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.

Wild Blue Yonder band returns to headline the Gospel Tent at the 20th Union County Heritage Festival.
Acoustic mountain gospel, old-time and bluegrass songs in Appalachian style are the heart and soul of Wild Blue Yonder, based in Knoxville. Fiddle, cello, mandolin, banjo, guitar and three-part harmonies combine in a rootsy blend, honoring the rich musical traditions of the Smoky Mountains and beyond.

The Union County Heritage Festival Quilt Show is Saturday October 5, at Union County Museum and will have adult and youth categories for judging.
All quilters are invited to bring your quilts to the museum on Thursday, October 3, between 1:30 and 6 p.m. Ellen Perry and Patricia Campbell will be at the museum to accept entries.

The Union County Heritage Festival Art Show will be held Saturday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Historic Snodderly House, 721 Main Street, in Maynardville. Park at the house or the parking lot across from the Art Show. On Festival Day, parking is also available at Wilson Park where visitors can ride the big yellow bus free shuttle to the Art Show. New this year is a Youth Art Exhibit.
The show is a juried mixed-media exhibition open to artists of all ages. The exhibition is intended to showcase artwork produced throughout our area. There is no entry fee.

The Union County Youth Talent Show is a new addition to the Union County Heritage Festival on Saturday, October 5. The show is not a contest. There is no entry fee. There are two shows and participants need to choose only one show. Show Times are 11 a.m. to noon and1 to 2 p.m. at Woods Music Heritage Theater, 3765 Maynardville Hwy, where the Pizza parlor used to be in Maynardville and next to the News Leader. Registration forms are available at Woods Music or online at unioncountyheritagefestival.net. and attached to this article.