Tennessee Valley Fair canceled
“It is with great sadness that we announce the Tennessee Valley Fair Executive Committee has decided that the 2020 fair, scheduled to be held September 11-20, will not be taking place. We are heartbroken for the attendees as well as the small businesses, exhibitors, and many partners who rely on the exposure the Tennessee Valley Fair brings them.
“However, due to difficulties in planning caused by COVID-19, we could not create the safe and enjoyable fair experience that you have come to know and love. We truly believe this is the right choice to protect the safety and well-being of our fairgoers, staff, and the community. We look forward to brighter days ahead when we can gather again to celebrate with everyone. We are already focusing on how to bring you a fresh experience next year and the many years to come. Thank you so much for your support, and we look forward to seeing you September 10-19, 2021!”

This statement from the Tennessee Valley Fair Website says it all. The Tennessee Valley Fair is canceled for only the third time since its original opening in 1916, when the people of Knoxville decided they wanted a fair of their own. This fair is an event citizens look forward to year-round. Many vendors and exhibitors prepare all year for this fair, including Union County’s own 4-H clubs. Fortunately we have next year’s fair to look forward to and we will enjoy it even more!

Grainger County Tomato Fest canceled
Another significant festival that has canceled due to the coronavirus is the Grainger County Tomato Festival. Since 1992, this festival has occurred on the last week of July in Rutledge. It arose for the primary purpose of promoting the farmers of Grainger County, (expressly the tomatoes grown in Grainger County) as well as authors, artists, craftsmen and talent. In the past, the Tomato Festival has been recognized by Parade Magazine to be one of the top ten free festivals in this country. Unfortunately, the festival has been canceled.
They came to this decision largely because the festival is hosted inside a school, and that school has been sanitized and prepared for the next academic year. Holding a festival in the school building would not only be costly, but would put vendors, participants, and the students at risk. The farmers will still have their produce on their farms and in their local stores, so please be sure to support them. A person can locate these farms and stores by simply taking a drive through Grainger County.

UC Heritage Fest planned for Oct. 3
“Take a Country Road,” The 16th Annual Union County Heritage Festival, will still occur on October 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a 50% vending capacity to help with social distancing, and vendors will be required to wear masks—those handling food will additionally be wearing gloves. Some activities to look forward to include Heritage Olympics (with the exception of pumpkin seed spitting), Fiddle Contest, Hay Bale Throwing Contest, and the Adult Art Show (located at the Snodderly House on Main Street). Another article on the Heritage Festival will appear in the August issue of Historic Union County. Updates are found on www.unioncountyheritagefestival.com.

Thunder In The Park canceled
September 5 would have been the 5th Annual Thunder In The Park Fireworks and Cruise in. Sadly, due to COVID-19, Thunder In The Park has been canceled.
“We were really hoping to be able to pull this off. And... we are looking forward to putting together the best event we can in 2021,” said Union County Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Skibinski.

Thunder In The Park is an amazing fireworks show presented at Wilson Park along with a cruise in, good food and country music jam sessions. The festival first appeared in 2016 when Mike Williams, former Union County Mayor, happened to get a heads up that Knox County was canceling its Labor Day show known as Boomsday. So Mayor Mike contacted Pyro Shows Inc. and brought Boomsday north to Union County and rebirthed it as “Thunder In The Park” with the organizational skill of former Chamber President Leslie Corum.

This years cruise in was to be combined with Union County Children’s Charity Under The Tree, where participants were encouraged to donate a unwrapped toy to the charity. With over 8,000 in attendance regularly and more vendors and attractions added each year, the show will be missed.

Museum of Appalachia is open
The Museum of Appalachia hosts several events as well. Some upcoming events to look forward to are the Independence Day Celebration and Anvil Shoot (July 4), Museum of Appalachia Wedding Showcase (August 20), and last but not least, a Barn Dance! Details for each of these events can be found on their website https://www.museumofappalachia.org.

Luttrell Music Festival canceled
The Luttrell Music Festival that was originally to be held in May and was postponed until June 6, was ultimately canceled due to COVID-19 regulations and difficulty planning around social distancing guidelines.

Luttrell Summer Jam to be held July 25
July 25 will be the fourth annual Summer Jam. The festival will be located at Luttrell Community Center behind the library, and will start at noon with an auction at 5 p.m. before ending at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and concessions will be served. All proceeds will go to Morristown Church of God. For more information call Michael Bailey at (865) 992-1831 or (865) 455-2069.

All who are able and healthy please be sure to support your community and participate in these events! If you are looking for a safe way to get out of the house, take a drive through Tomato Country, or stop by the Museum of Appalachia and check out the historic sights and gift shop, and enjoy the amazing food!