The Union County Extension Office will be hosting a Simmer Pot Kit Christmas Class on Tuesday, December 2nd at 5:00 p.m. This festive and hands-on workshop will take place at the Union County Extension Office and offers a fun opportunity to learn new skills while preparing for the holiday season.
The Union County Extension Office invites the community to kick off the holiday season with a festive, hands-on Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Chuck Swan State Forest in Sharps Chapel.
The workshop will take place on Thursday, November 21 at 10 a.m. at 3500 Sharps Chapel Road, Sharps Chapel, TN 37866. The cost to attend is $20, and space is limited.
As the holiday season approaches, the Union County Fresh Wagon program is asking for the community’s help to collect non-perishable food items for local families in need. Donations will be accepted November 1-14, and every contribution helps make a difference for a neighbor this holiday season.
We are currently collecting boxes of stuffing mix, packages of instant mashed potatoes and boxes of macaroni and cheese. Any brands and sizes are acceptable.
The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) Club invites the public to attend its November meeting on Thursday, November 21, at 10 a.m. at the Extension Office.
This month’s meeting will serve as the group’s annual Thanksgiving gathering, featuring a menu of soups and sandwiches. Members and guests are encouraged to bring a soup, sandwich, dessert or drink to share as everyone enjoys a time of food and fellowship.
As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to bring family and friends together. This time of year means it’s officially chili season—and that means cook-off time too! Whether you’re stirring up a pot for your family, tailgating at a game, or entering a local competition, everyone has their own secret recipe.
Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you make the perfect pot of chili:
Hunters and community members from across the region gathered on Saturday for a hands-on deer processing class hosted at Johnson’s Deer Processing & Taxidermy, at 520 W Mountain View Road in Corryton. The class was led by Tyler Johnson, who provided a live demonstration and detailed instruction on how to properly and safely field dress a deer.
The annual Pie and Cake Contest at the UC Heritage Festival was a huge hit this year, drawing an impressive 27 delicious entries from local bakers eager to show off their culinary talents. The sweet aroma of pies and cakes filled the air as judges sampled everything from fruit-filled creations to rich chocolate delights.
In the Pie Contest, Kathy Venturella took home the title of Grand Champion Pie and a $100 prize with her show-stopping Lemon Meringue Pie.
Union County bakers have one last chance to enter the Cake and Pie Contests at the 2025 Union County Heritage Festival. Entries will be accepted at the Union County Extension Office on Thursday, October 2, from 4 to 5 p.m., and Friday, October 3, from 8 to 11 a.m. Judging will take place Friday at 12:30 p.m.
The Union County Extension Office will host a free Deer Processing Class on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson’s Deer Processing, 520 W Mountain View Rd, Corryton, TN 37721. The class is presented by Union County Extension’s Family and Consumer Science Agent with several guest presenters.
The Cake & Pie Contests are back at the Union County Heritage Festival—Friday, October 3rd! This sweet tradition is serving up $500 in prize money for the best bakers in Union County.
Prizes:
Grand Champion (Cake & Pie): $100 each
1st Place in Each Category: $50 each
Cake Categories: Layered • Sheet • Bundt
Pie Categories: Fruit • Cream • Nut/Other
Entry Drop-Off: Thursday, Oct. 2 | 4–5 PM and Friday, Oct. 3 | 8–11 AM at the Union County Extension Office
Judging begins Friday, Oct. 3 at 12:30 PM.