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Contact: Chris Derman
ONEIDA, TN- The National Park Service invites the public and seeks vendors for the 26th Annual Spring Planting and Music Festival on Saturday, April 25 in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Experience the Traditions of Past Generations
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Oscar and Lora Blevins Farm Sites and the Bandy Creek area, this free, family-friendly event invites visitors to immerse themselves in the heritage of the Big South Fork region. Visitors will have the chance to experience live demonstrations, traditional crafts, music and hands-on activities that showcase the self-sufficient way of life practiced by generations past.
One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights is the plowing and planting demonstration with mule and horse teams at the Lora Blevins field. This demonstration offers a glimpse into the hard work and ingenuity that sustained Appalachian farms for centuries.
Children and adults alike will enjoy exploring old-time toys and taking part in interactive exhibits that make history come alive. Interpretative talks will provide deeper insight into the skills and values that defined Appalachian life.
Throughout the day, the festival will be filled with the sound of live music, performed by some of the region’s most talented musicians. The lively tunes will set the perfect atmosphere for a day of celebration and discovery. The Spring Planting and Music Festival will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
Call for Craft and Food Vendors
This event is an opportunity for vendors to showcase handmade goods, artisanal crafts and homemade foods.
A one-time fee of $25 is required for both food and craft vendors interested in being a part of this one-day festival. This fee can also be applied towards an application to be part of other park-sponsored events. All vendors will need to bring their own tent, table, chairs and equipment. While electrical hook-ups and water access will be provided, please be aware that generators are not allowed.
All food vendors must have a Certified Food Manager on site, as mandated by NPS policy. Obtaining this certification involves passing a food safety exam accredited by the American National Standards Institute, which can be done online. The cost and additional details for this certification can be found at https://aaafoodhandler.com/food-manager-certification/. Along with your application, please submit a copy of the CFM certificate, general liability insurance, the most recent inspection report and business license for review and approval.
Interested individuals should contact the permit coordinator at 423-569-7321, or biso_cua_sup@nps.gov. Applications are available online at https://www.nps.gov/biso/getinvolved/commercial-use-authorization-application-and-requirements.htm. While craft vendor applications will be accepted up until the day of the event, food vendors need to apply no later than March 21.
For additional information on this special event as well as other events, call us at 423-286-7275, or visit online at: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/springplanting.htm.
www.nps.gov
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, X(Twitter), and YouTube.
Last updated: March 2, 2026