News Release

SAVE THE DATE: Big South Fork NRRA to Host 23rd Annual Spring Planting and Music Festival, Saturday, April 29

Mule teams plowing a field

NPS

News Release Date: March 20, 2023

Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will host the 23rd annual Spring Planting and Music Festival on Saturday, April 29, 2023. This festival celebrates the Appalachian way of life that has been such a huge part of the history of the Big South Fork area.

Early families who settled the Big South Fork area practiced subsistence farming. Subsistence farms allowed families to be self-sufficient by utilizing the surrounding forest. Techniques and traditions were passed down throughout the generations, which created strong family bonds and work ethics. Activities on the farm included weaving textiles, tanning animal hides, bee keeping, and blacksmithing.

During the festival, crafters demonstrate forgotten arts such as woodcarving, moonshining, farrier services, longbow hunting, farm animals, a live birds of prey program, gardening, and old-time toys which will delight young and old alike. Toe-tapping tunes of mountain music are performed throughout the area by local musicians. Of special interest is the plowing and planting with mules, which takes place at Lora Blevins field. Other demonstrations will take place at the Oscar Blevins Farm Site as well.

Come celebrate this way of life with us as we provide memorable opportunities for you to experience this important part of our history. For more information about this event, click here: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/springplanting.htm