Fall Harvest Guide 2023

Happy Fall Y’ALL

Come and enjoy the 37th annual Newport Harvest Street Festival

Newport, TN – On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7-8, the streets of downtown Newport will again be filled with people, food, crafts and entertainment as an East Tennessee tradition continues!

The day will begin with the Newport AMVETS Post 75 coordinating the opening ceremony on Saturday morning. We appreciate our men and women from all military branches who sacrificed for the livelihood of others. The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the entertainment stage tent on Broadway next to the courthouse lawn. We welcome you to attend and show your appreciation for our military.

As you stroll through the streets of downtown Newport, you will have the opportunity to purchase many handmade arts and crafts, pottery, quilting and paintings from local artists. There will also be children’s toys, apparel, fall and Christmas décor and other handmade items from around the area. You will also see several new vendors along the streets like Gabby’s Galaxy Goodies with their freeze dried packaged candies that you don’t want to miss, and Captain Tom’s Woodcrafts will have beautiful pieces to select from. And don’t forget to stop by the local businesses’ booths and downtown stores that will be open during the festival as well.

When you have wrapped up your shopping, let the kids have fun inside KiddieLand, located off the food court. With the purchase of an armband, kids will have hours of fun hopping in the bounce house, enjoying a fast ride down one of the slides with friends. Armbands will be available for purchase on Saturday and Sunday. The Kiwanis of Newport Train will be on hand for your favorite train excursion through the festival along with helicopter rides for children from this wonderful community organization. We will also have Rendleton Playground back with the teacups this year with some other surprises and an abundance of games for all ages.

As always, several bands will be entertaining our festival guests such as Stone Mountain Band, Southern Addiction Band, Mikki Norwood Band. Also enjoy the

soothing melodies by Classical Strings. Sprinkle in some energetic dance numbers by our talented youth from Max Movement Dance and Fitness. On Sunday, start your morning off with a Sunday service by Bridgeport Freewill Baptist Church, everyone is invited to attend. Following the service your afternoon will be filled with gospel and bluegrass music by First Baptist Praise Singers, Carson Creek Singers, and we cannot have the festival without the award-winning energetic dancers from Newport Dance & Cheer Academy. Grab a chair and enjoy all the entertainment stage has to offer! While you are at the stage enjoy the enticing aromas of all your favorite festival foods, from fresh squeezed lemonade, corn dogs and spiral taters to funnel cakes and deep-fried desserts. Area food trucks include Robert’s Fun Foods aka RedBox, Smoky Mountain Fried Pies, The Savage Gypsy, Sweet Cheeks Funnel Cakes and Grill Café, Belly Deli Concessions, and some of our favorite repeat vendors will be on hand such as Hillbilly Concessions, Fish Hooks and Allison’s Concession. Make sure to see all the lovely ladies and babies that come to compete to be 2023’s Harvest Queen in their appropriate age division. Children up to 16 years of age will compete in pageants according to their age bracket. The ever-popular Miss Newport Harvest Festival, for females ages 16-21 years old, will be the last pageant of the day. All pageants will be on the Broadway side of the courthouse lawn on Saturday at 10:30 am.

Some traditional artisan activities will be on the Main Street side (railroad tracks) of the Courthouse. Along with some furry friends this year. And what a display the Sevier County Antique Tractors are planning on the Broadway side! For more information on the 37th Annual Newport Harvest Street Festival, please contact the Chamber of Commerce office at 423-623-7201 or via email to lramsey@ cockecountypartnership.com or nshisler@cockecountypartnership.com. For photos of past street festivals, please visit www.cockecountypartnership.com or visit the Newport Harvest Street Festival page on Facebook!

Harvest Festival ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

THE DAY BEGINS AT 11 A.M. WITH CLASSIC STRINGS OF COCKE COUNTY

The Cocke County Orchestra began in June 2011. Since it began its primary goal has been to bring good things to the community. It started as the Classical Strings of Cocke County and has played at a variety of social functions for clubs, schools and churches. The musicians are volunteers and come from all over Cocke County as well as Green, Hamblen, Sevier, and Knox counties. The group represents many careers, ages, and walks of life, but truly enjoy playing music together.

STONE MOUNTAIN BAND - NOON

Stone Mountain Band is based out of Newport and is now finishing up its 11th year. They play mostly in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. They are known as a bluegrass gospel group but also play secular bluegrass. The group consists of Gary Hartsell lead singer, rhythm guitar and mandolin. Larry Hartsell on banjo. Angel Mullins lead and harmony singer, Marvin Hill on lead guitar, and vocals and Kevin Walker on the acoustic bass guitar and vocals.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Pe ople Yo uK no w. .. AB an kYou Ca nT rust

Spec ializing in home mor tg ag el oans. We havea ssisted genera tions of fa mi li es wi th home ow nership.

MAX MOVEMENT - 1 P.M.

Max Movement is a locally owned and operated dance and gymnastics studio. It offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, pointe, tumbling and acrobatics for ages 2.5 and up. Recreational and competitive classes are available. They have an award–winning competition team with two current regional title holders. Max Movement is located at 264 E. Main Street in Newport (across from the train depot).

SOUTHERN ADDICTION

BAND2:10 P.M.

The Southern Addiction Band has over 100 years of combined musical experience. Robert Pack from Bybee, Darrell Wilson from Mars Hill, North

Carolina, Billy Wise from Newport and Dwayne Norton from Marshall, North Carolina.. “We invite you all to come down to the Newport Harvest Street Festival on Saturday, October 7 th to listen to our country & rock band. Come and see us and have a great time,” said Robert Pack.

THE MIKKI NORWOOD BAND - 4 P.M.

Ever put your iTunes on shuffle and let ’er rip? That’s what Mikki Norwood Band shows are like! With strong vocal harmonies and fun twists on cover tunes you love, this band will keep you guessing what song is next. From Garth Brooks to Lizzo, Hall and Oates to Miranda Lamber, all genres in between … there’s something for everyone! Never miss a chance to party with Mikki Norwood Band!

CONTINUED

ON PAGE 10

Harvest Festival ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

On Sunday at 10 a.m. start your morning off with a Sunday service by Bridgeport Freewill Baptist Church, everyone is invited to attend.

BRAILYNN WEBB - 12:30 P.M.

Brailynn Webb is an 11-year-old who has loved singing since she was old enough to talk. She’s a sassy spit fire and it shows when she sings her favorite songs! She loves to perform and make everyone feel the same love she has for music!

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PRAISE SINGERS1 P.M.

Assisting her are head instructors Kaylee Clark, Haley O’Pry, Brooklyn Miller and Taelyr Ball. Classes are offered in ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics/acrobatics, pointe, hip hop and more! They also have a unique Twinkle Star dance program for students ages 2-6 years old. Private lessons are also available in addition to group classes.

Its dancers have performed throughout the Eastern United States and most recently, the competition dancers performed at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, as well as competing at the Epic Nationals in Sevierville, where several of their routines placed in the top five in their division along with their minis receiving a special award for their outstanding character performance.

For more information on classes, contact their office at (423) 623-4113. You can also visit them on Facebook, Instagram or email at ndca-inc@hotmail.com.

The First Baptist Newport Worship Team is a group of volunteers dedicated to using their gifts to glorify God and help encourage others to worship Him through song. They are multigenerational and come from many walks of life. Its team of students, educators, medical professionals, business leaders and retirees share the common goal of bringing their very best to honor God.

CARSON CREEK SINGERS - 2 P.M.

The Carson Creek Singers are made up of Roy and Paula Poore from Newport and Reece and Penny Grooms from Cosby. They have been singing together as a group for 11 years. They enjoy singing at churches and local functions.

NEWPORT DANCE AND CHEER - 2:55 P.M.

Newport Dance and Cheer Academy, celebrating 25 years of instruction here in Newport, is under the instruction of director and instructor, Susan McMahan.

BIG CREEK BLUEGRASS - 3:55 P.M.

Big Creek Bluegrass got its start in 2015 playing at a little diner in Grassy Fork, really just as practice. But after a few times of practicing the place was packed and it turned into a show, and it stayed that way every time they played until the diner closed. Since then, they have had the pleasure of playing all over East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. The group was started by Stanley Black, the guitar player who played with Raymond Fairchild who then recruited buddies Eli Johnston, who played with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, now a founding member of Authentic Unlimited. Jeff Davis, mandolin player who passed away on New Year’s Day this year, played with The Country Gentleman, Mountain Heart, Rhonda Vincent, and many more. Then Mike Grove, fiddle player who played with Paul Williams, and then lead singer and bass player Shane Crow who played with Raymond Fairchild, all of whom are professional musicians and have all kinds of accolades between them. Three out of the five, Shane Crowe, Jeff Davis, and Eli Johnston played the Grand Ole several times with different groups. They bring a fun-filled show from high octane bluegrass to old sad country to uplifting gospel music, even doing some classic rock, just whatever the crowd wants to hear!

Del Rio DAYS

Del Rio Days, an annual festival held in Del Rio, is set for the last weekend of October on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28-29. The annual event is a fundraiser for Del Rio Volunteer Fire Department (DRVFD).

Hours for Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. while Sunday hours are 12 noon to 5 p.m. The event will be held off Highway 107 South at Jones Nature Center, which is across the road from Del Rio Elementary School.

There will be plenty of vendors, a great variety of food and live music. Some of the bands performing include Longshot, Stone Mountain Band, Brailynn Webb, The Smith Family, Hannah Johnson and Carson Creek Singers.

Food vendors include Brushy Mountain Bear Club, Sweet Cheeks Funnel Cakes, Grab it n Growl serving crack fries, Slice of the Smokies serving up pizza and Twisted Taters with their potatoes. Food choices will include burgers, pork chop sandwiches, polish sausage with peppers and onions, barbecue, fries, twirled potatoes, baked goods and ice cream.

There will be an open car show with a judge’s pick. Train rides will be available for kids of all ages.

If the weather is permitting, helicopter rides will be available so you can fly over Del Rio.

Vendors will offer chainsaw carvings, jewelry, crocheted items, tumblers, T-shirts, hand-forged knives, walking sticks, homemade beauty products, fabric crafts, quilts, resin crafts and handmade cutting boards. Vendor spots are still available. For information call Tammy Haney at (423) 487-5455 or email delriodays2014@ yahoo.com or visit Del Rio Days on Facebook.

miles

roadsand 186bridges. We also operate our ownquarry.

Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at OBER MOUNTAIN

Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain is a celebration for the whole family as Ober Mountain presents a month-long event full of music, food and fun. The Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain begins on Friday, Sept. 29 and continues through Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023.

October is a time to celebrate the change of the season at Ober Mountain. It all begins on the Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway. As you soar 2.1 miles, take in the amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There is no other vantage point that compares to the view from the aerial tram!

Once on top of Ober Mountain, the Smoky Mountain Fall Festival kicks off Sept. 29 with a Full Moon Concert Series. Heart Breakers, a Heart tribute band will perform from 7 p.m.- 9.pm. in the Ober Mountain Special Event Lounge.

Bring the whole family to enjoy a mountaintop of fun. Climb your way to the top of hay mountain and slide down. Jump on a pedal bike as you make your way around the hay track. If you like a puzzle, see if you can find your way out of the hay maze.

As part of the Fall Festival Celebration, enjoy specialty food items including a schnitzel sandwich, Ober Dunkel brats, pumpkin spice fudge, pretzels with Yee-Haw Dunkel beer cheese, pumpkin juice and more. Cheers to many beers including German beers: Hofbrau and Spaten, East Tennessee local Yee-Haw Brewing Co. beer and more.

Ober Mountain will host a skate party at the ice rink each day throughout the Fall Festival. Ice skate under the lights and enjoy music provided by a rink-side DJ with concert quality sound and lights.

The Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain fun continues with Friday night movie nights under the stars on the 22-foot LED digital screen.

The lineup includes:

OCT. 6 – Hocus Pocus

OCT. 13 – Friday the 13th

OCT. 20 – Hotel Transylvania

OCT. 27 – Rocky Horror Picture Show

Fall festivities include a weekend Giant Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 20 – 22. You don’t want to miss giant 1,000-pound pumpkins being carved. You will want to make sure you’re on hand to vote for your favorite.

The Ober Mountain Full Moon Concert Series wraps up the month-long Smoky Mountain Fall Festival with a concert on top of the mountain.

Pandora’s Box, an Aerosmith Tribute Band will perform from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. in the Ober Mountain Special Event Lounge.

For the most up-to-date information on everything Ober Mountain, visit obergatlinburg.com.

Fall coaster ride at Ober Mountain.

Ober Mountain Aerial Tram.

Fall lift at Ober Mountain.

Child picking pumpkins at pumpkin patch.

Parrott sville HERITAGE DAYS

Parrottsville Heritage Days is set for the second weekend in October. The activities will kick off on Friday, Oct. 13, at 5 p.m. with the chili cookoff and run through Sunday, Oct. 15.

Any chili entries should be at the main pavilion at Parrott LaRue Myers Park in Parrottsville by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13. Entry is free. There will be prizes for first, second and third place winners. After judging, the chili will be served and proceeds raised will go toward charity.

The event will feature dozens of vendors offering various foods, crafts and other items. Vendor space is limited, but Mayor Gayla Hommel said there are some openings left. The deadline to apply for a vendor spot is Oct. 7, or if spaces fill up before then, registration will close.

“We have some great music lined up,” Hommel said. “There will be all kinds of

music, so there is going to be something for everyone.”

The Miss and Master Parrottsville Heritage Days Beauty Pageants will be held on Sunday, Oct. 15. The deadline to enter the pageants is Oct. 1. Pageant entry forms are available at Parrottsville Town Hall or by contacting the pageant director, Angel Fowler, at (423) 721-1855 or angelfowler1012@gmail.com.

To get a packet to sign up as a vendor, call town hall at (423) 623-9380 or drop by during regular hours on Tuesday or Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. or on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“We are really excited about this year’s festival,” said Hommel. “We hope everyone will come out to join us and enjoy our annual event.”

Monuments-Uprights&Flats ~Death Dates

Monuments - Uprights & Flats ~Death Dates

Bronze Markers~ Footstones~ ColoredGranite

Bronze Markers ~ Footstones ~ Colored Granite

DesignsVases ~ Corner Grave Markers

Designs Vases ~ Corner Grave Markers

PrivateMausoleums~ RepairsofExistingMonuments

Private Mausoleums ~ Repairs of Existing Monuments

At Cocke County Monument we know that selecting a monument for a loved one, or even yourself can be quite a task We are here to help you through the process of learning about various types of monuments and we will work with you to craft a personal monument that reflects the life of your loved one

AtCockeCounty Monument we knowthatselecting amonument fora lovedone,orevenyourself can be quite atask. We areheretohelp you through the process of learning about various types of monuments and we willworkwith youtocraft apersonal monument thatreflects the life of your lovedone.

Thank you again for trusting Owner Matthew Woody and Office Manager Lisa Coggins with your memorial needs. You will always receive friendly, helpful service.

Thank youagain fortrusting Owner MatthewWoodyand Office Manager Lisa Cogg inswithyour memorial needs. Youwill always receivefriendly, helpful service.

Cosby Hwy . Newport, TN

Matthew Woody Owner

Lisa Coggins Office Manager

FALL IN LOVE with TN’s great outdoors this fall

Tennessee is a year-round outdoor playground, with countless fresh-air adventures available for visitors.

But the destination positively glows during the fall months, offering spectacular foliage, picturesque hiking trails and awe-inspiring waterfalls throughout the state. Below, find out how to fall in love with Tennessee’s great outdoors this autumn.

Gatlinburg’s Golden Days

Best time to visit: Early to MidOctober (depending on altitude)

Gatlinburg has been nominated as one of the “Best Places to View Fall Foliage” by USA Today, thanks to the kaleidoscope of warm red, gold and orange that blanket the city’s downtown and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Leafpeeping options abound, including the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook, Ben Morton’s Overlook and more. Even better, many views are easily accessible from the comfort of your vehicle including such scenic drives as the Cades Cove Loop and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Gatlinburg Fall Tip: Wake up early for a Smoky Mountain Sunrise at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. Lifted to the SkyDeck, the day starts with an immaculate bird’s eye view of a grand illumination of the Great Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg.

GREAT SMOKY COLORS

Best time to visit: Early to mid-October (depending on altitude)

If finding seasonal scenes on foot is more your style, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s 800 miles of trails offer beautiful panoramas and vistas that show off fall’s colorful tapestry of changing leaves. Guests to the area can also chase some beautiful waterfalls, including such gems such as Rainbow Falls or Grotto Falls – the only waterfall you can walk behind in the Smokies, standing 25 feet tall. For those in search of a challenge, try the eight-mile scenic roundtrip trek to Indian Flats Falls.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fall Tip: Fall is one of the best times for wildlife in the Smokies, with chances to see black bears, elk, deer, wild turkey, foxes

and barn owls.

AN APPALACHIAN AUTUMN

Best time to visit: Early to Mid-October

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and surrounded by Cherokee National Forest, Unicoi County offers autumn outdoor adventurers more than 50 miles of Appalachian Trail, eight waterfalls, Rocky Fork State Park (Tennessee’s newest state park), and dozens of walking and hiking trails. No matter where you are, you’re sure to see stunning fall foliage. A few favorite spots for leaf peeping include the aptly named Beauty Spot (crowned as a “best sunset hike” by Travel and Leisure) Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower and Nolichucky Ridge Cliff.

Unicoi County Fall Tip: Viewing the vibrant colors of fall is accessible for even more travelers and residents in Unicoi County since one of the state’s colorblind viewfinders is located at the I-26 Westbound Scenic Overlook. From this viewfinder, you’ll see views of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina’s stunning hills and valleys.

REAL FALL BEAUTY AT REELFOOT LAKE

Best time to visit: Late-October to early-November

Located in the Northwest corner of Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake State Park is a beautiful place for fall outdoor activities. Fall color pontoon cruises take place on the weekends during October and November at Reelfoot Lake. See the changing leaves and water birds on a two-hour tour with an experienced naturalist. Tour guides will share their knowledge of the area’s history and ecology while helping you find the best photo ops for fall foliage.

Reelfoot Lake State Park Fall Tip: Large groups of eagles and ducks migrate to Reelfoot Lake for the winter, arriving just as autumnal colors reach their peak,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Kingsport Reservoir at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport. Photo by Jay Huron.

adding to the natural wonder.

A TRACE OF TENNESSEE COLOR

Best time to visit: Late-October to early-November

Spanning more than 48,000 pristine acres in Middle Tennessee, Natchez Trace State Park has some of the best scenic locations in the state, with endless trails to explore and snap some photos. For an on-the-water adventure, rent a kayak to take out on Pin Oak Lake to see a stunning display of autumnal colors reflecting off the water. Mountain biking is also a great way to experience this state park during fall, with more than 50 miles of multi-use fire trails that take riders through colorful forests and meadows.

Natchez Trace State Park Fall Tip: Pin Oak Lake is also a favorite for anglers, with waters that are filled with largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish.

NASHVILLE’S ACCESSIBLE OUTDOORS

Best time to visit: Mid- to late-October

Discover the first ADA accessible colorblind viewfinder at Nashville’s Radnor Lake State Park. Outfitted with innovative EnChroma® lenses, the viewfinder has been designed to alleviate red-green colorblindness. Special lens technology enables those with colorblindness to see a broader range of clear, vibrant colors. Additionally, the park’s Lake Trail is accessible to people with all-terrain wheelchairs.

Nashville Fall Travel Tip: Urban leaf-peepers should pay a visit to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, where the main lawn is lined with a variety of trees that come alive with color in October.

For more information on fall color in Tennessee, visit tnvacation.com

View of Thomas Divide at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina. Photo by Adam Jones.

Watauga Lake at Cherokee National Forest near Johnson City. Photo by Randall Spradlin.

Wear s Valley FALL FESTIVAL

Sixteen acres of family fun including crafters, interactive activities, entertainment, children’s events and great food awaits all in attendance October 20 – 22 at the 10th Annual Wears Valley Fall Festival coordinated by Keep Sevier Beautiful. The wide array of activities at this year’s event will give families a great way to make memories, experience a variety of fun activities and enjoy the incredible beauty of fall in the Smokies.

This year’s event begins on Friday, October 20 and continues through Sunday, October 22. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The festival site is next to Tennessee State Bank off Route 321 in Wears Valley in Sevier County.

“This Fall Festival truly offers something for everyone,” said Lisa Bryant, executive director of Keep Sevier Beautiful. “Anyone wanting to enjoy the true Smoky Mountain Heritage can find it here. The most unique element is something only Keep Sevier Beautiful can do – teaching how to be more sustainable at every turn.

“We have a full lineup of entertainment this year including a concert by a local favorite, Jimbo Whaley, who will be performing on stage Sunday, October 22 from 1 – 3 p.m. Also in attendance over the three day event will be Elvis, Kevin Wilson, Olwen Walsh, Sharon Tarwater, Jesse Priest, Luke Whitaker, Brand New Box of Matches, Timothy Chandler and Kayla McKinney. Bring your lawn chairs and come out for some GREAT Entertainment, great food and great craft vendors.”

The Wears Valley Fall Festival is the biggest annual fundraiser for Keep Sevier Beautiful (KSB). For more information please visit www.WearsValleyFallFest. com.

Keep Sevier Beautiful, a Keep America Beautiful affiliate, is a volunteer-based organization here in Sevier County focusing on waste reduction/recycling, litter prevention and beautifying public spaces through education and community based programs. KSB’s goal is to protect the natural beauty of the area that millions of visitors come to see each year.

Gatlinburg CRAFTSMEN’S FAIR

Filling the 150,000 square feet of downtown Gatlinburg Convention Center, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair hosts artisans and craftsmen from all over the nation from Oct. 5-22. Two hundred booths with unique and one-of-a-kind handmade products are beautifully displayed, as these skilled craftspeople demonstrate their talents.

Each participant is subject to a rigorous jury process to ensure the uniqueness and quality of their respective products. All items represented are handmade and of utmost quality and without duplication. Look for exceptional pottery pieces, molded leather, copper art, local candy makers, and many more unique items.

There is something for everyone at the fair. Be sure to stop by one or all of the daily music shows included with

the price of admission. Check out the stage and enjoy contemporary country, bluegrass, and your favorite gospel tunes at noon and at 3 p.m. daily. Additional performances are to be announced for days with extended hours.

Admission is $10 for adults, children 17 and under are free with paid adults.

Concessions are available for sale through the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair usually takes most of the day to see. If you didn’t quite get through it all, multi-day passes are available at the Craftsmen’s Fair office located at the end of aisle 500.

For more information, visit craftsmenfair.com/october-fair/.

Many crafts will be on display.

Wood and other crafts will be on display..

What’s new IN TENNESSEE TOURISM THIS FALL: GLAMPING, MOON MARVELING, RAFTING AND GHOSTLY GATHERINGS

TN Dept. of Tourism

Acrisp chill in the air, cozy sweaters, fiery reds, bursting oranges and bright yellows glow through the trees, fall festivals and spooky experiences abound. Here’s what’s new and happening this fall in Tennessee.

NEW FALL EXPERIENCES

Smithville – Nature meets luxury at Your Glamping Adventure, a unique glamping experience at Five Meadows Farms, tucked away in the mountains overlooking Center Hill Lake.

Chattanooga – Climb aboard and stay in a restored 1920s train car beginning Oct. 31 at the Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo, a blend of nostalgia and first-class nestled in the mountains. Book your stay.

Pigeon Forge – Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort celebrates its grand opening Nov. 3, where Smoky Mountain beauty meets refined luxury. Southeast Tennessee – Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tennessee’s fall colors Rafting the Ocoee River. Ocoee River outfitters run fall rafting trips through October, a unique and adrenaline-pumping experience on the river.

Soddy Daisy – Visitors at Flat Top Mountain Farm can delight in hayrides, handpick their favorite pumpkins, create colorful bouquets, adventure through the corn maze and savor scenic views. Memphis – Experience Memphis’ riverfront at the revitalized Tom Lee Park with a plaza, play area, covered recreational space, café pavilions, meditative paths, canopy walk, sound gardens and more.

Nashville – Artville, the city’s firstever public arts festival is FREE with 20 public art installations and murals, immersive art experiences, artisanal food, beer, wine and kids’ programming Sept. 29-Oct. 1.

Franklin – The reimagined Factory at Franklin features a Grand Hall

anchored by “The Skylight Bar,” a new home for Studio Tenn called Turner Theatre, a hand-carved and handpainted carousel, outdoor park-like spaces and new shops, restaurants and attractions.

Springfield – Bring a blanket, marvel at the moon, stargaze, enjoy an outdoor showing of “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial” and art activities during the International Observe the Moon Night at J. Travis Price Park.

Manchester – The Manchester Zombie Walk and Halloween Faire Friday, Oct. 13 at Fred Deadman Park will feature vendors, face-painting, axe throwing, food trucks, live bands and a spooky good time.

Huntsville – Unlock the stories of the Historic Scott County Jail with museum tours, escape games, special events, after dark tours and private paranormal tours.

Limestone – Come see the world’s only spotless giraffe in Northeast Tennessee. Kipekee is an international superstar at Brights Zoo.

FOOD, DRINK & SHOP

Memphis – Old Dominick’s new Trolley Stop Series featured a collection of premium whiskeys named after four iconic Memphis trolley stops, a unique and unforgettable sipping experience.

Shelbyville – Enjoy new experiences at the world’s longest bar at Humble Baron at Nearest Green Distillery. The showpiece bar wraps around an indoor stage and guests can enjoy elevated fare, gospel brunches, creative cocktails and live music.

Lawrenceburg – Savor gourmet, creative pizzas like The Aretha Franklin, Just Peachy and Yellerbelly, cooked on a stone in a traditional pizza oven at The Pie Factory on the Downtown Square.

Knoxville – Enjoy traditional espresso, cappuccino and coffee drinks, unique teas, pastries, grab & go snacks, wine and mocktails at Partial Coffee &

Wine in North Knoxville.

Johnson City – Cranky’s Pump N Pints is a family-friendly beer garden featuring an outdoor patio, kid’s pump track, craft beer and ciders, located on Tweetsie Trail trailhead, perfect after a scenic bike ride.

FALL FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Gatlinburg (Until Oct. 31) –Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival is decked out with pumpkins, seasonal décor, beer tasting, haunted rides on the Rail Runner, nighttime zip line rides, live music and movie nights on weekends in October.

Nashville (Until Oct. 29) –Cheekwood Harvest is back with sweeps of chrysanthemums, a Pumpkin Village, walk along the scarecrow trail, music

in the beer garden, new P’mumpkin topiary and more.

Eagleville (Until Oct. 29) – Pick the perfect pumpkin, wagon and pony rides, corn maze, mega slides and petting lovable animals during the Fall Family Fun Pumpkin Festival at Lucky Ladd Farms.

Clarksville (Oct. 3-7) – Spread your creative wings during ArtsvilleFest which feature multiple community art projects, live muralists and chalk artists, vendors, kid zones with jump houses and more.

Granville (Oct. 4-28) – The Scarecrow & Artisans Festival features unique fall creations lining the streets, colorful displays for photos, artisan demonstrations and a scarecrow

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

• Cardio ogy

• Diagnostic I maging ( X-rays, C T Scans, MRI Scans, 3D Mammography, Ultrasound)

• Emergenc y Care

• G astroenterology

• General Surg y

• Non-Sk ill d Nursing Home

• Obstetrics & G necology

• Ophthalmology

• Or thopedic Services

• Pulmonology

• Rehabilitation Services (Physi al Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy)

• Res irator Care

• Rural Health Clinic

• SurgicalSer vices

Committed to our Community CockeCounty Sheriff

C.J. Ball

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

decorating contest.

Jonesborough (Oct. 6-8) – Enjoy world-class storytelling at the National Storytelling Festival in Tennessee’s oldest town, which honors the rich and varied storytelling tradition, in-person and ways to watch from home.

McMinnville (Oct. 7) – Spend the day shopping from over 200 vendors, supporting local businesses, crafts, food, fun, games and delicious food at the Autumn Street Fair in the historic downtown.

Centerville (Oct. 7-8) – Taste the sweetness and walk the puddin’ path during the National Banana Pudding Festival with two stages of live entertainment, a cook-off and fun activities.

Memphis (Oct. 13, 20) – Mystery lovers can dress up and enjoy a night of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and suspense at Masquerade Mystery at The Museum of Science & History. Tickets are limited.

Sparta (Oct. 14) – Enjoy bluegrass

music, crafts, classic cars and food at Liberty Square: A Lester Flatt Celebration downtown. The celebration is free.

Crossville (Oct. 21) – Calling all squatchers and cryptid curious. The Upper Cumberland Bigfoot Festival will feature Cliff Barackman from “Finding Bigfoot,” Wild Bill Huckleberry and Buck from “Mountain Monsters,” arts, crafts, games, Bigfoot calling and fun for just $5 at Cumberland County Fairgrounds.

Rugby (Oct. 21, 28) – Witness the spirits of Halloween at Historic Rugby’s Ghostly Gathering around the 1880 village with spooky building tours, chili supper and ghost stories under the big tent.

Nashville (Oct. 27) – Experience The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, an interactive one-man play about the classic horror tale at The Hermitage with showings at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. For a full list of events happening this fall in Tennessee, visit tnvacation.com/ calendar.

Our office wantstoensure safety and protection to our community.Webelieve in our officersand want to builda working relationship with CockeCounty citizens. We ask foryour continued support andprayers forour agency. We lookforward to the fall season and enjoyingwhatGod has provided forus each day, thebeautiful mountains of CockeCounty. We thankeach of youfor making CockeCountyagreat place to live.

Ipledgetoserve youwith my faithinGod andwiththe support of our community.

Dollywood HARVEST FESTIVAL

Celebrate the wonder of the changing seasons with the return of Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana. The festival runs through October 30 in Pigeon Forge.

Experience the beauty of a Smoky Mountain fall as the forests come alive with vivid color, the smells of apple and pumpkin treats waft through the streets, and the sounds of thrilling rides like new Big Bear Mountain fill the air with adventure.

Award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health returns to light up the night with thousands of creatively carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin icons. Back to delight for another year, family favorite Hoot Owl Hollow is the enchanting hideaway of a gigantic, glowing owl and its dozens of friends roosting in the trees, atop buildings and across the hillside. Explore a world of not-so-spooky nighttime fun when you stroll through a forest of shimmering sunflowers, see a family of glowing frogs and discover our towering Pumpkin Tree. A treat for all ages, Great Pumpkin LumiNights is the highlight of Harvest season at Dollywood.

Feel the rush of a fall breeze when you grab a seat on any of the park’s world-class rides and attractions. Join the expedition on Dollywood’s newest and longest coaster ever: Big Bear Mountain, traverse the mountainside with a thrilling ride on Mystery Mine as bright fall foliage rushes by, or soak up the splendor of the Smoky Mountains during a relaxing train ride on the classic Dollywood Express.

A tradition deeply rooted in the Great Smoky Mountains, live music is the heart and soul of fall at Dollywood. Be serenaded by the sounds of a Smoky Mountain fall with Southern gospel, bluegrass, Americana and country tunes to tap your toes to.

Mountain-fresh flavors and hearty

harvest plates are on the menu at Dollywood this fall. Savor the flavors of the season with savory, stick-to-yourribs offerings like chicken and smoked sausage gumbo and Harvest pulled pork sandwich, all washed down with perfectly spiced sips like pumpkin pie punch. Save room for decadent delights

like pumpkin pie funnel cake to ensure your day ends on a sweet note. Purchase a Festival Tasting Pass to sample even more flavors of fall.

In addition to Dollywood’s own skilled craftsmen, each fall, unique artisans from around the country

descend on the park to share their beautiful handmade crafts during Harvest Festival.

For more information, including ticket packages, visit www.dollywood.com/themepark/ Festivals/Harvest-Festiva

Based on Dolly Parton’s love of music, this larger than life instrument plays Dolly’s timeless song, “Tennessee Mountain Home.”

Ma rk H. Mc Ga ha

Reg is te rO fD eed s

It con ti nu es to be my ho no r to se rv ea sy ou rR eg is te r of De ed s. Th eo ff ic eh as mad es om ei mp ro ve me nt s to ma ke ou rp ro ce ss es mo re st re am lin ed an ds ec ur e. Ia mt ha nk fu lf or the opp or tu ni ty to co nt in ue to se rv ea nd wo rk fo rt he ci tiz en so fC oc ke Co un ty. Ia mp ro ud to be ap ar to f th is co mmu ni ty.

Fall is this spider’s favorite season at Dollywood.

Ride one of the roller coasters at Dollywood.

People travel from all over to

Carver’s Orchard and Applehouse Restaurant

There are plenty of apples to choose from at Carver’s Orchard and Applehouse Restaurant located at 3460 Highway 321 in Cosby. Danny Ray Carver, who has been in the orchard business for his entire life, reports that this year’s harvest is “wonderful.”

Carver’s Orchard was established by Carver’s father, Kyle Carver, in 1942. The orchard covers 75 acres and offers more than 100 varieties of apples.

Carver explained that the early harvest started around June 20, and right now, crews are harvesting Granny Smith and Arkansas Black varieties.

“This is a really good harvest this year,” Carver said. “All varieties have done well.”

He said the last variety that will be harvested will be the Pink Lady variety. He said that while some orchards are already harvesting that variety of apples now, they will not be thinking about harvesting them until around Thanksgiving.

“I am very pleased with this crop,” he said. “We have plenty of apples to go around and they are very reasonably priced.”

He said this is probably the best harvest he has seen in the last few years.

“We (Carver’s Orchard) have been here for years. We don’t change. We keep things the same,” Carver said. “We have customers who come back to visit us year after year.”

While many locals visit the apple

house and restaurant, there are also many customers who live out of state who make the trek to Cosby every year for their apples.

One couple from Georgia said they visit the area about twice a year, and they always stop at Carver’s Orchard for apples to take home.

Another couple from the Chattanooga area was returning home with several bushels of apples for themselves, family and friends. They said they get their apples from Carver’s every year because they have always found them to be a better quality of apple.

Other customers visiting the orchard on Tuesday had traveled from North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. The apple house offers more than just apples. It has homemade fried pies, nuts, and other fruits and vegetables. There is also a candy store and a restaurant on the premises.

Crates of freshly picked apples show the quality and size of this year’s crop. Photo by Kathy Hemsworth.

Ju dge Ca rt er Sc ott Mo or e

Four th Ju di cial Di st ri ct

It co nt inues to be my distinc th onor to se rvet he citizens of the Fo ur th Judicial Di stric ta sC ircu it Co ur t Judge.I endeavo rto he ar ca ses fairly and impar tially. Th ank yo ufor yo ur suppor t. To gether my st aff and Iw ill co nt inue to se rveyou with in te grit y.

Two apple pickers are shown tending to the apple harvest at Carver’s Orchard. Photo by Kathy Hemsworth.

Danny Ray Carver, of Carver’s Orchard, is shown on a forklift that he has been using to pick up crates of freshly picked apples.

Hearty, savory and fun fall RECIPES

Delicious soup perfect for the season

Cooler weather arrives just as prime entertaining season heats up. Those who will be hosting gatherings soon can expand their recipe repertoire to feed guests and keep them satisfied. Borrowing some flavors from the season can make entertaining festive and even more flavorful.

Pumpkins and winter squashes are popular in fall, and their versatility undoubtedly contributes to that popularity. However, when chilly days require something to warm you up from the inside out, nothing can beat a soothing soup. And soup recipes can be altered to easily feed a crowd.

Cooks can step out of their chicken soup comfort zones and try this recipe for Roasted Pumpkin Soup With Pumpkin Crisps from The Complete Mexican, South American & Caribbean Cookbook (Metro Books) by Jane Milton, Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippeli.

ROASTED PUMPKIN SOUP WITH PUMPKIN CRISPS

Serves 6 to 8

3 to 3 1/2 pounds pumpkin

6 tablespoons olive oil

2 onions, chopped

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 3-inch piece of fresh ginger root, grated

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Pinch of cayenne pepper

4 cups vegetable stock

Salt and ground black pepper

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Fresh cilantro leaves, to garnish

For the pumpkin crisps

Wedge of fresh pumpkin, seeded

1/2 cup olive oil

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Prick the pumpkin around the top several times with a fork. Brush the pumpkin with plenty of the oil and bake for 45 minutes or until tender. Leave until cool enough to handle.

2. Take care when cutting the pumpkin, as there may still be a lot of hot steam inside. When cool enough to handle, scoop out and discard the seeds. Scoop out and chop the flesh.

3. Heat about 4 tablespoons of the remaining oil (you may not have to use all of it) in a large pan and add the onions, garlic and ginger, then cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the coriander, turmeric, and cayenne, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the pumpkin flesh and stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes until tender.

4. Cool the soup slightly, then puree it in a food processor or blender until smooth. Return the soup to the rinsed out pan and season well.

5. Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin crisps. Using

a swivel-blade potato peeler, pare long thin strips off the wedge of pumpkin. Heat the oil in a small pan and fry the strips in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

6. Reheat the soup and ladle it into bowls. Top with the pumpkin crisps and garnish each portion with sesame seeds and cilantro leaves.

A magical dessert for Halloween gatherings

Sweet treats are on display come Halloween. People hosting Halloween parties or bringing items over to others’ homes for the holiday may need to scare up some new ideas for dessert.

Chocolate never goes out of style and is right at home on Halloween. This recipe forBlack Magic Cake, courtesy of The Food Network, is decadently rich. Don’t let all that chocolate frighten you. Drizzle as much melted marshmallow as necessary to brighten up the flavor. Turn into a mummy face or transform the top of the cake into a spiderweb instead.

BLACK MAGIC CAKE

8 to 10 servings

2/3 cup vegetable oil, plus more for greasing the baking pans

1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (or any cocoa powder if on hand)

1 cup boiling water

2 cups granulated sugar

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (see cook’s note)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon fine salt

1 cup whole milk

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Filling and Frosting:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted

8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

1 teaspoon espresso powder

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pinch fine salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/3 cup confectioners sugar, sifted

Decoration:

2 cups mini marshmallows (about 4 ounces)

Cooking spray

1 or more candy spiders or two candy eyes for decorating

For the cake: Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 F. Line the bottom of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment and crease the parchment and the sides of the pans with oil.

Stir together the cocoa powder and boiling water in a small bowl and let sit to bloom for 5 minutes (this step intensifies the chocolate flavor in the cake).

Whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together the bloomed cocoa, oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Pour the cocoa mixture into the sugar mixture and stir until smooth (the batter will be thin). Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake until the cakes bounce back when pressed in the middle and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely in the pans on a rack.

For the filling and frosting: Heat the cream in a double boiler over low heat, whisking occasionally, until it begins to steam. Whisk in the cocoa powder, chocolate, espresso powder, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the butter until melted. Whisk in the confectioners sugar until incorporated. Let the frosting cool completely.

To assemble: Put one cake, bottom-side up, on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread about 1 cup of the frosting over the top but not all the way down the side. Top with the other cake, bottom-side up, and frost the top and sides with the remaining

frosting.

For the spider web or mummy decoration: Microwave the marshmallows in a microwave-safe medium bowl until they swell and are soft enough to stir, about 1 minute. Let sit a few minutes until cool enough to touch. Spray your hands with cooking spray. For a spider web, pick up a tablespoon-sized blob of the melted marshmallow and stretch it over and around the cake; repeat so that the strings of marshmallow criss cross one another in many directions. Continue until you have what looks like a spiderweb. For a mummy, stretch the marshmallow so that all the strings on the top of the cake run in the same direction, leaving a small gap between strings for the mummy’s eyes to peak out. Garnish with a candy spider or several candy spiders for the web cake or candy eyes for the mummy cake.

Cook’s note: The candy directions are a nice touch, but the cake will be fun and delicious without them as well. When measuring flour, spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off the excess.

Semi-homemade tip: Purchase a premade chocolate cake and use the decoration to make the mummy or spiderweb only.

BUSH’S histor y in the Smokies

CHESTNUT HILL - While most people know the name of Bush’s for its canned beans, it has long had a role in the history of the Smoky Mountains. The Bush’s company history started before the plant opened its doors.

A.J. Bush was born in Chestnut Hill, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. He established the A.J. Bush and Company General Store, which offered a place to sell local goods as well as goods from other locations.

Because of the need for jobs in the area, Bush decided to open a hosiery factory. As construction got underway, Stokely Brothers Tomato Cannery in Newport approached Bush with an offer. If Bush provided a building and workers, they would supply the equipment for him to open a cannery.

The partnership came to fruition, and in 1904 the cannery opened, providing the jobs the community needed. In four short years, Bush bought out the Stokely Brothers partnership interest and formed a business with his sons, Fred and Claude, creating Bush Brothers and Company.

The cannery did well, and they worked with distributors in many areas, including Knoxville as well as Asheville, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. As World War I came around, the demand for canned goods increased, but as the war ended, so did the demand for canned goods.

The family business was incorporated and management was turned over to A.J. Bush’s sons, while the senior Bush focused on operating the general store. By 1930, the cannery produced and distributed a variety of canned products.

During the Great Depression, the company sought out affordable products to offer the country.

Among those goods were hominy, sauerkraut, and pork and beans. When the Tennessee Valley Authority flooded Douglas Lake, a lot of prime farmland was lost and the Oak Grove plant of Bush Brothers was also lost.

During 1944, the company bought a cannery in Blytheville, Arkansas, so it could increase production figures again. While various vegetables were being canned, it focused on beans and hominy, which were its top sellers. In 1947, the board of directors chose to go with a new identity, Bush’s Best, and the double B logo that became known nationwide.

It was the 1990s when the baked beans market transformed Bush’s into a champion in the canning industry.

The company’s headquarters are now in Knoxville, but the Chestnut Hill factory has grown. The general store is also in operation, and the Bush family home is open during the Christmas holidays for tours.

Thousands of people make their way to the visitor’s center in Chestnut Hill each year, located at the intersection of Highway 411 and Highway 92 in Chestnut Hill, where the general store and a diner welcome guests.

The museum and the store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The cafe’s hours are seasonal, open from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. January through March and 11 a.m. -

4 p.m. April through December.

To schedule a tour group for 30 or more people at the museum or cafe, call (865) 509-3077. For additional information, go to bushbeans.com/en_US/about-us/ visitor-center.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

St ev eS mith Newp or tA lderma n

Ia ppr ec iat ey our co ntin ue ds upp or t an dy our co nfidenc e in me .

Iwill continue to work hard to makeour town an even greater place to live.

J. Bush and Company general store adjoins the visitor center and cafe at the intersection of Highway 411 and Highway 92 in Chestnut Hill.

A sign shows the current hours for the Bush’s visitor center, museum, cafe and store.

T he historic Bush home is across the road from the visitor center. It has a Christmas open house every year.