The theme of the Union County Heritage Festival on October 5 is Remembering Grandpa. The 20th annual event will immerse you in all things that remind you of the most lovable grandfathers you can imagine―from eating hot, freshly baked cornbread and pie to admiring finely handcrafted bowls and woodcraft. Check the centerfold of Historic Union County for the complete program.
The festival kicks off with a parade led by the JROTC and followed by the UCHS Band, the UCHS Chorus, and “Doily Parton,” Grandpa Jack, and Cousin Jed at 9:45. The parade will travel from the UCHS front entrance down Wilson Lane to the Gazebo. Mayor Jason Bailey will be the Master of Ceremonies to welcome everyone, especially the grandpas. The veterans and the Cub Scouts will lead the pledge, and the UCHS Band will play the National Anthem as the UCHS Choir sings.
Visitors can park at Union County High School and enjoy the main event in Wilson Park or board the Free Shuttle (the big yellow bus) sponsored by Monroe Bus Lines, State Farm Insurance, and the City of Plainview to travel to the Woods Music for the Youth Talent Show at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., to the Union County Museum for the Heritage Day Quilt Show, and to the Historic Snodderly House for the Art Show. All venues are open from 10 to 4.
At the Wilson Park entrance will be Smokey the Bear and some of the equipment used by the Tennessee Division of Forestry. On the grounds will be more than 100 vendors. Arts and craft vendors include woodworking from signs to bowls, wreath making with grapevine, burlap, and tulle, quilts, beaded jewelry, soy candles, custom tumblers, embroidered shirts, stitched quilts, and handmade items of every kind. Heritage crafts demonstrate corn milling, leather crafting, wood turning, blacksmithing, wool spinning, embroidery, crochet and soap making. Purchase The Whittler, the collectible print by Betty Bullen, at the Information Booth 64-65.
Get a hamburger, Italian sausage, tacos, beans and cornbread, hot dogs, fried bologna, hibachi steak, barbecue, smoked chicken wings or chicken 'n dumplins for lunch along with your favorite soda or lemonade. You can even have dessert of fried pie, ice cream, a brownie, chocolate pretzel, a favorite cookie, cupcake or slice of pie.
Then head to the Gazebo or the Country Gospel tent for the best bluegrass, country, and gospel music that you or grandpa have ever heard. Be sure and get a sample of hot buttery cornbread from those young 4-H bakers in the concession stand. Wash it down with some hot chocolate or coffee or a drink from the UCHS softball and baseball teams at Booth 39.
Stoney Point Bluegrass Band headlines the Emily Link Gazebo while Wild Blue Yonder Band anchors the Gospel Tent. Grab a lunch and enjoy a complete music lineup at the gazebo beginning with the UCHS Band and Choir followed by the Union County Line Dancers, Stoney Point, Southern Spirit, Wild Blue Yonder, Tennessee Brushfire, and Sleepy-Eyed John. At the Gospel Tent, Southern Spirit opens the show. The music continues with BetterThanNothing Band, Brand New Box of Matches and The Hubbs Grove Boys.
Contests abound before and during the Festival. Hopefully you or someone you know entered the Heritage Pie Baking Contest, sponsored by Tammie Hill of Realty Executives Associates, and coordinated by Union County FCE and UT Extension Union County. Await the results of the Pie Baking Contest. just after the Grandpa Tribute at Wilson Park behind the 4-H Biscuit Baking, experience the Heritage Olympics sponsored by A & B Bookkeeping. Throw a skillet, toss a feedbag, drive a nail, or have your child race with a spoon holding an egg just like kids did in grandpa's childhood. Information for all contests are at www.unioncountyheritagefestival.net.
On your way to the Olympics, visit ICARE’s new drug prevention trailer. Then go on up the hill past the Heritage Olympics and the 4-H Exhibits to view the heritage crafts. Chat with the crafters to find out how they have patiently learned the art of blacksmithing, corn milling, leather working, and wool spinning. Watch the blacksmith forge a pot hook. Just a little farther and you can have Rigger Jed craft you a custom leather bracelet or belt. That sweater in your closet was first spun from wool and our wool spinner will demonstrate that ancient art.
Board the Free Shuttle and travel to the Historic Snodderly House to stroll through the Art Show. A variety of mixed media art including 2D, 3D, and photography await your viewing. Many will cause you to remember something you did at Grandpa’s house long ago or a more recent adventure in the hills of Appalachia.
As you ride the shuttle back to Wilson Park, don’t forget dessert or supper to go. Follow your heart’s desire for funnel cake, gourmet cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cotton candy or pie at Wilson Park. Memories of grandpa’s hand churned ice cream may tell you to end the day with ice cream at Sticks & Scoops. As you enjoy that ice cream, get a pumpkin or other fresh produce at the farmers market near the parking lot. Hopefully as you return to your car you are laden with the day’s treasures so you can share your own story with your grandchildren or others to perpetuate the memory of going to grandpa's.
And come back next year for the 21st Heritage Festival on October 4, 2025.