By Meredith Galyon
For many people who are new to the area, it is sometimes difficult to get caught up on all of the local activities and festivals that downtown Athens has to offer. If you are finding yourself in a similar situation and would like to get more involved with your new community, then here are three of Athens’ biggest festivals that will be sure to get you out of your dorms a during the year.
First, there is MooFest in May. Taking place in historic, downtown Athens, it is a celebration of the important role that the dairy industry plays within our town. There are many educational activities to teach people about how agriculture supports our economy and community. It has plenty of craft activities, food, ice cream, and entertainment to offer, various vendors to buy unique gifts from and also the Ice Cream Crankin’ contest and the Dairy Recipe contest in which to participate. Admission is $3, free to children six and under. Be a part of this celebration on May 30, 2009.
Next there is Pumpkintown, a festival of history, harvest and heritage in downtown Athens, in the fall. It showcases the culture of East Tennessee with storytelling, dancing, live music, crafts, and food. There are plenty of activities from which to choose – such as hay rides, horse drawn carriage rides, antique car and tractor shows, recipe contests and entertainment from bluegrass bands such as Reliance and Hiwassee Ridge. There are several opportunities for learning the history of Athens, with re-enactors from three wars recollecting life back then, and the annual Historical Walking Tour led by gentlemen in full costume of the past. Cherokee culture is also featured with storytelling and dancing. The marketplace is full of booths featuring fresh produce, barbeque, funnel cakes, and pumpkin rolls, as well as unique gifts of everything from jewelry to hand woven quilts and local artwork. Admission is free for all ages. Check with the Downtown Business Association for next year’s date and times.
Wrapping up the year is the Old Fashioned Downtown Christmas. There are so many activities to choose from, it is hard to know where to start. First, there are trolley tours given of beautiful historic homes in downtown Athens. As you round each corner you can see a variety of shows, including performances from the local jazz band and hand bell choirs. A horse-drawn carriage is set up to take visitors on rides around the square to see the lights, stopping at Knight Park to see the Live Nativity Scene with real reindeer. Little kids can see Santa and his elves around the area, and also at the Arts Center, where you can participate in numerous craft projects. Our own students at Tennessee Wesleyan gave lantern tours of the campus. You can also enjoy a variety of holiday treats and hot cider at Keith Manson and other various areas, and have the pleasure of browsing the local shops until 8 pm. Admission is free.
Check with the Downtown Business Association for next year’s date and times. If you thought that the Athens community had nothing to offer, think again. Be sure to become a part of our town’s history by visiting at least one of these festivals next year. http://www.athensdba.org/
