Until I began working for Hamilton County Schools at Birchwood Elementary, I had not heard of the Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival (or Birchwood TN Sandhill Crane Festival). I don’t know why not. This is a gem of an educational and fun opportunity.

The school was still open when I first became involved in Crane Days, and the teachers, students, and community were heavy into the preparations and running of the festival. TWRA (TN Wildlife Resources Agency) was the other main force behind the festival. They operate the Hiwassee Refuge near Birchwood where thousands of birds (not just Sandhill Cranes) come to rest and refresh. One year I actually saw a whooping crane!

As far as I know it has always been held on the weekend preceding Martin Luther King Day, and always free. I was on the committee for several years, but one time I had the responsibility of getting donations for the food that local community members have always cooked and served to visitors of the festivities. I vowed I would get all the food we needed donated. I believe I came pretty close. Every grocery store and many businesses in a fifty mile radius was asked for help, from Ingles to United Grocery Outlet—from Sweetwater to Chattanooga, Etowah to Birchwood. Those who couldn’t donate food, donated money. One grocery store in Charleston gave us 40 pounds of ground beef for the chili. It was a glorious time, but nerve-wracking.

Over the years a simplified shuttle system was developed to take people from the school/community center to the Hiwassee Refuge and to the Cherokee Removal site that was built around 2008 near Blythe Ferry on the Tennessee River. Each year various programs have presented information about birds, Cherokee history, and music. One constant is the American Eagle Foundation and their raptor show. (They are headquartered in Pigeon Forge and have a close partnership with Dollywood.) I learned something new every year.

After the school closed, I went for several years as a vendor selling my books. Even when I wasn’t selling, I became acquainted with people from all over the country and even a few people from other countries. Birders, history buffs, kids and adults—this event is well worth the trip down I-75 to highway 60 to Birchwood. Here is a link for this year’s event: https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/birds/sandhill-crane-festival.html

Susan Kite is the author of five books with two more in pre-publication. She is a member of Authors Guild of Tennessee. Her books can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B00J91G0ZU/