Story by Amber Weaver
VOLUME 1: An inside look into some of the fantastic festivals found in the Volunteer State
Whether it’s the smell of delicious fried food, the pride of seeing your loved ones perform or even the unique finds you’ll purchase from a local craftsman, festivals are a point of joy in our lives — joy that is shared among communities, tourists and, most importantly, family.
Thankfully, here in Tennessee, we have festivals that stretch from the western plains to the mountains in the east. What’s even better is that they take place year-round and include something for everyone. Here are four to add to your calendar as mustattend events this year.
West Tennessee Strawberry Festival
Humboldt · May 4–10
An 87-year-old tradition is found at the base of the Gibson Electric Membership Corporation service area. Throughout the first full week of May, 75,000 friends and neighbors will occupy nine blocks in Humboldt for food, fellowship and entertainment for the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival. Attendees will find typical carnival rides and foods but also a royal tea party for young girls, a Berry Drink Showdown where teams will feature a special strawberry inspired drink, Berry Idol where local contestants compete in a singing competition, two parades with extravagant floats from local schools, businesses and organizations and so much more all up and down Main Street.
“This is the one time our community truly all comes together and there is something for everyone,” said Mitzie Privitt, the president of the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival. “We’re all better neighbors and better friends because of these seven days.”
Deemed Tennessee’s largest and longest running festival, this year the event is honoring the servants throughout the community who help make the festival possible. The theme is “It’s a Berry Good Life: When our community unites, the celebration ignites.” That will be seen all throughout the festival because all 36 events have a committee made up of community volunteers who make it a success.
“This festival serves as a beacon to rebuild personal relationships with those around us and to our community,” Privitt said. “It’s kind of our claim to fame, and we are really proud of what it brings to our city, and we’re proud to get to show off our city to others.”
Webb School Art and Craft Show
Bell Buckle · Oct. 18–19
bellbucklechamber.com/webb-school-art-craft-show
Moving to Duck River Electric Membership Corporation’s service territory, every third full weekend in October, the Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce hosts the Webb School Art and Craft Show. Thousands of visitors come to the small town of Bell Buckle for arts, crafts, food, scenery and, of course, hospitality.
“A host of activities entertain visitors, no matter what age, while the excellent variety and original works will certainly give everyone an early start on their Christmas list,” said Jenny Hunt, the public relations director for the Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce.
The event began 48 years ago on Maple Street and still to this day features over 100 juried artists in fields of pottery, fiber, jewelry, wood, baskets, paintings, sculptures, ironworks, photography, chainsaw carvings and botanicals. Those exhibitors also attend the showcase and give demonstrations on how their works are crafted. Over 20 states are represented, but a worldwide variety of food is up for grabs. Food booths offer Greek, Italian, Asian and typical Southern favorites from funnel cakes and lemonade to barbecue. While attendees eat, they can also enjoy live entertainment on the Sawney lot.
“Everyone leaves Bell Buckle after the Webb School Art and Craft Show with an armload of shopping bags, a full stomach and a smile on their face,” Hunt said.
Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree
Smithville · July 4–5
Since 1972, Caney Fork Electric Cooperative has provided service for the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival. What was once a small-town festival has now grown into a major celebration of Appala-chian music and culture. The event is typically held around Independence Day, with this year’s 54th annual festival being on July 4-5.
“The Smithville Jamboree is a celebration of music, community and tradition,” said Kim Luton, the president of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree.
Each year, thousands of visitors come to enjoy the jamboree. It’s free to the public and features over 35 music and dance category performances, crafts and the friendly atmosphere of the small Southern town of Smithville. The festival has even been named the official jamboree and crafts festival of the state of Tennessee, and you can watch the bluegrass and clogging performances across the country via DTC-TV. While the performances are going on, visitors can enjoy an array of food booths set up around the Court Square as well as the handmade crafts like pottery and woodwork from local and national artists.
“The Smithville Jamboree is where the fiddle meets the soul, and we hope you will come experience it this year for yourself,” Luton said.
Mountain City Sunflower Festival
Mountain City · July 12
Within Mountain Electric Cooperative’s service territory, you will find the result of local business owners coming together to make matters better for the downtown area. In 2004, those local businesses created the Mountain City Sunflower Festival with the hopes of bringing people to the area and showing off what they had to offer. Those businesses along with family members and countless volunteers worked hard over the next two decades to make the festival what it is today.
“We get to showcase just how special Mountain City is to those who otherwise would drive right past,” said Ashtin Rhymer, the co-director of the Mountain City Sunflower Festival.
This year on July 12, the biggest event in Johnson County will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival includes free live entertainment all day long, 200 vendors to shop from, a fun zone with free and low-cost activities for the whole family and, of course, a Miss Sunflower is crowned from ages newborn to 17. To live up to its name, the festival partners with Doe Valley Campground, which volunteers to grow an acre of sunflowers each year for attendees to enjoy. Right by the festival, everyone can pick their own sunflowers to take home and enjoy taking pictures without charge.
“We love this town and the community,” Rhymer said. “We enjoy this festival, from showing the world our town to showing our town to the world.”
