This year, Union County is ringing in the holiday season with many family-friendly events offered to the community and visitors. While the leaves of a late autumn season are peaking, the county is beautiful, and now that the fall carnivals, hayrides, and visits to the pumpkin patch are wrapping up, it is time to mark your calendars for some spectacular Christmas events.
Cut your own tree

September is a time of heading into fall festivals, football, and homecoming for communities like Maynardville. On Friday, September20, Maynardville held its annual Homecoming Parade and football game. The parade began at 5:30pm with some beautiful floats and homecoming queen candidates tossing candy to the crowds as they cruised the streets.

Some of my fondest Christmas memories as a young child were traveling to downtown Knoxville to watch the annual Christmas Parade. While bundled in a winter coat and sometimes a blanket, I would huddle with my younger brother or sometimes sit on the curb to witness the amazing floats and colorful bands.