News Release

Experience History with Demonstrators at the Big South Fork Spring Planting & Music Festival

News Release Date: March 31, 2025

Contact: Christopher Derman, [phone]

Oneida, Tennessee – Step back in time and experience history in motion at the 25^th Annual Spring Planting and Music Festival on Saturday, April 26 at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Traditions of early Appalachian settlers come to life at this free, family-friendly event. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the heritage of the Big South Fork region with live demonstrations, traditional crafts, music, and hands-on activities that showcase the self-sufficient way of life practiced by generations past.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Oscar and Lora Blevins Farm Sites and the Bandy Creek area, the festival offers a rare opportunity to experience traditional Appalachian life firsthand.  Visitors will have the chance to see a variety of demonstrations and hands-on activities that highlight the skills and craftsmanship of early settlers, bringing history to life in an engaging and immersive way.

One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights is the plowing and planting demonstration with mule and horse teams at the Lora Blevins field.  This demonstration offers a glimpse into the hard work and ingenuity that sustained Appalachian farms for centuries.

Children and adults alike will enjoy exploring old-time toys and taking part in interactive exhibits that make history come alive.  Interpretative talks will provide deeper insight into the skills and values that defined Appalachian life.

Throughout the day, the festival will be filled with the sound of live music, performed by some of the region’s most talented musicians.  The lively tunes will set the perfect atmosphere for a day of celebration and discovery.  The Spring Planting and Music Festival will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.  Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.

Come celebrate this way of life with us as we provide memorable opportunities for you to experience this important part of our history. For more information about this event,visit: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/springplanting.htm 

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.

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