2018 Spring planting & Music Festival

 

In celebration of these skills and traditions of spring, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is hosting the 18th annual Spring Planting and Music Festival April 28, 2018.

 

Mule teams working

WHAT TO EXPECT
During the festival, crafter's demonstrate forgotten arts, such as blacksmithing, hand spinning, weaving, woodcarving, garden herb lore and use, and paling fence making.

In addition, there will be children’s activities, interpretative talks, fun runs, bird watching, vendors demonstrating and selling their wares, and food sales.

There are displays of women's life, antique farm tools, farm animals and old-time toys which will delight young and old alike.

Toe-tapping tunes of mountain music are performed throughout the area by various groups such as the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club (please see below for the set list).

Of special interest is the plowing and planting with mules and horses which takes place at the Lora Blevins field. Other demonstrations will take place at the Oscar Blevins Farm Site as well.

 

LIVE MUSIC
A diverse range of live music acts scheduled* to perform includes bluegrass, traditional Appalachian, singer-songwriter, Americana, clogging, and a flute circle. Scheduled music performances will occur from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET).

LIVE MUSIC LINE-UP

MUSIC TIME	PERFORMER	LOCATION
ALL DAY	Smoky Mountain Flute Circle	Lora Blevins Farmstead
ALL DAY	Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club	Lora Blevins Farmstead
9:30 a.m.	Denis Kiely Clawhammer Banjo & Guitar	Bandy Creek Big Tent
10:00 a.m.-3:00 pm	Gerald Hanwright	Oscar Blevins Farm
10:30 a.m.	Ronnie Lowe	Bandy Creek Big Tent
11:30 a.m.	The Jenkins Family	Bandy Creek Big Tent
12:30 p.m.	Higher Ground	Bandy Creek Big Tent
1:30 p.m.	Spirit Winds	Bandy Creek Big Tent
2:30 p.m.	Sammie Suggitt	Bandy Creek Big Tent
3:30 p.m.	Ghosts of Gatewood	Bandy Creek Big Tent

*Musician and time are subject to change.

 

RANGER-LED PROGRAMS & INTERPRETIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

 

OSCAR BLEVINS FARM AREA

All Day	Various Pioneer Skills Demonstrations
All Day	Snakes—by Pickett State Park
All Day	Mullen Family Trappers

Interpretive programs, demonstrations, and other related events are subject to change or be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

LORA BLEVINS FARM AREA

9:00 -- Mid Afternoon	Plowing of the Fields
All Day	Gardening & Farm Life

Interpretive programs, demonstrations, and other related events are subject to change or be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

BANDY CREEK VISITOR CENTER AREA

TIME	PROGRAM	LOCATION
8-9:00 a.m.	Bird Walk, with Dr. Chuck Nicholson	Bandy Creek Pool
9:00 a.m.	Flag Raising Ceremony, by the Boy Scouts	Visitor Center Flag Pole
All Day	Spirit Winds Native American Demonstrations	Visitor Center
All Day	Junior Ranger Scavenger Hunt	Visitor Center
All Day	Old Timey Toys	Visitor Center
All Day	Davis’s Blacksmith – Modern Day Blacksmith	Food Vendors area

Interpretive programs, demonstrations, and other related events are subject to change or be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

frequently asked questions

 

Mule team ready to work

Where is the event taking place?

Event activities will occur in the Bandy Creek Visitor Center area, the Lora Blevins home site, and the Oscar Blevins farm.

What about parking and getting around?

A designated bus parking area is available for large groups. There will be shuttles running between the three sites every 15 minutes to allow the visitor to experience all the activities.

How much does it cost to attend?
This event is free to attend.

What may I bring for increased comfort?
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and bug spray and enjoy a great day of good food and music!

Where can I get more information?
For more information, call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at
[phone].

Please click here for a downloadable brochure on the day's events.