One of East Tennessee’s favorite new events, the Townsend Snowdown, returns for its third year January 26-29 at various locations in Townsend. The winter festival is filled with history, music, art, food and beverage experiences designed to entice folks out of hibernation for a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Guests of all ages will enjoy the rich heritage of the Smokies firsthand through the authentic tales, tastes and talents which originated from the Appalachian region generations ago and still thrive today. Entry to the festival is free, but many of the classes and activities have admission fees.
“Snowdown is a perfect opportunity to shake the winter blues and escape to the peaceful side of the Smokies for a weekend of festivities and fireside relaxation,” said event organizer Christi Silliman.
Those festivities include musical performances, cultural classes, special demonstrations and a wide variety of food and beverage options.
Lovers of Smoky Mountain culture will enjoy history presentations by the Cades Cove Preservation Society, art classes from the Townsend Artisan Guild and fly fishing demonstrations by Little River Outfitters.
Dancing Bear Lodge will host two food-centric events with Appalachian chef and author Ronni Lundy. The lodge will also hold a bourbon tasting, and a charity chili cookoff will take place Saturday at the adjacent Apple Valley Café.
Other activities include an opening reception Thursday night at Mtn Trax from 4 to 7 p.m., a square dance at Tremont Lodge, and dulcimer classes led by the Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop.
Proceeds from paid events will benefit various local charities, including Friends of the Smokies, the Great Smoky Mountains Association, Blount County Coats for the Community, Hearts and Hands of Blount County, Appalachian Bear Rescue, Bike Elf and others.
“This festival offers an insider’s look into Cades Cove and the surrounding area,” said Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority Director of Tourism Kim Mitchell. “Guests will learn through songs, stories and accounts of the region and its heritage from the people that lived the history and who have expertise on a wide range of topics. It’s a lot of fun.”
Lodging for the event is available at Chilhowee Bed and Breakfast, Dancing Bear Lodge, Townsend Gateway Inn, Richmont Inn and the Best Western Cades Cove Inn.
Interested parties can buy tickets and see a full calendar of events by visiting TownsendSnowdown.com.