The Union County Heritage Festival is inviting youth and adults from across the community to share their talents, creativity and family traditions this fall. The festival’s competitive exhibits are due Thursday, Oct. 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 2, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Union County Extension Office 2721 Maynardville Hwy, Maynardville TN.
The contest is open to youth in kindergarten through 12th grade as well as adults, offering a wide variety of categories for participants to enter. Exhibitors may showcase everything from farm-fresh eggs and home-canned foods to handmade artwork and family recipes.
Egg entries include white, brown, blue/green and other varieties of eggs. Canning exhibits may feature fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, pickles, relishes and other preserved foods. Exhibitors should use standard clear-glass canning jars and label their entries appropriately.
Those with sewing and crafting skills can enter sewing and needle art projects, including aprons, pillowcases, stuffed animals, tote bags, clothing and other handmade items. Creative participants can also decorate a pumpkin using paint, wrapping, glue, embellishments or other materials. Pumpkins must remain whole and uncarved and should be suitable for public display.
Gardeners are encouraged to enter a sunflower head grown in their own garden. Entries will be judged on size, appearance, condition and overall quality. Seed artists can create original pictures, designs or scenes using seeds of different types, sizes and colors.
Additional fall-themed categories include a miniature scarecrow and a fall-themed mason jar. Scarecrows must be handmade and no taller than 24 inches, while mason jars should feature fall decorations such as leaves, pumpkins, flowers, ribbons or other seasonal materials.
One of the most personal categories is the Heritage Family Recipe, which celebrates family traditions and memories. Participants should submit a completed recipe card along with a short description explaining the recipe’s family history or significance. Photos of the finished dish are encouraged.
Exhibitors should complete the entry form and provide descriptions for their items. All entries must be picked up by 3 p.m. at the conclusion of the festival. Extension Agents encourage participants to enter and help celebrate the creativity, agricultural heritage and family traditions that make Union County special. Questions or more information, contact Sarah Stokely Cook at 865-992-8038 or madsstok@utk.edu