The “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” is ready to kick off another exciting celebration of music, local artisans, delectable food and a look back into the area’s rich Appalachian roots. The Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timers’ Day takes place May 6-7, 2016 and commences on both days with crafts, demonstrations and food beginning at 10 a.m. and music at noon.
Guests are welcome to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy genuine bluegrass music from local out-of-town performers. Some of the musicians include: Deep River Bluegrass, Jay Tipton and Friends, Jones Brothers, Bluegrass Outlaws, Tennessee Borderline, Thankful Heart, Wilson Family and the Gravel Road Boys.
Several craft vendors will be in attendance selling a variety of hand-made items like paintings, jewelry, furniture, canned goods, pottery and stationery.
On-site demonstrators will walk guests through the process of cornmeal making, farm equipment, white oak shingle making, rug hooking, woodcarving and quilting.
The festival also features authors Dr. Lin Stepp and Roy Oliver, who will introduce guests to their latest works.
“The Spring Festival is the perfect family-friendly event,” said Kim Mitchell, Tourism Director for the Blount Partnership. “Our goal is to celebrate and educate our citizens and visitors about our culture through entertainment and great food.”
Guests have the convenience of a free Townsend shuttle. Buses provided by the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center will run between destinations including the Heritage Center, Jeepism, Trillium Cove, Little River Railroad Museum, Cades Cove Cellars, Apply Valley, Townsend Visitors Center and finally back to the Heritage Center. Buses run from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
The festival is made possible through generous sponsors including Dogwood Cabins, Alcoa, Inc., Big Meadow Campground & RV, Great Smoky Mountains Association, Pioneer Cabins & Guest Farm, Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop, Carriage House Restaurant, Spectra Environmental Group, Keep Blount Beautiful, The Daily Times and WATE-TV.
Admission to the festival is free. Parking is available for $8/day or $12 for a two day pass. Proceeds for parking will benefit the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department.