Though the original Sharps Chapel Fall Festival date in September had to be postponed due to weather, our community spirit remained strong, and we were blessed with perfect weather in November for an unforgettable day.

With nearly 3,000 attendees, this annual free event proved once again to be a true celebration of our hometown’s love for neighbors, family and tradition. The festival is made possible by dedicated local volunteers who spend the entire year planning and amazing sponsors who pour efforts and money into our community for the sheer joy of bringing smiles to faces young and old.

The day kicked off with the ever-popular Car Show at Sharps Chapel Elementary School. Classic Cars/Trucks, Hot Rods, Sports, Jeeps, Motorcycles, American Muscle, Imports, and Street Rods showed up and showed off. With dozens of entries, there was something for everyone! Winners in each category took home trophies and bragging rights until next year's contest!

At the Gazebo Stage, Wayne Goforth introduced festivalgoers to an impressive lineup of live performances. Mason Dixon, a talented Union County High School student, made his festival debut; Kelly Cunningham, owner of Kelly’s Deli and a recent talent show winner, charmed the crowd; Tennessee Brushfire filled the air with their soul-soothing bluegrass; and The Creekers continued to gain fans with their captivating sound. Two rising Nashville stars, Kanaan Brock and Avery Roberson, surprised and wowed the audience before the evening closed with a bang—literally—as the Simpson Family Fireworks lit up the sky, sending the crowd dancing and singing to close out the night.

Some events took place earlier on September 28, including the Sharps Chapel History Museum exhibit and the beloved Children’s Cowboys and Tiaras Pageant. All the contestants were dazzling/handsome. Winners were as follows:
Lil’ Miss Sharps Chapel (0-18 months) - Ivy Jones
Lil’ Miss Sharps Chapel (19-35 months) - Blakely Cooper
Lil’ Miss Sharps Chapel (3-4 years) - Maddie Dyer
Miss Sharps Chapel (5-6 years) - Emmylou Welch
Miss Sharps Chapel (10-12 years) - Mia Meza
Cutest Cowboy (infant) - Stetson Burchell
Cutest Cowboy (19-35 months) - Holden Naglitch
Cutest Cowboy (7-9 years) - Cambrix Helton

Looking ahead, we’re excited to create another special history display at a future Open House event once the Rush Strong School restoration is completed.

New this year was the Scarecrow Building Contest. Attendees had a blast voting for their favorite entries, and all proceeds from voting supported our local American Legion Post. The contest was such a hit that we’re already planning to double the entries next year. Ms. Erica and Mrs. Kristi’s Sharps Chapel Pre-K Class won the Kids Category with the Humpty Dumpty Family. Deb Tatum won the individual category with George Jones and Tammy Wynette. There was a local celebrity on display with the winning Group Category Display by Betty Dalton Gang with Mayor Jason Bailey in the outhouse.

A particularly moving moment came when the Union County Navy ROTC honored our nation by presenting the flag, followed by Brenda Beeler’s beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. Pastor Paul Kritch led us in prayer, asking for healing for neighbors affected by the hurricane, recognizing the tireless work of our first responders and expressing gratitude for the gift of living in such a tight-knit, supportive community.

The Kids Zone was a huge hit, offering a variety of activities including a bounce house, a massive inflatable slide, a petting zoo, and a corn pit. Local teens volunteered to facepaint and do hair tinsel. There were also some competitive games in the Kids Zone, including Chess, Cornhole, Football Throw and a Basketball Shoot. The kids also enjoyed a visit from the Maynardville Library with a free book giveaway.

Throughout the festival, attendees enjoyed unique attractions, such as axe throwing, Tommy’s Motorsports displays, First Responder exhibits, a real moonshine still display, and numerous photo opportunities with scarecrows, a massive corn cob made from milk jugs and some good ol’ Masingo classic trucks. The decorations once again rivaled even Dollywood, creating the perfect backdrop for family photos and memories. Our decorating committee knocked it out of the park.

With over 50 vendors and activities for all ages, this year’s festival was an undeniable success. We’re already looking forward to next year.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook at Sharps Chapel Fall Festival, visit our website at sharpschapelfallfestival.com, or email us at chapelfallfest23@gmail.com if you have questions or want to get involved in making next year’s event even better.