NEWPORT – The local tradition continues! For the past 24 years, the fine folks of Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee have gathered on the first weekend of October along the streets of Newport, Tennessee for two days of music, food, fun and festivities. This year, the tradition continues and promises to be the biggest and best ever! All the events are free to the public, make sure to mark your calendars for the entire weekend of fun!
The Harvest Street Festival activities will begin with Old Timey Night which will take place on October 1. Old Timey Night will offer a step back in time with a Civil War Encampment – where you can meet Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. You can also enjoy excerpts from the original play “Under The Apple Trees”, old fashioned cake walks and much more as we celebrate our heritage and culture of Cocke County. Food City will once again provide hot dogs and the Leadership Cocke County Class of 2008 will provide tasty chili.
A special veteran’s ceremony, coordinated by Newport AMVETS Post 75, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on October 3 on the Cocke County Courthouse lawn will kick off the Harvest Street Festival. This ceremony is designed to honor our servicemen and women and you can stop by the National Guard Armory booth and show your support.
Saturday hours for the festival run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a concert at 4:00 featuring “Sundown” and Sunday hours are 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Two downtown stages will present a variety of music.
Authentic country cookin’ and festival fare will be served in the food court. Make sure to come hungry – corn dogs and funnel cakes are calling your name!
Regional and local arts and crafts communities will be represented with a sampling of their wares. If you are looking for that special gift – you have come to the right place! Admire the artists’ work and pick up that one-of-a-kind hand crafted item.
Antique and restored vehicles will surround National Bank on Saturday as the line-up for the Harvest Street Festival Antique Car Show begins. Stop by and pick out your favorite model! First, second and third places; Best of Show and Mayor’s Choice awards will be awarded at 5:00 p.m. This show is one of the highlights of the weekend.
Your kids will jump for joy at the games and rides in Kiddie Land! All aboard the Kiwanis Train as community conductors offer a moving glimpse of the festivities.
Step back in time on the Courthouse lawn and join our vendors as they celebrate their mountain heritage. From antique engines and tractors to turn-of-the-century cooking, the events surrounding the square will evoke the sights, sounds and the memories of yesteryear.
On the opposite side of the Courthouse, lovely ladies and gents from around the region will compete in a series of pageants for girls and boys up to 21- years-old. Sunday, is all gospel music day on both stages. Enjoy the sounds of music as a variety of Gospel and traditional music fills the air.
The Newport Street Festival is a two-day celebration of Smoky Mountain culture, heritage and tradition that has become one of the most anticipated events in Cocke County.
This is a fun filled family weekend for all, so be sure to bring the whole family,” said Kandee Veridal, Director of Operations for the Chamber. “Come explore our past and celebrate our future with us along the streets of historic Downtown Newport.”
For more information about attending or booth space please contact:
Cocke County Partnership/
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
433 B Prospect Ave.
Newport, TN 37821
(423) 623-7201
web site: www.cockecounty.org email: ccpchamber@bellsouth.net
