Townsend, Tennessee, is a picture perfect vacation destination perched at the mouth of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Staying here means you’ll be treated to magnificent natural vistas, more activities than you know what to do with, a rich local history and events for the entire family.
In and around Townsend the landscape is beautiful, you’ll find sprawling forests, streams, unique rock formations, abundant wildlife and so much more. The area is a photographer's delight, especially during sunrise and sunset. Whether you're into hiking, rafting, fishing or biking, it doesn't matter, Townsend has the outdoor activities to mold any getaway into a memorable outdoor adventure.
The storied history of the area is on display at great locations throughout town. The Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center features great living history learning opportunities, interactive displays, examples of old time construction, and more. The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum is dedicated to preserving the impact of these two industries on this unique mountain community. One of the best ways to meet the people, learn about the city, and familiarize yourself with your surroundings is during one of the great community events.
The Townsend in the Smokies Fall Heritage Festival has been a well received event since its inception in 1991. The festival has quite a following, and they are expecting at least 8,000 people in attendance for this year’s event. There will be talented bluegrass bands that will be performing free of charge. You’ll find an art and craft show, where vendors will be selling a variety of handmade creations. If you're a foodie or just looking for a snack, there will be 12 different food vendors serving up a variety of options. Take your next Smoky Mountain getaway to a new plateau of enjoyment and stop by the Townsend in the Smokies Fall Heritage Festival! ResortsandLodges.com got the chance to interview Jeff Muir, Director of Communications for the Blount Partnership, to talk about this great community event.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
JM: The Townsend in the Smokies Fall Heritage Festival began in 1991 and is held annually during the final weekend of September. It actually has a sister event called Townsend in the Smokies Spring Festival held during the first weekend of May.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
JM: The fall event traditionally draws between 8,000 and 9,000 during the two days. As one might expect, a nice sunny weekend really helps with attendance.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
JM: The event draws people of all ages. They come to see the many unique crafters and to listen to the different bluegrass bands.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
JM: Admission to the event is free and there is $8 parking onsite. Proceeds from the parking go to benefit the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department.
None of the bluegrass performers are paid and there is no fee to watch the bands. What’s really great is when the bands wrap up their sets, they often strike up a small playing session around the Visitors Center and people can play alongside the musicians.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
JM: The bluegrass bands begin playing 40-minute sets around 11:30 am or noon. There are upwards of 40 crafters and demonstrators on the grounds selling handmade items from jewelry to mountain photos and much more.
RAL: What dining options will there be?
JM: There are usually 12-15 food vendors onsite selling BBQ, hot dogs, chicken, ribs, bloomin’ onions, ribbon fries, kettle corn and other snacks.
RAL: Tell me about the environment of the Festival?
JM: It’s a family-friendly environment with no pets allowed. Patrons bring their lawn chairs weeks beforehand and set them up and leave them in the parking lot in front of the stage to stake out their spot.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
JM: The Townsend area boasts nine campgrounds from primitive to full service. There are also six bed and breakfasts that offer glorious mountain views. Additionally, there are over 40 cabin rental locations and nine hotels/motels offering more than 300 rooms.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
JM: This is an annual event that is embraced by the Townsend community because it makes a significant economic impact. The major benefactor of the event is the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department, which receives fundraising twice a year with a portion of the parking fees going directly to them.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
JM: Yes, it does bring in visitors who visit shops and restaurants when they take a break from the festival and explore the area.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JM: The two-day event provides an atmosphere where families and friends of all ages can partake in time-honored Appalachian traditions. The festival centers around traditional and contemporary bluegrass and mountain music, along with clogging and square dancing. There will also be art and craft booths, numerous Appalachian demonstrations, old-fashioned kids’ games, and traditional Southern food like fried pies and kettle corn.
For more information about the Townsend in the Smokies Fall Heritage Festival, please visit their website.