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Pumpkintown:  A Festival of History,

Harvest, & Heritage

Saturday, October 11, 2008   ~   10 - 6

Historic downtown Athens, Tennessee

Admission is free

Pumpkintown showcases the rich cultural history of East Tennessee traditional arts, crafts, music, food, storytelling, dancing  …

At Knight’s Park, heritage crafts demonstrators will carve, quilt, make baskets and remind us of the beauty of handmade items along with the Community Artists League, who will have their annual fundraising sale of original miniature art works by members.

Along the streets of beautiful historic downtown Athens, children’s activities, a variety of vendors, and plenty of food choices are sure to provide fun for the entire family.

Contests

bring your

        recipes              scarecrows          & pumpkins

On two stages, organizers welcome back favorites, Reliance and Hiwassee Ridge, and are please to introduce Roscoe Morgan & Lonely Train as well as the String Mountain Band as part of the musical entertainment roster this year’s festival.

There will be Children’s old fashioned games, Clogging exhibitions, Storytelling, Cherokee culture music and dance, Revolutionary war re-enactors, a Historical Walking Tour, a lecture on Underground Railroad Quilts …. antiques, antique car show, fresh produce ...and more...

Directions: I-75 - exit 49.  turn east.  You will be on TN-30, David W Lillard Memorial Hwy.  Travel 4 miles - then turn right on Jackson Street.  You will now be in Historic Downtown Athens.

A tiny McMinn County settlement called Pumpkintown disappeared many years ago and few records remain to tell her story, but for one golden afternoon, the little town is remembered.  Learn more at Pumpkintown Festival, downtown Athens, October 11th...

For more click here

The Downtown Business Association
P.O. Box 1649
Athens, TN 37371-1649
ph: (423) 746-0699
alt: (423) 746-9041
lizz@athensdba.org

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Old Fashioned Downtown Christmas

check back for 2008 date!

Historic downtown Athens, Tennessee

Admission is free

• Trolley Tours of beautifully decorated Historic Homes.
• Hand-bells, Dancers, Children's Choirs, Puppetry and Storytelling!
• Horse-Drawn Carriage rides around Knight Park to see the Live Nativity Scene and the Real Reindeer!
• Calling all Kids!  Stop by to visit with Mayfield’s Maggie the cow and contact the North Pole by ham radio about your Christmas List.....
• Santa Claus & his elves at Rick Love’s Front Porch 4-6pm
• He'll also be at The Arts Center  from 6-8pm along with Children’s Crafts Projects, Face-painting by The Community Artists League and the TWC Chorale.
• Tennessee Wesleyan College will be conducting Lantern Tours through their lovely campus.
• 5 Stages will ring with Christmas music, dance and more.
•  Hot & tasty treats will be available to eat & drink in various areas.
• The downtown shops will be open till 8pm and there will be a variety of interesting vendors set up as well.

click here for time schedules and more

More About Athens, Tennessee...

The courthouse square and its surrounding streets mark the center of Historic Downtown Athens. An eclectic blend of architectural styles speak of the history and development in the commercial district of this Southern town established in 1821.

A variety of unique shops, professional offices, service businesses and restaurants are located in Historic Downtown Athens for the enjoyment of local residents and visitors alike.

Today, one might find a private residence in an 1836 railroad office, a trendy boutique in a 1920's grocery store, a B&B in a 1909 private residence or a lawyer's office in an old movie theatre. A1950's style lunch counter/soda fountain is still where people meet and greet one another over a "daily special".

click here for more on historic downtown Athens

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National MOO Fest

Saturday, May 31, 2008

a great time was had by all . . . .

check back for 2009 date!

Historic downtown Athens, Tennessee

Admission is $3

11am  -  7pm

  ...celebrating the important role

the dairy industry plays

within one of Tennessee's

most historic towns.

Athens, Tennessee invites you to a fun-filled day of

crafts, food, homemade ice cream, entertainment,

historical and educational activities. 

Plus! a shuttle service to Mayfield Dairy Farms Visitor Center

for free tours.

“Years ago, agriculture was the focal point of most rural communities. It supported their economies, communities and politics. MooFest will emphasize how the dairy industry contributes to Athens, as well as to this region of Tennessee,” said John Forgety, McMinn County Superintendent of Schools and CEO of the National MooFest Executive Board. “MooFest is also a fun way to create public awareness and educate the community while bringing our families together for some good old fashioned fun.”

McMinn County has roots firmly planted in Tennessee’s agricultural landscape. It ranks among the state’s top two counties for the number of milk cows, and is home to Mayfield Dairy Farms, one of the south’s most beloved milk and ice cream producers. What started as a local family farm has evolved into a McMinn County landmark that serves nine states and one of Tennessee’s agricultural icons.

Directions:

We are approximately half way between Knoxville and Chattanooga

off of I-75. Take exit 49.  Turn east.  You will be on TN-30, David W Lillard Memorial Hwy.  Travel 4 miles - then turn right on Jackson Street.  You will now be in Historic Downtown Athens.

click here for more

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more funfilled annual events in Athens