Wild Blue Yonder headlines the Union County Heritage Festival on the Emily Link Gazebo Main Stage on October 4 at Wilson Park behind the high school. Acoustic mountain gospel, old-time, and bluegrass songs in Appalachian style are heart and soul of Wild Blue Yonder. With a home base practically in spittin’ distance of Union County, WBY honors the rich musical traditions that have echoed from our ridges for centuries. The trio includes classical cellist/fiddler/vocalist Kristiana McCombs Arnwine, 2022 winner of the Mountain Soul vocal competition in Sevier County. With her vocal skills and engaging stage presence, Kristiana wowed the crowd at Bloomin’ BBQ Music & Food Festival in conjunction with the competition. She is also a proficient pianist, guitarist and writer. Rounding out the trio are Phillip Coward, who plays banjo, and Melissa Wade, who sings and plays guitar. Don't miss the nod to the past with three-part harmony at 1:30.

A variety of other bluegrass and country bands complete the main stage line-up. Opening the main stage at 10 a.m. will be the UCHS Chorus and the UCHS Band followed by the Union County Line Dancers at 10:45. A special tribute to Frank Grizzell happens at 11:50. At noon, Tennessee Brushfire and Southern Spirit energize the crowd with lots of fiddlin’, pickin’, and toe tappin’ to usher in WBY at 1:30. Following WBY will be Tim Childress and the Unwound Band. Sleepy-Eyed John's Band will sing and clog the festival to a close.

The Heritage Festival also boasts a Country Gospel Tent. At 10:45 a.m., the opening act will be Southern Spirit, a lively duo who perform many original country and ole time gospel songs. Chris Hooper’s roots are in Sharps Chapel while Shandy Glover hails from Knoxville. Following at 11:45 comes BetterThanNothing Band. Union County’s own Brenda Beeler accompanied by Ray Bull performs at 12:45. Darrell Williams Group with special guest Ben Woods commands the stage at 1:45. Rounding out the performances is The Hubbs Grove Boys at 2:45.

Find a seat or bring your own to clap your hands, tap your toes, and enjoy the music of today and yesteryear as the festival committee conjures up a musical experience of this year’s theme, “Plowing the Fields.”

Don’t miss Grandma’s chicken and dumplins and fried pies, the heritage vendors and crafts tractors and more at Wilson Park, the fresh produce from the farmers market, the pie and cake baking contests, the quilt show at the Union County Museum, the youth talent show at Woods Heritage Theater, and the art show at the Snodderly House. Admission and parking are free. A free shuttle travels to all venues.