Get your paintbrush, camera, carving tools, lathes, potters’ wheel, stitching needles or any other artistic tool ready to create a piece to enter the Union County Heritage Art Show on October 4.
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.
The Union County Roy Acuff Museum was the place to be on October 5, 2024, during the Union County Heritage Festival if you wanted to view the exquisite handiwork of area quilters. Draped along the museum's upper floor were a spectrum of colors arranged and organized by Ellen Perry and Patricia Campbell. Among the 58 quilts were three antique quilts including a 103 years old hand made treasure and a vintage one quilted by the Amish. Ribbons were handmade to reflect the art of quilting and sewing. The judges bestowed these artistic awards to quilters in an assortment of categories.
The Union County Heritage Festival Olympics delivered another exciting round of competition on October 5, 2024, with folks showing off their skills in a series of traditional contests. Sixty-five participants of all ages participated in the event. The event featured the Nail Driving Contest, Feed Bag Toss, and Skillet Toss, where winners emerged after intense battles for the top spots.
Nail Driving Contest
The 20th annual Union County Heritage Festival opened with a parade led by the UCHS JROTC, Band, and Choir on October 5, 2024. Following the chorus was a wild west covered wagon that is over 100 years old pulled by a couple of mules. Inside the wagon were Mayor Jason Bailey, Doily Parton, Grandpa Jack, and Cousin Jed, who welcomed the crowd of onlookers. The parade traveled down Wilson Lane to the Emily Link Gazebo where the JROTC presented the colors. The Veterans, the Scouts, and the attendees recited the pledge. The UCHS Band played and the UCHS Choir led the National Anthem.
The Union County Heritage Festival showcased remarkable talent and skill from both youth and adult participants in this year's 4-H Youth and Adults Exhibits. The annual event featured a variety of categories, from sewing and needle art to canned goods and farm-fresh eggs. The Union County community came together to celebrate the hard work and creativity of its members.
Carol Pratt of Union County FCE and Abby Thomas of UT Extension Union County announced the winners of the 2024 Union County Heritage Festival Pie Baking Contest. FCE Judges tasted and judged the overall appearance, the crust and the taste in addition to reviewing the recipe with each pie. Brittany Bowlin was named 2024 Grand Champion Pie Baker and received $100 for her Pecan Cream Pie.
The theme of the Union County Heritage Festival on October 5 is Remembering Grandpa. The 20th annual event will immerse you in all things that remind you of the most lovable grandfathers you can imagine―from eating hot, freshly baked cornbread and pie to admiring finely handcrafted bowls and woodcraft. Check the centerfold of Historic Union County for the complete program.
Inspired by memories of curled shavings piled on the porch or under the tree to be caught by little children or the wind, “The Whittler” reminds us of a time when grandpas and many of the men would gather to tell stories, swap Case knives, and whittle.
"Stitched with Love, Remembering Grandma" is the 2023 Union County Heritage Festival Limited Edition Collectible Print. The inspiration for the 2023 Limited Edition Collectible Print by noted artist Betty Bullen was her own memories of grandmothers who lovingly stitched quilts for their grandchildren. This year’s festival theme is “Going to Grandma’s.”