The 20th annual Union County Heritage Festival opened with a parade led by the UCHS JROTC, Band, and Choir on October 5, 2024. Following the chorus was a wild west covered wagon that is over 100 years old pulled by a couple of mules. Inside the wagon were Mayor Jason Bailey, Doily Parton, Grandpa Jack, and Cousin Jed, who welcomed the crowd of onlookers. The parade traveled down Wilson Lane to the Emily Link Gazebo where the JROTC presented the colors. The Veterans, the Scouts, and the attendees recited the pledge. The UCHS Band played and the UCHS Choir led the National Anthem.

Following a superb performance by the UCHS Band and Choir that gave a sneak preview of the Veteran's Day Program in November, the Union County Line dancers wowed everyone with their choreography and rhythm. A myriad of bands and performers entertained throughout the day at the Gazebo and the Country Gospel Tent. Nearly 100 vendors offered their crafts and products. Visitors returned home with corn hole games, quilts, earrings, homemade jellies, spicy sauces, roasted nuts, potholders, candles, and even dog biscuits. Children jumped in the bounce house, rode the train, raced with an egg in a spoon, played Jenga, and chose their favorite books at Imagination Library. Wool spinning, blacksmithing, soap making, quilt making, wood working, and crocheting were just some of the heritage crafts being demonstrated. People were drawn to the smoked chicken by the smoker while ribbon potatoes offered a crispy side. A variety of sodas and lemonade paired with BBQ, chicken 'n dumplins, and beans and cornbread. Desserts were in abundance with brownies, cupcakes, dipped pretzels, and fried pies.

Grandpas of every age were celebrated by photos, paintings, and in person as the Festival theme was “Remembering Grandpa”. The theme carried through the splendor of some 50 quilts displayed at the Heritage Quilt Show located at the Union County Museum. Grandpas were also evident at the Festival Art Show at the Historic Snodderly House. Some grandfathers accompanied their grandchildren to the Festival Youth Talent Show at Woods Heritage Theater.

An estimated 2200 visitors from at least 15 Tennessee counties and 6 states immersed themselves in Union County's Appalachian culture and traveled home with fond memories of a day spent remembering Grandpa.Thank you to all who made the 20th year a success.

The 21st Union County Heritage Festival will be on October 4, 2025, The Festival Committee is already planning to make it a special day not to be missed.