Union County bakers, it’s time to preheat the ovens—the Cake and Pie Contests are back for the 2025 Union County Heritage Festival. This much-loved tradition brings together the community’s best bakers while raising funds to support the Union County Family & Community Education (FCE) Club.

The contests are free to enter and open to all ages. Entries must be completely homemade, with no store-bought mixes, frostings, crusts, or fillings allowed. Each entry should be accompanied by a recipe card and completed registration form.

Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) members enjoyed a full month of activities in September, beginning with FCE Day at the Tennessee Valley Fair on Tuesday, September 9, in Knoxville.

The Union County Extension Office is asking for input from local residents to help shape future Family and Consumer Science (FCS) programs. FCS programs cover a wide range of topics that support families and communities, including nutrition and cooking, financial literacy, health and wellness, parenting, and more.

Abigail Thomas, Union County’s Family and Consumer Science Agent, is conducting a needs assessment to better understand what resources and programs would be most helpful to the people of Union County.

Not all oven settings are created equal. Today’s modern ovens often come with “Bake,” “Convection,” and even “Air Fry” options. Knowing the difference can save time in the kitchen and help you get the best results from your cooking.

The Union County Heritage Festival is set for Saturday, October 4, 2025, and one of the sweetest traditions will once again take center stage: the Cake and Pie Contests. Bakers of all ages are invited to show off their skills, compete for cash prizes, and help raise funds for the Union County Family & Community Education (FCE) Club.

Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to attend a special Deer Processing Class presented by Union County Extension’s Family and Consumer Science Agent, with guest presenters, on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson’s Deer Processing, 520 W Mountain View Rd, Corryton, TN 37721.

This free, hands-on workshop will feature a live demonstration on how to properly field dress a deer and how to break it down into different cuts of meat. Participants will also receive information on venison recipes and how to safely preserve venison so nothing goes to waste.

Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) held its August meeting at the Union County Extension Office. This month’s meeting featured a yard sale fundraiser, which proved to be a great success.

Members brought a wide variety of items including clothing, jewelry, children’s items, home décor, and household goods. Community members showed up in wonderful support, browsing the sale and helping raise funds to support our FCE programs. A special clothing deal at noon added excitement, allowing shoppers to fill a grocery bag with clothes for just five dollars.

Keeping your cutting boards clean and in good condition is essential for food safety. Over time, boards can develop deep grooves, cracks, or warping that harbor bacteria and increase the risk of foodborne illness. While there isn’t a specific timeline from University Extension services for replacing cutting boards, following these best practices can help ensure a safe kitchen.

Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) members are gearing up for a busy fall filled with service projects, educational opportunities, and special events.

At the August 21 meeting, the group will host a yard sale fundraiser at the Union County Extension Office from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Proceeds will support community programs, educational outreach, and service projects throughout the year.

Union County 4-H is inviting local youth to kick off the new school year with a morning full of fun, food, and fellowship! The 4-H Back to School Brunch will be held Saturday, August 16th at 10 AM, hosted by the Union County 4-H Honor Club.

The event is open to all students in 4th–12th grade and will feature free food, games, and plenty of activities to get excited about the school year ahead. Youth are encouraged to wear their favorite school-appropriate pajamas and enjoy a make-your-own pancake station along with delicious brunch sides.