Tennessee Fall Homecoming

Nestled in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains, off of I-75 just outside of Norris, TN, is the Museum of Appalachia. Founded in 1969 by John Rice Irwin, it’s mission is to “…seek not only to preserve the physical relics of an earlier time; our greater mission is to instill…a greater knowledge of and appreciation for the Appalachian heritage.” Today it is a Smithsonian Institution’s Affiliations Program. It is a collection of buildings, artifacts and, most importantly, people to demonstrate a way of life that existed throughout the Appalachians and still can be found if you have the time and inclination to look for it.

Every year on the second weekend in October, they hold a celebration of music, pioneer skills and crafts with Appalachian artisans and, of course, traditional Southern food. Tennessee Fall Homecoming has been held for 35 consecutive years and fills the hills and hollers of East Tennessee with traditional mountain, folk, bluegrass, Gospel, and old-time country music. This year’s musical lineup included 65 local, national and internationally known performers including Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Della Mae and Blue Moon Rising. For more, check out the Tennessee Fall Homecoming Videos page.

So here is my record of two days of music, culture…and rain.

The cantilever barn is found primarily in the Appalachian region of Tennesse, NorthCarolina, Virginiaand Kentucky and in the Ozarks in Arkansas.  The breeze-way served as stage 3 for the performers.

This old gristmill was moved from the community of Boone’s Creek.

The McClung House was moved from south Knoxville and served as stage 2 for the performers.

Some of the local per-formers on the porch of the General Bunch House.

One of the artisans demonstrates the use of the draw knife and the shaving horse. When I asked him what he was making, he replied “I ain’t exactly sure, but it’s gonna have a round han’le”

A blacksmith demon-strates his skill. You can buy a wrought iron cross necklace or a full set of handmade fire-place utensils.

There even seemed to be some pickin’ and grinnin’ at the whiskey still. (And looks like a little imbibing!)

The Sons of Confede-rate Veterans was well represented.

Another artisan demon- strates an old flintlock rifle to a couple of attendees.

Still another artisan shares his skills with one of the attendees.

Santa even showed up doing a little early marketing.

I’m not sure if the gent on the right is a “char-acter” or if he usually dresses that way. (I lean toward the latter.)

I don’t believe the two folks in the background are in costume.

And, of course, in East Tennessee, even the portapotties are Big Orange!