The 9th annual “Music of the Mountains” festival, hosted by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, begins this weekend with its first stop being Townsend, TN.
“We’re very pleased to again partner with the City of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains Association to offer the public a variety of musical styles for this year’s ‘Music of the Mountains festival,” said Dale Ditmanson, park superintendent. “Our staff has lined up a wide spectrum of old-time, traditional, and bluegrass music performers. With the change to an all day festival we hope to allow more of our visitors to experience the rich traditions of mountain music.”
Beginning Friday at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center in Townsend at 7 pm, Celtic band Four Leaf Peat gets the festival started off with a rousing concert.
Sugarlands Visitor Center just outside Gatlinburg is the site of all festival goings on Saturday as the Lost Mill String Band, Boogertown Gap Band, Brien Fain, Tony Thomas, Matt Morelock and Ferd Moyse and the Mountain Strings perform that afternoon. Later in the day, at 7 pm Saturday, Steve Brown and Hurricane Ridge play at the Plaza at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg.
Festivities make their way to Cosby, TN on Sunday with “Heritage, Harps and Hymns.” Performances get started at 2 pm at the Smoky Mountain Visitor Center in Cosby.
“Music of the Mountains” is a celebration of musical traditions of the southern Appalachian Mountains, showcasing the evolution of mountain music over time,” said Kent Cave, park ranger. “The festival is one of several special events the park has developed to tell the story of the people who lived here prior to the park’s establishment in 1934.
“Musical expression was often, and still is, a part of daily life in the southern mountains, and mountain music is tied to Smokies history like no other part of our culture.”
Seating at Sugarlands Visitor Center (865-436-1291) is limited to 160 persons per concert, and available for free on a “first come, first serve” basis.
It isn’t very hard to find things to do in Townsend, Tn. That’s if you know where to look. So if you’re looking mood, look in the direction of the Smoky Mountain Visitors Center starting this month (March) and notice all the cultural and artistic demonstrations going on.
From woodcarving to jewelry displays to photography, crafts, and various art exhibits, the Smoky Mountain Visitors Center in Townsend has something for the artist in all of us. Beginning March 19 and running up to Christmas, various artisans will be selling their pieces at the center and guests can come by and visit with the artists as well.
March 19-21
Woodcarvers – Hezzie Holden, James Dull and Ray Proffitt
March 22-23
Woodcarvers – Lendell Abbott and Hezzie Holden
April 2-3
Jewelry Exhibit – Julia Schirack and Carol Dean
April 5
Jewelry and Art Exhibit – Diana Dearen
April 23-26
Art and Woodcrafts – Myron and Sanford Downs
May 9-10
Cards & Ornaments – Donna Erdman
May 9-11
Assorted Crafts – Norma Tosh
Painted Rocks – Terri Zimmer
Art & Crafts – Deede Edele
May 14-16
Woodturning – Monte Walker
Horseshoe Decorations – Bonnie McCampbell
May 17-19
Art Exhibit – Cathy Coulter
May 21-24
Art and Woodcrafts – Myron and Sanford Downs
May 25-26
Art Exhibit – Roma McCammon
May 28-30
Art Exhibit – Fred Weiser
May 31-June 2
Jewelry & Art – Diana Dearen
June 4-6
Photography – Linda Waterhouse
June 15-16
Photography – Rick Kratz
June 21-23
Photography – Rex Gullufsen
June 28-30
Photography – Barry Spruce
July 2-4
Art & Crafts Exhibit – Deede Edele
Assorted Crafts – Norma Tosh
July 5-6
Fabric Dolls – Carolyn Gregory
Decoupage Plates/Ceramics – Anna Bolton
Assorted Crafts – Juanita Collins
July 7
Fabric Dolls – Carolyn Gregory
Decoupage Plates/Ceramics – Anna Bolton
July 9-11
Art Exhibit – Gloria Nelson
Pottery Exhibit – Carol Ware
July 12-14
Art Exhibit – Roma McCammon
July 16-18
Woodcrafts – Charles Goosie
Art Exhibit – Randy White
July 19-21
Jewelry Exhibit – Corinne Coley
Photography Exhibit– Rex Gullufsen
July 23-25
Photography Exhibit – Barry Spruce
July 26-28
Art Exhibit – Cathy Coulter
July 30-August 1
Woodturning – Monte Walker
Horseshoe Decorations – Bonnie McCampbell
August 2-4
Art Exhibit – Roma McCammon
August 6-8
Art Exhibit – Diana Dearen
Art Exhibit – Gloria Nelson
August 9-11
Art Exhibit – Fred Weiser
August 13-15
Art Exhibit – Randy White
Art Exhibit – Larry Burton
August 23-25
Art Exhibit – Cathy Coulter
August 27-29
Art Exhibit – Maxine Falls
August 30-September 1
Art Exhibit – Kim Hart
September 3-5
Woodcrafts – Charles Goosie
Art Exhibit – Randy White
September 6-7
Assorted Crafts – Juanita Collins
September 6-8
Stained Glass – Larry and Paula McLain
September 10-12
Decoupage Plates and Ceramics – Anna Bolton
Jewelry Exhibit – Corinne Coley
Gourds & Gourd Art – Laurie Weiand
September 13-15
Woodcarving Exhibit – Hezzie Holden
Cigar Box Stringed Instruments – James Dull
Pottery Exhibit – Carol Ware
September 17-19
Woodturning – Tom Sciple
September 20-22
Art Exhibit – Cathy Coulter
October 1-3
Art Exhibit – Roma McCammon
October 4-6
Fabric Dolls – Carolyn Gregory
Pottery – Carol Ware
October 5-6
Photography – Rick Kratz
October 8-10
Woodcarving – Hezzie Holden
Cigar Box Stringed Instruments – James Dull
Art & Crafts – Deede Edele
October 11-13
Jewelry Exhibit – Julia Schirack and Carol Dean
Photography Exhibit – Rex Gullafsen
October 15-17
Art Exhibit – Randy White
Woodcrafts – Charles Goosie
October 18-20
Photography – Barry Spruce
October 22-23
Assorted Crafts – Norma Tosh
Cards and Christmas Ornaments – Donna Erdman
Painted Rocks – Terri Zimmer
October 24-25
Basket Making – Karen Kenst & Bonny Kate Sugg
Wool Applique’ – Joyce Jarman
October 26-27
Art Exhibit – Fred Weiser
October 29-31
Art Exhibit – Maxine Falls
November 1-3
Stained Glass – Larry and Paula McLain
November 2-3
Photography – Rick Kratz
November 6-8
Woodturning – Monte Walker
Horseshoe Decorations – Bonnie McCampbell
November 9-10
Art Exhibit – Kim Hart
Jewelry Exhibit – Corinne Coley
Gourds & Gourd Art – Laurie Weiand
November 12-14
Photography – Linda Waterhouse
Decoupage Plates and Ceramics – Anna Bolton
Assorted Crafts – Juanita Collins
November 15-17
Woodturning – Tom Sciple
November 19-21
Art and Jewelry Exhibit – Diana Dearen
November 22-24
Art Exhibit – Fred Weiser
November 26-27
Woodcarving – Hezzie Holden
Cigar Box Stringed Instruments – James Dull
November 29-30
Jewelry Exhibit – Corinne Coley
December 7-8
Townsend Artisan Guild
December 10-12
Art and Jewelry Exhibit – Diana Dearen
Assorted Crafts – Juanita Collins
December 13-15
Art Exhibit – Kim Hart
Woodcarving – Hezzie Holden
Townsend’s Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival (April 19-20) is an interactive arts event connecting the community with fiber arts activities. The festival will include fiber animal exhibitions, vendor market, classes, demonstrations of spinning, needlecrafts, dyeing, weaving, and many other fiber processes. You’ll also have the chance to participate in hands-on projects for children and adults, view local artists’ work, purchase fiber craft supplies, and get information about local fiber activities, groups, and businesses.
This year’s fiber arts festival will take place in the Townsend Visitors Center as well as at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Both are top notch facilities for the Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival. You’ll find fiber arts classes and demonstrations, vendor shopping, great food, good friends and a memorable experience in each setting.
In all, this event celebrates all things Fiber Arts, beginning with the raw materials (catch the sheep herding and sheep shearing demonstrations at the festival), through the creative processes (check out the classes and non-animal demonstrations at both locations), and finally, the end product (visit a great collection of vendors who will fill your every supply and project need)!
Townsend is known as the “Peaceful side of the Smokies”, and a place that’s far different from other communities near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We hope you’ll enjoy your visit and check out what all Townsend has to offer including Townsend cabins, all the Townsend events, and some of the Townsend restaurants.
Goings on at the Townsend Visitors Center: Border Collie Sheepherding by Leigh Anne and Paul Tucker and Sheep-shearing by William Rick, plus demonstrations of weaving, spinning, and other fiber crafts.
Occurring at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center: Fiber classes and workshops, marketplace of vendors, demonstrations, museum exhibits of Smoky Mountain cultural history. Click here for the list of Vendors. Also, if you’re interested in participating, check out the vendor application.
At the Townsend Artisan Gallery: Exhibits of fiber arts and many other beautiful works by local artisans.
Please call 865-448-6134, 800-525-6834 for more information and schedules.
Vendors: contact Nancy at gsmhcevents@yahoo.com
Instructors: contact Deborah Adams, quiltsbydeborah@gmail.com .
Townsend is a place that visitors come throughout the year for a number of reasons whether it be to visit and explore Cades Cove, swim at the “Wye” during the summer months or attend one of the many festivals like the town’s Spring Festival & Old Timers Day. One thing that Townsend offers throughout the year are a number of classes. One of the more popular ones is the basket making classes held every February and April in town.
For anyone interested in learning more about the skill of basket making, join renowned basket maker Karen Kenst for a series of basket making classes at the Smoky Mountain Visitors Center during the upcoming months of February and April.
If her name sounds familiar, it’s because Kenst has been a regular at Townsend festivals, as well as events throughout the Smokies. Her basket making skills have drawn in people from all over the country who come to the Great Smoky Mountains and her work has been featured at events and in the Great Smoky Mountains Arts & Crafts Community.
Please call Karen at 865-983-3352 for registration information.
Dates and times for basket making classes with Karen Kenst:
Presentations and programs throughout Townsend and the national park, celebrating the region’s cultural history.
RECEPTION
Thursday, Jan. 31
5-7 p.m.
Townsend Winter Heritage Festival Kickoff & Reception
Join us for the Winter Heritage Festival Kickoff & Reception at the Townsend Artisan Gallery located at 7843 East Lamar Alexander Parkway. Refreshments provided by the Townsend Artisan Gallery and the Blount Partnership. Call 865.983.2241 to RSVP.
WINTER WOODY PLANT I.D.
Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont (9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN 37882, 865-448-6709)
Friday, Feb. 1
9 a.m.
Do you know what to look for to identify trees and shrubs in the wintertime? Come along with Tremont Director Ken Voorhis into the forest and discover a number of leafless characteristics that will help you identify woody plants. The Smokies are a great place to explore in the wintertime! Meet at Tremont visitors center at 9 a.m., Friday, Feb 1 — prepare to be outside and on the trail.Tremont is located in the national park. Take Hwy 73 to the Townsend Wye, turn right toward Cades Cove, then take first left onto the road to Tremont. Tremont institute is 3 miles down this road, on the left. The visitors center is the first building, on the left, right after you cross the bridge.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Smoky Mountain Visitor’s Center (7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882)
Friday, Feb. 1
The Townsend Artisan Guild presents a photography tour for beginning to intermediate photographers using basic cameras to SLRs for $25.After several presentations on camera functionality, composition, and lighting, the participants have an opportunity to apply those principles with the guidance of Guild photographers at the Smoky Mountain Visitor’s Center.RSVP to Susan Cooper at suscoop@gmail.com or 865.448.0859
9:00-9:15 a.m.
Welcome, Introduction, Coffee and muffins provided
9:15-10:30 a.m.
How the Camera Works for Your Creative Vision
10:30-11:15 a.m.
Elements of Composition: What Rules to Break
11:15-noon
Using Light to Define the Subject
12:00-12:30 p.m.
Lunch
12:30-2:00 p.m.
Photograph in the Buildings at the Heritage Center
2:00-2:30 p.m.
How to use Black and White to Improve Visualization
2:30-3:00 p.m.
Q&A, Wrap Up
Susan Cooper has studied with nationally known professional photographers and captures images that reflect the natural world around us: landscapes, close-ups, wildlife and abstracts.Rex Gullufsen’s photographic experience includes weddings, documenting tours for choral performances, still lifes and natural surroundings. He captures stories through composition, texture, color and light.Ken LaValley has captured award winning images of youth sports, professional sports, concerts, weddings, and wildlife. He takes of advantage of light and luck to capture an image of one split second.
David Rudd has a long history of working in the wet darkroom and producing outstanding black and white images. His diligent study of the digital age and photographic techniques compliments his eye for unique compositions
Photography Exhibit and Artists Reception: Laurel Valley Resort (702 Country Club Drive, Townsend, TN 37882) is hosting an artist’s reception to which the participants and other visitors will be invited. Friday, Feb. 1 from 4-6 p.m.
HIKING
Friday, Feb. 1
11:00 a.m.
Hike to Elijah & Polly Oliver’s place in Cades Cove (1.5 hours)
Meet at Abrams Falls parking lot (half way around Loop Road). Dress for the weather. Subject to cancellation for inclement weather.Join Cades Cove Park Ranger Mike Maslona for a walk to Elijah & Polly Oliver place in Cades Cove. Learn about the family and see the only park historic site that has all the support buildings still there and available to see.Also, learn how the park’s historic preservation team maintains and repairs over 100 historic structures throughout the park, and how park partnerships with groups help to preserve the cultural history of the park.Email mike_maslona@nps.gov or 865.448.4104 to RSVP
Saturday, Feb.2
10:00 a.m.
Hike the original back road to Walker Sisters House (4.5 hours)
Meet at Metcalf Bottoms. Bring waterproof boots, water, lunch and snacks. Rain gear advised.Join Janet and Mark Snyder as they lead this moderate hike which takes you by the home sites of family and friends of the Walker Sisters. We will visit the home site of the only sister to marry. A greater appreciation of the Little Greenbrier Community will be achieved.Call 865.448.1183 to RSVP.
CADES COVE PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION (CCPA)
CCPA has family exhibits on the second floor at the Heritage Center both days, from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., where former Cades Cove residents and descendants are on hand both days to visit with people about their lives in the Cove. The exhibits contain photographs, family albums and artifacts for viewing by the public.
PRESENTATIONS
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (123 Cromwell Drive, Townsend, TN 37882)
Friday, Feb. 1
9:00-9:45 a.m.
Joel Zachry – “How to Get Eaten by a Bear – Things you should know”
Join naturalist and author Joel Zachry for an informative “show and tell” narrative on safely traveling in the backwoods of our Southern Appalachians. As he provides a historical perspective on the bear and its life cycle he will share factual information on the past 100 years of human fatalities. In addition, Zachry will recant his own experiences, some funny missteps and others with serious outcomes, from backpacking the Smokies since 1975, completing the 2,175 miles of the Appalachian Trail and guiding hikers in Alaska for twenty-five years.
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Betty Boone Best – “A granddaughter tells about the war in Blount County”
Betty Boone Best was born in Blount County and graduated from schools at Happy Valley, Lanier, Maryville College and the University of Tennessee. She taught language and Tennessee history at Walland School before retiring from William Blount High School as a librarian. She is a member of the Blount County Genealogical and Historical Society and is presently editor of the Blount Historical Journal. Her hobbies are family and local history research and writing.
11:15-12:15
David Ledbetter – “Little River Railroad”
David Ledbetter is a member of Cades Cove Preservation Association, having as president, vice president and board member. He currently serves as coordinator with the maintenance supervisor for Great Smoky Mountains National Park where he plans projects and workdays in the park and leads a full moon walk in Cades Cove once a month. A native of Miller’s Cove, the Ledbetter family settled in the White Oak Sinks and lived there for many years before moving out in 1929. David is the great grandson of Matthew Manuel (Bud) Ledbetter who was the first of his line to settle in the White Oak Sinks.
11:15-12:15
David Ledbetter Jr. – “Fire Towers From the Smokies”
David Ledbetter, Jr. (Davey) is the son of David and Paulette Ledbetter and is the great great grandson of Matthew Manuel (Bud) Ledbetter who settled in White Oak Sinks. Davey has hiked to the White Oak Sinks and seen where his family farmed the area for many years. Davey enjoys hiking and especially finding old home sites. He is currently mapping these areas and putting it together with his family names.
12:15-1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Judy Myers Johns & Verna Burchfield Myers – “Aunt Becky Cable”
Judy Myers Johns grew up in Cades Cove and is a descendant of John and Lauraine Oliver, from Russell Gregory (Gregory Bald), Robert Burchfield and John P. Cable. She lived in three houses in Cades Cove without electricity, learned to cook on a woodstove and did “washing” in a gasoline powered washer with a wringer for the rinse tub. Her parents (Hugh and Verna Burchfield Myers) and grandparents (Charlie and Mae Shuler Myers) farmed the Cove and raised cattle. Judy worked as a historical interpreter at Cable Mill, became a National Park Ranger, left to work in nuclear security before becoming a Vice President of Emergency Preparedness for international work with a fortune 100 company.Verna Lee Burchfield Myers was born on Mill Creek in Cades Cove in Oct. 1932 as the second of three children. At a early age the family moved to Townsend and then to Maryville as her father sought employment at a diary farm and then the Aluminum Company of America. In 1948 she married Hugh Myers and moved back to Cades Cove where they farmed and ran Cades Cove Riding Stables until 2009. Verna is very in-tune with her heritage and “regrets not taking an interest” in that heritage until later in her life. Verna has fond memories of Cades Cove and takes time to document old family photos and short stories that have been passed down through the years.
2:45-3:45 p.m.
Allen Coggins – “An armchair tour of the Smokies: From Sugarlands to Clingmans Dome”
Allen Coggins is a freelance writer and part-time subcontractor with Oak Ridge Associated Universities. His presentation today is based upon his nearly decade long experience as a Smoky Mountain tour bus guide. He is author of the book, Place Names of the Smokies, which was published by the Great Smoky Mountains Association in 1999. His latest book, Tennessee Tragedies: Natural, Technological, and Societal Disasters in the Volunteer State, was just published by the University of Tennessee Press.
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion: Former residents of Cades Cove
Saturday, Feb. 2
9:00-9:45 a.m.
Joel Zachry – “Special Creatures of our Smokies and Southern Appalachians”
Join naturalist and author Joel Zachry as he shares some of our region’s most Fascinating creatures through his years of observing and photographing Smokies flora and fauna. For this presentation he goes beyond the ability to imply capture the organism but to also explain interesting facts about how each survives in the wild and coexists with others in its habitat. As a career biologist, Zachry will share his views on favorite landscapes, wildflowers and mammals that make our national park a special place.
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Betty Bales & Becky Thompson – “Dinner on the ground”
Betty Bales is a native Tennessean who lives in Maryville and is a registered nurse with Blount Memorial Hospital. Betty is the granddaughter of John and Lilly Cooper Whitehead, descendants of Cades Cove. She enjoys researching the history of her Smoky Mountain Heritage, working with women’s ministries and serving in the mission field both locally and in South America.Becky Thompson is very proud of her Smoky Mountain Cades Cove heritage in the Whitehead and Cooper families. She is often found taking pictures and exploring the many trails, churches and heritage sites in the mountains.
11:15-12:15
Missy Tipton Green – “Tuckaleechee Cove”
Missy Tipton Green was born and has lived all her life in Blount County, and descends from the first land grant owner in Cades Cove, William “Fighting Billy” Tipton. She has penned three books, two being co-authored with Paulette Ledbetter. She enjoys researching the history of Cades Cove and Blount County, and genealogy. She is a charter member of the Cades Cove Preservation Association, serving on the Board of Directors for 11 years, past secretary, past treasurer, and past co-director of the Cades Cove Museum.
12:15-1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Larry Sparks – “Tom Sparks – The Spencer Field herder”
Larry Sparks is a Cades Cove native, one of twelve children born to Asa and Amy Burchfield Sparks. His presentation is about his grandfather Tom Sparks, a former owner of Spence Field, where he herded livestock for several years. Sparks’ ancestors were among the first to own land and live in the Cove. His immediate family was forced to sell their land with the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the 1930s, but although most neighbors moved out, his family remained in the Cove as leaseholders until 1960. He serves on the board of the Cades Cove Preservation Association, and is a member of the First Families of Tennessee as a descendant of Col. John Tipton. He writes and presents Cades Cove history.
2:45-3:45 p.m.
Bernard Myers – “Myers Town”
Bernard Myers was born to Golman and Viola Burchfield Myers of Cades Cove, living there until the age of nine attending the Cable School for one year before it closed down; he finished school at Townsend High School.
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion: Former residents of Cades Cove
DOWSING CLASS
Smoky Mountain Visitor’s Center (7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882)
Saturday, Feb. 2
The class consists of the history of dowsing, what to expect from their visit and my experiences using the rods for underground objects (water, graves, pipes, etc.). We will demonstrate the dowsing rods and forked stick with each visitor is given a set of dowsing rods to try what they have learned. The class continues outside, weather permitting, to locate water and a trip to the cemetery if they wish.
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Charlie Monday – “The Art of Dowsing: Do you have the gift?”
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Charlie Monday – “The Art of Dowsing: Do you have the gift?”
LIVE MUSIC
Smoky Mountain Visitor’s Center (7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882)
Saturday, Feb. 2
12:00-2:00 p.m.
Live Bluegrass music will be performed
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Live Bluegrass music will be performed
PRECIOUS MEMORIES VII
A homecoming of former residents of Cades Cove, to be held Sunday, Feb. 3 from 2-4 p.m. at Big Valley Resort, 7056 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Townsend. The Big Valley Resort is on the right just after the four-lane highway starts in Townsend. Turn right at the motel just past the porta-potty yard and drive to the clubhouse at the end of the road. Light refreshments will be served.
BOOK SIGNING
Smoky Mountain Visitor’s Center (7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882)
Feb. 1-2
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (A Postcard History)
Author Adam H. Alfrey will be on hand both days to visit and sign copies of his new book, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (A Postcard History). Drawing from public and private collections of vintage postcards, Alfrey, curator of exhibitions at the East Tennessee History Center, illustrates how a rallying cry for preservation, pleasure and profit sustained a successful grassroots campaign to create Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States.
Jan. 31-Feb. 2: Winter Heritage Festival in the Smokies. An event celebrating the human history, natural beauty, and cultural traditions of Townsend, Cades Cove, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Guests can enjoy a variety of presentations, storytelling, music, walks, exhibits, and tours—at the Visitors Center, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tremont, and other businesses and organizations around Townsend. Townsend Winter Heritage Festival
February
Feb. & April: Basket Making with Karen Kenst. Join Karen as she instructs on the fine art of basket making. Check out the schedule and register.
March
March 1-16: Smoky Mountain Quilt Show
March 17-31: Woodcarver’s Show
March 22-24: Smoky Mountain Quilter’s Road Show
April
April 15-20: Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival. Hosted by the Townsend Artisan Guild, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, and the Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau. This interactive fiber arts event connects the community with fiber arts activities. The festival will include Border collie sheep-herding, sheep-shearing, classes and workshops, arts exhibitions, educational demonstrations of fiber processes, spinning, weaving, needlecrafts, dyeing, hands-on projects with children and adults, Fiber Arts Market and more. Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and Smoky Mountain Visitors Center in Townsend.
May
May 4-5: Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timers Day. A heaping helping of your favorite bluegrass music, a Young Pickers Talent Contest, arts and crafts, Appalachian skills, wildflower walks and garden tours, storytelling, BBQ and other good food at the town’s annual Spring Festival and Old Timers Day. Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timers Day
May 9-10: BTA Class (Information coming soon)
May 14: Tourism Reception (Information coming soon)
May 17-19: Smoky Mountain Highland Games. Maryville College. A celebration of Scottish Heritage at the foot of the Smoky Mountains with traditional games, a gathering of the clans, Scottish dance, music, and athletic contests. Smoky Mountain Highland Games
May 28-June 2: H.O.G. Rally
June
June 3-30: Smoky Mountain Photographer’s Showcase (Information to come)
June 9-15; 16-22: Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamps and Concert Series – Steve Kaufman’s workshops in flatpicking guitar, fingerpicking guitar, mandolin, Old Time Banjo, Bluegrass Banjo, Old TIme Fiddle, Bluegrass Fiddle, dobro, Mountain dulcimer, Songwriting, Vocal class and Bass. At Maryville College.
July
July 4-6: Red, White & Blue Show (Information to come)
July 12-14: Smoky Mountain Classic slow pitch softball tournament
September
Sept. 27-28: Townsend 21st Annual Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers Day. The fall version of Townsend’s spring classic featuring some of your favorite bluegrass music, clogging, arts and crafts, sorghum molasses making and other Appalachian skills, artisan demonstrations, family activities, and good food. Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers Day
October
Oct. 11-13: Foothills Fall Festival in Maryville
November
Nov. 4-5: BTA Class (Information coming soon)
December
Dec. 6: Smoky Mountain Visitors Center Holiday Open House
For more information about each of the Townsend events and festivals contact Jeanie Hilten at the Townsend Visitors Center at 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834.
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.
The Townsend Winter Heritage Festival is a seasonal celebration of the natural beauty, heritage, and cultural traditions of Townsend, TN; Cades Cove; and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The event combines a number of the areas most renowned businesses and community groups in one large get-together. It’s a FREE event, with the exception of lunches and dinners, where there are reservations required, with a charge for each meal. Music workshops also require pre-registration.
So, whether it’s music and live performances that you like, or southern cuisine like some of the area’s best BBQ, or getting more familiar with nature and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend’s Winter Heritage Festival really answers the call to the Smokies-lover in all of us. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors, Townsend, and spend some time with the family.
Some of this year’s festival highlights include:
Festival Kick Off at the Blount Co. Historical Museum: Hear storyteller Charles Maynard, listen to live music with Pistol Creek Catch of the Day, view the various Civil War exhibits, and get refreshments at the kick-off celebration. Thursday, Feb. 2, 6-8pm.
Special musical guest:Wayne Erbsen
Come listen to the sounds of Wayne Erbson on Saturday evening, Feb. 4. He will also be presenting an Appalachian music workshop that afternoon. Call 865-448-6134 to sign up.
Mountain Dulcimer Workshop with Sarah Morgan: If you’ve ever had an interest in the dulcimer and its beginnings sign up for Sarah Morgan’s workshop Friday afternoon, Feb. 3. Call 865-448-6134 for details and to sign up. Limit 20.
Sarah Morgan holds her annual Mountain Dulcimer workshop.
Music of the Civil War: We know that there are always a number of Civil War enthusiasts among our visitors. It’s not always you get to hear the songs and music they went to battle to. This presentation includes tunes and songs with Conny Ottway at the Chocolate B’ar, Friday, Feb. 3.
Listen to a great Young Fiddler – Carson PetersCarson will be fiddlin’ up a storm with his family at the Mountain Music Showcase on Saturday. It’s a performance not to be missed!
Cast Iron Cooking by members of the Blount County Fire Protection District will take place Saturday, Feb. 4. Come by and taste some delicious cobblers, biscuits, beans and more!
Lunchtime Programs: at the Chocolate B’ar Cafe, with good food, talks, and music, both days. Friday: Conny Ottway, sponsored by Rocky Branch Community Club Saturday: Tommy and Tammi McCarroll with Bobby Fulcher, sponsored by The Chocolate B’ar. Call for lunch reservations, 865-448-9432.
Friday evening at Dancing Bear Lodge, with supper and entertainment by flute player Randy McGinnis. Reservations required. 865-448-6000.
Book-signing: Appalachian Tales and Heartland Adventures, Bill Landry; Noon to 3:00pm both days at the Townsend Visitors Center.
“Precious Memories” Homecoming with the Cades Cove Preservation Association on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 5. Location to be announced.
Full Winter Heritage Festival Schedule Day by Day:
Schedule subject to changes and for updates call 865-448-6134.
(Events with a * require pre-registration and those with meals have a charge.)
Thursday, Feb. 2:
At Blount County Historical Museum and Cades Cove/Thompson Brown Museum:
– 6-8pm: “Festival Kick-Off”, Blount County Historical Museum and Cades Cove/Thompson Brown Museum. Civil War Exhibit, refreshments, and 6:30pm storytelling by Charles Maynard, plus music by Pistol Creek Catch of the Day.
Friday, February 3: Events take place at several locations.
At Townsend Visitors Center:
– 9-9:45am: “Cora’s Story”, Cherel Henderson, East Tennessee Historical Society.
– 10-10:45am: “Preserving our Heritage-The Foothills Land Conservancy”, Elise Eustace, Foothills Land Conservancy.
– 11-11:45am: “Thomas Sumter”, Charlie Rhodarmer, Sequoyah Birthplace Museum.
– Noon-3pm: Book-signing by Bill Landry, Appalachian Tales and Heartland Adventures.
– 2-3pm: “Mountain Dulcimer Workshop” * with Sarah Morgan. To register, call 865-448-6134. (Free) Limit 20. Sponsored by Friends of the Smokies.
– 3:15-4:15pm: “Music of the Mountains”, Lisa Free.
– 4:30-5:15pm: “Black Leaders of Blount Co. during Reconstruction”, Robert Glenn Slater, University of Tennessee.
At Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center:
Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 4:
– 9am-5pm: Cades Cove Preservation Association talks and Families of Cades Cove exhibits.
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– 9-9:45am: “Bear Creek Tales”, Lonnie McMillan
– 10-10:45am: “A Cades Cove Long Rifle”, Stephen Weber
– 11-11:45am: “Horace Kephart-The Back of Beyond”, Butch McDade
– Noon (Lunch break)
– 1-1:45pm: “Living in the Cove”, Bernard Myers
– 2-2:45pm: “Sacred Places of the Smokies”, Gail Palmer
– 3pm: Panel Discussion, Cades Cove Preservation Association
At Little River Railroad Museum:
– 3-4pm: “Walking Tour of Townsend”, Don Headrick.
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park-Cades Cove:
– 1-3pm: “Hike to Gourley Pond” *, Ranger Mike Maslona. Meet at the Lequire family cemetery on the far side of the Cades Cove Loop Rd. *Call 865-448-6134 to sign up.
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park-Tremont:
– 9-11am: “Waterfall Hike”, Dawn Dextraze. Meet at the Tremont Visitors Center (office).
At The Chocolate B’ar:
– 11am-12pm: “Music of the Civil War”, Conny Ottway. Sponsored by Rocky Branch Community Club. Followed by lunch.
Call for lunch reservations * : 865-448-9433 or 865-448-9895.
At Townsend Artisan Gallery:
– 4-6pm: “Open House and Artist Reception”
At Dancing Bear Lodge:
– 6:30-8:30pm: Dinner and entertainment by Native American flute player Randy McGinnis. * Reservations needed: 865-448-6000.
Saturday, February 4: Events take place at several locations
At Townsend Visitors Center:
Mountain Craft Showcase:
– 9-9:45am: “Dollmaking”, Carolyn Gregory.
– 9:45-10:30am: “Pottery”, Carol Ware.
(Break)
– 11-11:45am: “The Forgotten Baskets of the Mountains”, Bill Alexander.
– 11:45am-12:30pm: “Blacksmithing”, Hugh Bowie.
Mountain Music Showcase:
– 1:30-2:30pm: “Appalachian Music Workshop”, Wayne Erbsen. * Call 865-448-6134 to sign up (free)
– 2:45-3:45pm: “Fiddlin’ Carson Peters Band”, Carson Peters and family
– 4-5pm: “The Mountain Dulcimer”, Sarah Morgan
The Mountain Craft and Mountain Music Showcases are funded by an Arts Build Communities Grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission and a sponsorship from Great Smoky Mountains Association for Wayne Erbsen.
– 11am for White Oak Sinks Hike, Butch Mcdade. 11am-3PM. Meet on Townsend Visitors Center front porch and carpool to trailhead.
– Noon-3pm: Book-signing by Bill Landry, Appalachian Tales and Heartland Adventures.
– 11am-5pm: Cast Iron Cooking Demonstration with members of the Blount County Fire Protection District.
– 10am-5pm: Cherokee Finger Weaving by Charaity Hubbard and Historic Weapons Display with David Hubbard.
At Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center:
Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 4:
– 9am-5pm: Cades Cove Preservation Association talks and Families of Cades Cove exhibits.
Saturday, Feb. 4:
– 9-9:45am: “Smoky Mountain Bears, Bucks, and Wildflowers-A Video Presentation”, Kate Marshall
– 10-10:45am: “Bloomery Forge in Cades Cove”, David Ledbetter
– 11-11:45am: “A Park by Any Other Name”, Kent Cave and Raymond Palmer
– 12:00 (Lunch break)
– 1-1:45pm: “Noah and Sarah Brown Burchfield of Cades Cove”, Larry Sparks
– 2-2:45pm “Photographers and Photos of Cades Cove”, Missy Green
– 3pm: Panel Discussion, Cades Cove Preservation Association
At Little River Railroad Museum:
– 10am-12pm: “Tremont Walking Tour”, Ron Briggs.
– 3-4pm: “Logging Railroads of the Smokies” Rick Turner.
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park-Tremont:
– 10:30am-12:30pm: “Winter Tree ID Hike”, Ken Voorhis. Meet at the Tremont Visitors Center (office).
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park-White Oak Sinks Hike:
– 11am-3pm: “Hike to White Oak Sinks”, Butch McDade. Meet on the front porch of the Townsend Visitors Center and carpool to trailhead.
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park-Little Greenbrier/Walker Sisters:
– 11am-2:30pm: “Hike to the Walker Sisters Family and Friends Homesites”, Mark and Janet Snyder. Bring a sack lunch, drink, raingear, and good hiking shoes. There will be off-trail walking. Meet at the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area.
At The Chocolate B’ar:
– 11am-12pm: “Old Time Mountain Music”, Tommy and Tammy McCarroll and Bob Fulcher. Sponsored by The Chocolate B’ar. Followed by lunch.
Call for lunch reservations *: 865-448-9433 or 865-448-9895.
At Townsend Artisan Gallery:
– 9am-4pm: “Open House and Demonstrations by Artists”
