the 1700s and 1800s? Well, if you’re coming through Townsend, Tn, stop by the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and let them guide you through the paces of life in Smokies during those early pioneer days. From artifacts dating as far back as 5,000 years ago to early family cabins and homesteads, the center has a bit of everything.
When you’re at the center you’ll notice a wide range of exhibits, sign-ups for educational programs, demonstrations and guides that offer a similar theme – no matter the demonstration or subject, it’s a historic journey through time taking in pieces of the numerous diverse cultures of Townsend and Tuckaleechee Cove. Not only that, the center offers a yearly concert series featuring the sounds bluegrass and other regional tunes.

This year’s Fall Concert Series includes:

September 7 – Blue Mother Tupelo

September 14 – Y’uns

September 21 – Four Leaf Peat

Also in September, the center’s Rotary Storytelling Festival commences, beginning September 15. That’s followed by a cub scout family weekend September 21-22. And back by popular demand is the Smoky Mountain Woodcarving Festival (www.woodcarvers.com) October 6-7. So, as you can see, it’s shaping up to be a big year at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and we’re not even halfway through October yet.

 One of the year’s biggest events is the Fall Mountain Home Tour. This is set for Friday, October 19. Tickets are $65 apiece and must be paid for when ordered. Each ticket includes is a three-home tour, transportation to and from The Reserve in Townsend, a $10 voucher for lunch or dinner at one of a dozen Townsend restaurants, and free admission to the Heritage Center. The free admission pass is good for one year following the home tour.

For more information, or to order tickets to the Home Tour, call 865-448-0044, or mail a check (P. O. Box 268, Townsend, Tn, 37882) for $65 per ticket, or visit the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center office between 10 am and 4 pm during the week.

That weekend (October 20) is also marked for the Smoky Mountain Field School Fall Nature Photography Workshop. For anyone interested, they may call the Heritage Center to inquire further about the event and any other requirements.

Events rounding out the rest of year include:

October 26 – Dr. Bass Presentation & Book Signing

October 27 – Smoky Mountain Book Festival

November 10 – Veterans Day Celebration

November – Holiday Homecoming

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is open Monday – Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from Noon – 5 pm. The Heritage Center is located between the Townsend traffic light and the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along Highway 73.

Yearly Admission:
Adults (18-59) – $6
Seniors (60+) – $4
Children (6-17) – $4
Under 6 Free
Admission Free with Membership

(Contact us for membership application)

Townsend Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers Day (Sept. 27 and 28)

The Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timer’s Day is part of “Townsend Days”, with the Blue Ribbon Country Fair at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Sept. 24, Railroad Days at the Little River Railroad Museum, Sept. 24, and the Nawger Nob Arts and Crafts Show, Sept. 24-25.

The Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timer’s Day is part of “Townsend Days”, with the Blue Ribbon Country Fair at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Sept. 26, Railroad Days at the Little River Railroad Museum, Sept. 26, and the Nawger Nob Arts and Crafts Show, Sept. 28-29.

Schedule of Events

Friday, September 27
(Please call 865-448-6134 for updates and refer to posted maps. *All times and performances are subject to change.)

All day: Bluegrass music and clogging at the stage and jam sessions on the porch and under the trees.

10am-6pm: Appalachian skills around the grounds:

– Blacksmithing, David and Melanie Thompson
– Sorghum Molasses Making, Mark and Sherry Guenther
– Apple Butter Making, Marie DeVault and friends
– Apple Cider Making, Liles Acres Organic Farm and Friends
– Apple Head Dolls, Sallie Swor
– Cornmeal Making, Ronald and Angel Fowler
– White Oak Shingle-making, Sam White
– Beekeeping and Observation Hive, Tony Holt
– Cherokee Finger Weaving, Charaity Hubbard
– Cast Iron Cooking, Blount Co. Fire Protection District
– Cades Cove Preservation Association Exhibits
– Black Bear Booth, Appalachian Bear Rescue

10am-6pm: Arts and crafts in the Exhibit Room

– Rug Hooking, Carol McBride
– Charcoal Pencil Artwork, Andy England
– Quilting, Ila Mae Morton and Maetta Conrad
– Basketry, Karen Kenst and Bonny Kate Sugg
– Woodcarving, Lendel Abbott
– Weaving and Weaving, Sue Mason

10am-6pm: Arts and Crafts Booths in the back field
10:am-8pm: Food Booths open in the back field

10am-5pm: “Harvest Market” demonstrations and sales: Gardening, plants and autumn decorations-Trillium Cove Home and Garden, and other items from area growers. In front of the Visitors Center

10am-3pm: Meet the Llamas from Liles Acres Organic Farm, and see their wool spun into yarn. On the grounds.

10am-5pm: Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club, antique car show along the bicycle path.

2pm-5pm: Book-signing with featured author Barbara Swell, author of Log Cabin Cooking, Take Two and Butter ‘Em While They’re Hot!, Secrets of the Great Old-Timey Cooks, and more! In the Visitors Center.

1pm, 3pm, 5pm: Cake Raffles with proceeds to the Hearts and Hands Scholarship Fund, at the stage. Bake sale all day.

Saturday, September 28

(Please call 865-448-6134 for updates and refer to posted maps.)

All day: Bluegrass music and clogging at the stage and jam sessions on the porch and under the trees.

8pm or so: Square Dance with caller Don Tipton and the Carolina Bluegrass Boys. Sponsored by Pioneer Cabins and Guest Farm.

10am-5pm: Antique Tractor Show: Tractors and engines from the Foothills Tractor Club. In the field

10am-5pm: Appalachian skills around the grounds:

– Blacksmithing, David and Melanie Thompson
– Sorghum Molasses Making, Mark and Sherry Guenther
– Apple Butter Making, Marie DeVault and friends
– Apple Cider Making, Liles Acres Organic Farm and Friends
– Apple Head Dolls, Sallie Swor
– Cornmeal Making, Ronald and Angel Fowler
– White Oak Shingle-making, Sam White
– Beekeeping and Observation Hive, Tony Holt
– Cherokee Finger Weaving, Charaity Hubbard
– Cast Iron Cooking, Blount Co. Fire Protection District
– Cades Cove Preservation Association Exhibits
– Black Bear Booth, Appalachian Bear Rescue

10am-5pm: Arts and crafts in the Exhibit Room

– Rug Hooking, Carol McBride
– Charcoal Pencil Artwork, Andy England
– Quilting, Ila Mae Morton and Maetta Conrad
– Basketry, Karen Kenst and Bonny Kate Sugg
– Woodcarving, Lendel Abbott
– Spinning, Dale Liles
– Weaving, Sue Mason

10am-6pm: Arts and Crafts booths in the back field
10am-8pm: Food Booths open in the back field

10am-12noon: “Dulcimer Celebration” in the Storytelling Tent
Workshop and Concert. Bring your mountain dulcimer and learn tips from Deby Libby and Linda Smith of “TNT Dulcimer Band” on tuning, playing, and maintaining your dulcimer. Then enjoy a lively concert from these talented musicians. (Some loan instruments will be available.)

10am-5pm: Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club, antique car show along the bicycle path.

10am-3pm: Meet the Llamas from Liles Acres Organic Farm, and see their wool spun into yarn. On the grounds

1:00pm-3:30pm: Smoky Mountain Tales, sponsored by Top of Townsend Cabins:

A program of mountain stories for all ages in the Storytelling Tent:
featured guest Kathryn Atkins-Roberson of Knoxville, member of the National Storytelling Network, the Tennessee Storytelling Association, and the Smoky Mountain Storytellers Association. Plus, woodcarver Lendel Abbott, and Mistress of Ceremony Robin Goddard. See posted schedule.

1pm, 3pm, 5pm: Cake Raffles with proceeds to the Hearts and Hands Scholarship Fund, at the stage. Bake sale all day beside the Stage.

1pm-5pm: Book-signing with featured author and photographer, Bill Lea. In the Visitors Center.

***Please! Do not bring your pet to the Festival!***

Summer Jam 4 All Volkswagen Car Show in Townsend

Townsend, Tn will get an extra injection of horsepower this summer when the local Volkswagen club rolls with their annual Summer Jam car show. The Knox Volks Motor Club chose the beautiful backdrop of Townsend, Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains for their big VW show.

From July 21-22, the club will hold their Summer Jam 4 All Volkswagen Car Show at the Talley Ho Inn. The reasoning was that The Talley Ho Inn in Townsend offers a huge grassy area that will accommodate show cars, vendors and spectators. And you can take your time browsing through the cars and vendors because the grass is so much cooler than pavement.

Started by four local VW enthusiasts in September 2007, Knox Volks Motor Club has grown to over 80-members and counting today. The club is Knoxville’s premier Volkswagen Club with a membership made up of a wide range of ages and abilities with an emphasis on VW knowledge and education, family and fun.

Event Hours
Saturday, July 21 from 9am – 6pm
Sunday, July 22 from 9am – 3pm

Show Entry Fees

Show Entry Includes 1 Vehicle/Driver (both days)
Pre-Registration Before July 14, 2012 – $15.00

Show Entry Fee at the Gate and Pre-Registration after July 14, 2012
Show Entry Includes 1 Vehicle/Driver Only (both days)
After July 14, 2012 – $20.00

Spectator Entry Fee

Pre-Registered Spectator Before July 14, 2012 (2-days)
$8.00 for both days

Spectator Fee at the Gate and Pre-Registered after July 14, 2012
$5.00/day
Children under 12 – FREE

VDub’s For Sale Area

Want to sell your car? Bring it to Summer Jam and park it in the For Sale area.

$20.00 for both days

Volkswagen Show For Sale fee includes one vehicle and one driver. If you have additional people in your party, they will need to purchase a daily spectator fee. There is a discount for two-day spectator if purchased prior to May 19th, 2012.

Please pre-register by May 19th to ensure your spot. After May 19th and at the gate, For Sale registration is $25.00 for both days.

Sorry, Camping Is NOT Available On Site!

This is the first year that camping will NOT be available at the Summer Jam venue. Our new location does not allow camping on-site. However, there are several great campgrounds located in Townsend.

Pets are Welcome

Pets are welcome at Summer Jam! Please be advised that pet must be on a leash at all times. You must also pick up after your pet while at Summer Jam.

Parking

Free spectator parking will be available at the Talley Ho Inn.

Townsend Spring Itinerary

Cades Cove church

Spring in Townsend, Tn might just be the perfect time to be in the Smokies for some, though you’re sure to hear the exact opposite from those fall foliage lovers, but that’s neither here nor there. In actuality, both seasons offer ample opportunities geared at getting visitors back to nature – something Townsend excels at, no matter the season. From popular festivals to numerous hikes and bicycle tours around the Smokies and Cades Cove, we’ve compiled a list of Spring “to-do’s” in Townsend. Be prepared to spend a few days if you plan on getting to everything, or just use it as a daily reminder if you plan on coming back a few time this spring.

Strap on your hiking boots and pack something warm just in case as the first jaunt on the Townsend Spring Itinerary gets you off the beaten path and onto the trails of the Smoky Mountains –

  • Take one of the numerous wildflower walks and hikes offfered in the Smoky Mountains; rent a bike from the Cades Cove Campground store and bike the Cades Cove Loop Road or rent from one of the many locales in town and ride the Townsend bike path. One of the most popular day hikes in the area is the Abrams Falls hike by way of Cades Cove – an easy 5-miler that will cool you off halfway through with a quick dip in the pool below Abrams Falls. Definitely worth the hike.

Our next itinerary suggestion lets the traveler enjoy the best of what Townsend and the Smokies has to offer – Cades Cove –

  • Beat the crowds and tour the Cades Cove loop in morning. Take in an evening tour if you’re interested in the Cove’s wildlife and history. Guided tours are now available through Cades Cove Heritage Tours. Be sure to stop by the Cades Cove Campground Store for some of their fabulous ice cream.

So, you’re ready to get back and sample some of Townsend’s offerings, etc? Not only does Townsend offer a handful of great locally-themed stores, there are also a number of historical stops around town to introduce visitors to the history of Townsend and the Smoky Mountains.

  • Check out the arts and crafts of Townsend at some of its many galleries and craft boutiques. From Apple Valley Farms to Nawger Nob to Southern Fried Gallery, Townsend is ripe with local artistic flavor. During the spring there are numerous festivals including the Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timers Day, as well as the Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival. For you history buffs, check out the Little River Railroad Company. It was there that the region got its start as loggers roamed the area before it was designated part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Did you miss anything while you were exploring? Use your final day to just mill around town, or ask the locals what some of their favorite haunts are –

  • Many people come to Townsend to fish. If so, stop by an Little River Outfitters and find out where the fishing is best to be had and pick up some of the latest gear too, eat a great meal at a distinctive local Townsend restaurant, or tour a Tennessee farm. Whatever it is, you’re sure to be back in town in no time. Townsend sort of has that effect on people – they drive through just looking for a way to get to the national park and end up staying for a few days. There’s sure to be even more to add to your list next time you’re in town, hopefully this is a good start.
Cars parked along Cades Cove loop road

Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival

Where can you see an artist whose work is displayed in galleries across America and is known in artistic circles as one of the best in his craft? This year, it’s basically right in your backyard at the Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival in Townsend as Jim Reinert is the featured artist at the 2012 version of the festival.

Around 30 potters and masters of clay from around the region are expected to be in attendance at the Townsend Visitors Center June 2. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 2. Artists will show off their skills of hand building, Raku and horsehair firing demonstrations. Children will be able to take part in hands-on activities with Carol Ware.

Reinert received an MFA in ceramics from Michigan State University in 1976. He currently works in Owosso, MI as an active studio potter. Reinert has been involved for many years with the Lansing Community College ceramics and art programs in addition to serving as an instructor at the Potters’ Guild since 1974. He was a founding member of the MI Guild of Artists and Artisans and maintains an active profile in its operation. The guild produces one of the three Ann Arbor summer art fairs.

Hugh Bailey, a 50-year potter whose creatures and various animals are renowned, and Joe Frank McKee of Treehouse Pottery in Dillsboro, N.C., will also be at the festival presenting their wares. The children’s tent, where young people and families can learn how to work with clay, will be overseen by Maryville native Carol Ware.

A grant from Arts Build Communities, a program funded by the Tennessee General Assembly and administered in cooperation with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Arts and Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville, is what makes this festival possible every year.

The festival also includes food booths and music, and is located at 7906 East Lamar Alexander Parkway in Townsend.

Troutfest 2012

Townsend plays host to another big festival in May (19 & 20), this time welcoming anglers of all ages to Troutfest 2012 – a flyfishing expo/fundraiser. Troutfest organizers say they expect another big crowd this year, upwards of 4,000 attendees.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fisheries Department, Friends of the Smokies Fisheries Scholarship Fund or other youth educational conservation projects all benefit from the money raised through Troutfest. This year, the event looks to be one of the largest held for fly anglers in the Southeast United States.

Throughout the weekend, some of the best fly tyers from the region will be demonstrating their skill and imparting their knowledge on flyfishing. Demonstrations are FREE and the tyers specialize in flies for bass, panfish, saltwater, and trout. Get up close and talk with such notable fly tyers as Mike Adams, Walter Babb, Ray Ball, Troy Basso, Jack Gregory, Rex Wilson, and more.

Notables including Lefty Kreh, Bob Clouser, Jason Borger, Zach Matthews as well as other fly fishermen will be featured in free seminars both days. This is a great chance to meet and talk shop with a few of the legends in the sport.

All the year’s new fishing gear will be prominently displayed as national fly tackle manufacturers will be on hand in Troutfest’s national exhibition tent.

Also on hand in the exhibition tent will be local and national fly shops, artists, non-profit organizations and government fish and game agencies including Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited puts on Troutfest every year. The Chapter entity provides funding with other sponsors to underwrite this event. The Chapter holds all funds and disperses profits to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fisheries Department and Friends of Great Smokies National Park Fisheries Scholarship Fund. Profits will be also be used for youth education fishery programs. Some funds will be retained as seed money for next year’s Troutfest.

Many of the volunteers are LRCTU members but many more come from other non-profit organizations such as other TU Chapters, The Fly Fishing Federation and individuals who are not connected with non-profit organizations. You do not need to be a TU member to volunteer or participate. All donations are tax deductible.

Troutfest 2012 in Townsend, Tn will be held on the grounds of the Townsend Visitors Center.

Townsend Visitors Center
7906 East Lamar Alexander Parkway
Townsend, TN
37882
865-448-6134

Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timers Day

This is Townsend’s week – the annual Spring Festival and Old Timers Day, May 4 and 5, 2012! It’s that time of year when bluegrass, clogging, arts and crafts, BBQ, storytelling, and wildflower walks, all come together in harmony and at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains.

On Friday, May 4 at 7:30pm join us for a free concert featuring a young bluegrass band, performing at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.

Tentative Schedule: (Subject to change.)

Friday, May 4:

9-11am: Wildflower Walk on Chestnut Top Trail with Tom Harrington; limit 15 (call 865-448-6134 to reserve a spot). Meet at the Trailhead at the “Y”.

9am-5pm: Featured Authors and Booksignings

10am: Hedgewood Gardens Tour. Meet at Hedgewood Gardens on Bethel Church Rd.

1:30-3:30pm: Wildflower Walk on Chestnut Top Trail with Tom Harrington; limit 15 (call 865-448-6134 to reserve a spot) Meet at the Trailhead at the “Y”.

2pm: Hedgewood Gardens Tour. Meet at Hedgewood Gardens on Bethel Church Rd.

6:30pm: Knoxville Pipes and Drums Concert and Parade: Highland music in celebration of Scottish heritage. Visitors Center

7:30pm Concert: Special entertainment at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.

Other festival events and goings on:
– Bluegrass Music on the stage from 12:00pm-until 10:00pm, and pickin’ on the porch and in the grove.
– Arts and Crafts Booths in the back field from 10am-6pm
– BBQ vendors, ice cream, specialty sandwiches, hot dog booths, kettle corn, and other good food.
– Cake Raffles and Bake Sale for Hearts and Hands Scholarship Fund at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm.

Artisan Demonstrations in the Exhibit Room from 9am-5pm
– Basketry: Karen Kenst and Bonny Kate Sugg
– Woodcarving: Lendel Abbott
– Quilting: Maetta Conrad and Marcella Emrick
– Rug Hooking: Carol McBride
– Spinning and Weaving: Sue Mason
– Spinning on the Great Wheel: Dale Liles
– Charcoal/Pencil Art: Andy England

Old Fashioned and Portrait Photos around the grounds with Mary Grace and Bud McCaffery.
Family Art Fair: Arts activities led by Townsend Artisan Guild from 9:00am-5:00pm. Storytelling Tent
Pottery Demonstrations: Hand building and wheel-throwing with Carol Ware. Storytelling Tent

Appalachian Demonstrations around the grounds
Mountain Berry Basket Making and Poetry: Bill Alexander
Bee Keeping and Bee Hive Observation: Tony Holt
Cornmeal Making: Ronald Fowler
Oak shingle-making: Sam White
Cades Cove Preservation Association Exhibits
Appalachian Bear Center activity Booth

 

Saturday, May 5: “Old Timers Day”

Bill Leistner, a festival favorite, dmeonstrates how to drink from a moonshine jug.

10am-5pm: Old Fashioned Kid’s Games. Behind the Visitors Center.

10am: Hedgewood Gardens Tour. Meet at Hedgewood Gardens on Bethel Church Rd.

11am-7pm: Demonstrations of Cast Iron Cooking by members of Blount County Fire Protection District. Corn bread, biscuits, beans, greens, cobbler.

9am-5pm: Featured Author and Booksigning: Roy Oliver, Last Man from Tremont

2pm: Hedgewood Gardens Tour. Meet at Hedgewood Gardens on Bethel Church Rd.

2-5pm: Young Pickers Talent Contest. Bluegrass music contest for musicians18 years of age and under. Held at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Call 865-448-6134 for entry forms.

1-3pm: Storytelling Program.  Lendel Abbott and Mistress of Ceremony Robin Goddard. Storytelling Tent.

3:30-5pm: Old Harp Sing: Shape note music with the East Tennessee Old Harp Singers in the Storytelling Tent.

8pm: Square Dance with caller Don Tipton and music by the Carolina Bluegrass Boys. Stage.

Other festival events and goings on:
Bluegrass Music on the stage from 12:00pm-until 10:00pm, and pickin’ on the porch and in the grove
Arts and Crafts Booths in the back field from 10am-6pm
BBQ vendors, ice cream, specialty sandwiches, hot dog booths, kettle corn, and other good food
Cake Raffles and Bake Sale for Hearts and Hands Scholarship Fund

Artisan Demonstrations in the Exhibit Room from 9am-5pm
Basketry: Karen Kenst and Bonny Kate Sugg
Woodcarving: Lendel Abbott
Quilting: Maetta Conrad and Marcella Emrick
Rug Hooking: Carol McBride
Spinning and Weaving: Sue Mason
Spinning on the Great Wheel: Dale Liles
Charcoal/Pencil Art: Andy England

Old Fashioned and Portrait Photos in front of the hearth with Mary Grace and Bud McCaffery
Pottery Demonstrations: Hand building and wheel-throwing with Carol Ware. In the Storytelling Tent from 9:am-12:00noon.

Appalachian Demonstrations around the grounds
Mountain Berry Basket Making and Poetry: Bill Alexander
Bee Keeping and Bee Hive Observation: Tony Holt
Cornmeal Making: Ronald Fowler
Oak shingle-making: Sam White
Cades Cove Preservation Association Exhibits
Appalachian Bear Center activity Booth

The Young Pickers Talent Contest
Saturday afternoon May 5

New Location: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

Young bluegrass musicians: Compete in the Young Pickers Contest May 5!
For information, call the Townsend Visitors Center at 865-448-6134.

The Spring Heritage Festival and Old Timer’s Day is the first of a few Heritage Days held each year in Townsend, TN. For a complete list of goings-on in Townsend, check out the calendar of events, as well as Townsend cabins if you’re gonna be here for the entire weekend.