Heritage Festival happens every year the first Saturday of October. Great music, great food, learning about heritage skills, and the pride of supporting our local community are just a few of the reasons that this festival is such a treasure here in Union County. However, there is a lot happening leading up to festival weekend. UT Extension Union County holds a haybale decorating contest, pie baking contest, and judging of festival exhibits each year the week before the festival.

What a joy when the first crisp chills of fall and seasonal smells of autumn sweep in. As October comes in, local businesses participate in the Annual Heritage Festival Hay Bale contest. This serves to decorate the town in preparation for festival weekend and provide a bit of happy competition amongst business owners. First place this year was awarded to First Bank with a beautiful display. We appreciate their continued support and welcome all who wish to participate next year.

Getting that perfect flaky pie crust or baking up a treasured family recipe is a wonderful way to welcome fall! Each year, the Heritage Festival Pie Baking Contest takes place leading up to the festival. Pies are judged and then sold to eager buyers as a fundraiser for the Union County 4-H program. Whether a baker or a buyer, this is a great way to support the festival and honor the traditions of pie baking. Youth and adults are welcome to enter. This year, the Grand Champion pie was a Cherry Pie baked by Gracie Tindell. Grand champion receives a $100 award. First place awards and $50 checks went to Jeremiah Tindell, Sharon Hansard, and Sherry Jones. Second place awards went to Jonathan Tindell and Ken Hayes. Third place was awarded to Ken Hayes. Thank you to all who baked and purchased pies this year.

Another way to participate in the Heritage Festival each year is to exhibit entries from your gardening and hobbies. Pumpkins, produce, canning, sewing, and needlework are just a few of the categories that one can exhibit their hard work to festival attendees. These exhibits stimulate conversation among those attending the festival and provide great teaching opportunities. They inspire others and add beauty to a wonderful festival. After judging takes place, blue ribbons are awarded $5, red ribbons are awarded $3, and white ribbons are awarded $2. There were so many fantastic exhibitors this year! Did you see those giant pumpkins grown by Jacob Heiskell? We would like to say a big thank you to all who entered and allowed us to display your work during the heritage festival.