The Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism cordially invites you to list your regional event with us, and best of all, it's free! If you have an upcoming tourism event, or an event pertaining to regional history or genealogy, send us an email with "Event Registration" in the subject line. We're happy to help!

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May 15, 2013, Wednesday

• Memorial Service Honoring Fallen Officers, 10 AM, Wed., May 15, 2013, Sullivan County Sheriff's Office at Blountville, Tennessee.
  
  

May 16, 2013, Thursday

• "The Evolution of American Handwriting: How to Read Your Ancestor's Documents", 7 PM, Thursday, May 16, 2013, Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism. Shelia Steele Hunt, Executive Director of the Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism, will present a special genealogy class on "The Evolution of American Handwriting". From Ms. Hunt's GENEALOGY BASICS series, the presentation will show examples of how handwriting has evolved since the days of the American Colonies. Attendees will see suggestions of how to better read early handwriting. There is no charge for the class. Limited seating is available on a first-come, first serve basis by pre-registration only. To reserve a seat, please call (423) 323-4660.
  
  

May 17, 2013, Friday

• Clint Black, 8 PM, Fri., May 17, 2013, Paramount Center for the Arts, Bristol, TN. Prolific singer-songwriter Clint Black has long been heralded as one of Country music’s brightest stars. His many talents have taken him even further, as Black has transcended genres to become one of the most successful artists in all the music industry. To date, Black has written, recorded and released more than 100 songs, a benchmark in any artist’s career. An astounding one-third of these songs eligible for major single release also achieved hit song status at Country radio, while more than 20 million of his albums have been sold worldwide. While it’s well-known that Black is an accomplished singer and guitarist, people may be surprised to learn that he is also proficient on drums and harmonica. Tickets and information at 423.274.8920.
  
  

May 18-19, 2013, Saturday-Sunday

• 19th Annual Siege at Fort Watauga, 10 AM to 4 PM, Sat.-Sun., May 18-19, 2013, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Step back to a vibrant and dangerous time…America declares Independence in the summer of 1776, and people beyond the mountains build forts, stock powder, and sharpen hatchets for the oncoming war.  Walk among local legends—the vivacious Bonnie Kate, mysterious Old Abram, dignified Col. Carter, and daring John Sevier—for a glimpse of life on this “dark and bloody ground.”  Colonial, native, and British re-enactors share their past through talks, mini-dramas, and demonstrations of 18th century life.   Battle re-enactments both days.  Contact the park for further information at 423.543.5808.
  
  
• Highlands Ballet's "Alice In Wonderland", Paramount Center for the Arts, 518 State St. Bristol, TN, Sunday, May 19th at 2:30pm.  Based on the 1865 novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carol, it tells the tale of a girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world  populated by peculiar creatures. Original choreography by Deanna Cole-Roberts and Deirdre Cole, this timeless story unfolds on our stage. Tickets: Adults $6.00 in advance, $8.00 at the door. Children 12 and under $4.00. Information at 423.274.8920.
  
  
  

May 23, 2013, Thursday

• "The Relish Cooking Show", Toy F. Reid Employee Center, Kingsport, TN. Celebrating America's Love of Food, get a tast of our live cooking event! Doors open at 4 PM and Cooking Show begins at 7 PM. INfomration at 423.929.3115.

May 26, 2013, Sunday

• Blountville High School Class of 1963, 50th Class Reunion, Blountville, TN. Contact Dennis Houser at 423.323.6628

May 30, 2013, Thursday

• State Line Wind Symphony, 7:30 PM, Thursday, May 30, 2013, Paramount Center for the Arts, 518 State St., Bristol, TN. Formed in early 2013, the State Line Wind Symphony is comprised of 80 community members, band directors, college students, and other music professionals. Currently in its inaugural season, the State Line Wind Symphony aims to bring together those who love to play music, and to perform for those who love to listen. The ensemble was formed as a joint effort between Scott Lambert and Mark Collins, lifelong music educators, after much prodding from former students, colleagues, and other musicians. Admission is FREE. Information at 423.274.8920.

May 31 - June 1, 2013, Friday-Saturday

• Sounds and Samples of Bristol, 7 PM, Friday, May 31st 2013, Paramount Center for the Arts, 518 State St., Bristol, TN. Enjoy the sounds of summer with sips and samples of Bristol!  Fundraiser includes a cocktail supper, DJ, Dancing on stage, Belly & Bollywood performers, local musicians, and a live auction. Please join us for a wonderful evening to benefit The Paramount! Tickets: $75.00. Information at 423.274.8920.
  
  
  
  
• Quilt Workshop May 31st and June 1st, Doak House Museum, Tusculum, TN. The Doak House Museum will hold a hand quilting for beginners class Friday May 31st and Saturday June 1st from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The class will consist of hand piecing and quilting a 12' block that can be used as a hotplate or art piece for a wall.  The participants will make templates, mark sewing lines, sew pieces together, sandwich the layers (backing, batting and top), quilt and bind (finish the edges). The $55 cost for the class covers instruction and kits that include everything except scissors and thimble.  This class is made possible in part by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation's Arts Funds for East Tennessee. The class is one of a series designed to teach and honor the arts and crafts traditions of southern Appalachia.  Space is limited. Contact Leah Walker at 423-636-8554 or lwalker@tusculum.edu to make a reservation. 

Jun 1-2, 2013, Saturday-Sunday

• Sycamore Shoals Native American Festival, 10 AM to 6 PM, Sat-Sun, June 1-2, 2013, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, Elizabethton, TN. A two-day celebration of our Native American heritage!  Award-winning dancers, storytellers, artists, and scholars gather at the circle to share knowledge and demonstrate their skills.  Come and discover Native American arts, music, and legends, with an emphasis on the Cherokee culture.  Admissions charge.  Contact the park for further information at 423.543.5808.
  
  

Jun 8, 2013, Saturday

• "Celebrate Harmony With the Appalachian Express Chorus", 7 PM, Sat., Jun 8, 2013, Heritage Hall, Mountain City, TN. Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Appalachian Express Chorus. For ticket information, please call 423.384.9992 or visit www.appalachianexpresschorus.org.

Jun 29-30, Saturday-Sunday

• 19th Century Independence Celebration & Muster, 10 AM to 4 PM, Sat., June 29, 2013, and 10 AM to 3 PM, Sun., June 30, 2013. Experience the 4th of July, 18th century-style!  What did colonists think about a new nation?  Be a guest in Fort Watauga as news of Independence arrives to the colonial frontier.  Walk among historical characters and hear their varied reactions to the Declaration, from fear of war to the hope of a brighter future.  The Celebration will take place on Saturday; the muster will continue until Sunday at 3 pm. Contact the park for further information at 423.543.5808.

July 4, 2013, Thursday

• Blountville Ruritan Independence Day Parade, 2 PM, July 4, 2013, Great Stage Road, downtown Blountville, TN. Info at 423.323.4660.
  
  
• Traditional Independence Day, Thurs., July 4, 2013, Historic Rocky Mount, Piney Flats, TN. Come and celebrate with the Cobb Family our Day of Independence in traditional ways: A reading of the Declaration of Independence, hanging ribbons on the "Liberty Tree", and honoring those who won and those who protect our freedom.

July 11 through July 27, 2013

• Graveyard Tales, Sat., July 13, 2013, Historic Rocky Mount, Piney Flats, TN. The Jonesborough Storytellers Guild will be weaving tales of spooks and haunts that will chill your spine, even on a warm summer night. Come for a taste of Halloween in July. This is a fundraiser for the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild.
  
  
• Liberty: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals (35th Year), 7:30 PM, Thurs. thru Sat., July 11-13, July 18-20, and July 25-27. Tennessee’s official outdoor drama, presented by local performers against the backdrop of Fort Watauga.   See the Revolution as told by the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled on Cherokee lands.  These settlers formed an independent government, made treaties with the Cherokee, defended their homes, and fought a British army at the epic battle of King’s Mountain.  Bleacher seating is available in the Amphitheater.  Sponsored by Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area.  Admissions Charge. Contact the park for further information at 423.543.5808.

July 15, 2013, Monday - A special Civil War event

• Fun Fest's "A Civil War Evening: THE CIVIL WAR AT CUMBERLAND GAP", 6:30 PM, Monday, July 15, 2013, Renaissance Center Theater, 1200 E. Center St., Kingsport, TN. Civil War historian Stephen Dean will give a presentation using a DVD film series on "The Civil War at Cumberland Gap", Civil War in Appalachia, and Civil War music by the "Hello Stranger Band featuring Dale Jett along with Teresa Jett and Oscar Harris.
  
  Stephen Dean is a Knoxville film producer and President of the East Tennessee Civil War Alliance located in Knoxville, TN. Mr. Dean won the 2010 Robert A Ragland Award for his outstanding work in preserving and interpreting Civil War sites in Tennessee. Dean, a veteran documentary filmmaker and past executive producer of the Heartland Series for WBIR Television, produced a documentary entitled "Holding the High Ground" that explores Civil War resources on the land south of the river and reveals their significance. He also produced the award-winning Frank H. McClung Museum's video "Its Memory Alone Remains" as part of the new Battle of Fort Sanders exhibit.
  
  Tickets for "A Civil War Evening" are $5 each. The Event is sponsored by the Tri Cities Civil War Round Table (TCCWRT), Cultural Arts Division of Kingsport, and UVA-Wise. Tickets will be sold at the Fun Fest Headquarters in the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce starting in late June. For information about the event, please contact Wayne Strong at 423.323.2306.
  
  
     Stephen Dean, award-winning producer and President of the East TN Civil War Alliance
  
  
  
       "Hello Stranger" musical group to be featured in July 15 Funfest Civil War event

July 28, 2013

• Homecoming at Muddy Creek Baptist Church, 11 AM, Muddy Creek Baptist Church, 410 Muddy Creek Rd., Blountville, TN.

Sept. 6-8, 2013, Friday-Sunday

• OFFICIAL 150th BATTLE OF BLOUNTVILLE RE-ENACTMENT AND SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS, Fri.-Sun., Sept. 6-8, 2012, historic Hawley Farm, Blountville, Tennessee. This exciting event will be held as a special tribute to the Battle of Blountville which occurred on 22 September 1863.  Under new leadership of the Battle of Blountville Military Park Committee, the event coordinators are offering a $125 bounty for the first five (5) artillery pieces.  Powder rations will be issued to the first 100 pre-registered soldiers.  Meals and usual amenities will be provided for the re-enactors.  Visitors will enjoy the historic Hawley farm which provides a beautiful scenic backdrop for the re-enactment.  New to this year’s event, an old-time county fair will be held on adjoining property!  This event is sure to delight both young and old!  Come join us!  For further information, please call 423.323.4660 or visit www.historicsullivan.com/events.htm for updates.
  
  
  • Sept. 6 (Fri.), "Civil War Heritage Day" for local schools
  • Sept. 7 (Sat.), Battle of Blountville Re-Enactment and Old-Time County Fair
  • Sept. 8 (Sun.), Battle of Blountville Re-Enactment and Old-Time County Fair
    

Sept. 9, 2013, Monday

• "Washington County Virginia during the Civil War", by Michael Shaffer, 6:30 PM, Mon., Sep. 9, Bristol Public Library, Bristol, VA. Program sponsored by the Bristol Historical Association.

Sep. 14, 2013, Saturday

• 5th ANNUAL HISTORIC BLOUNTVILLE FLEA MARKET AND YARD SALE
  Beginning at 8 AM, Sat., Sep. 14, 2013, Historic Downtown Blountville, TN. The Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism will host its 5th Annual Historic Blountville Flea Market and Yard Sale on Sat., Sep. 14, 2013, beginning at 8 AM in downtown Blountville. Now in its 5th year, this outstanding regional event has drawn several thousand people from across the Northeast TN and Southwest VA over the years. The event features crafters, food vendors, a variety of music, a special children's area with bouncies and slides and more! Vendor spaces are $10 each. For further information, contact the Department of Archives and Tourism at 423.323.4660.

Sept. 17-19, 2013, Tuesday-Thursday

• 2013 Governors Conference on Tourism

Sept. 20-23, 2013, Friday-Monday

• BATTLE OF BLOUNTVILLE MILITARY PARK CEREMONY, DEDICATION AND LIVING HISTORY TOURS, September 20-23, 2013. Events sponsored by the Battle of Blountville Military Park Executive Committee in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Blountville which took place on 22 September 1863. For further information, or if you would like to participate in our celebrations, please call 423.323.4660.
  
  
  • Sept. 20 (Fri.), "Civil War Heritage Day" for local schools
  • Sept. 21 (Sat.), Tours of Old Deery Inn and Battle of Blountville Civil War sites
  • Sept. 22 (Sun.), Tours of Old Deery Inn and Battle of Blountville Civil War sites
  • Sept. 23 (Mon.), 11 AM, Battle of Blountville Military Park Groundbreaking Ceremony
    
    
    

• Overmountain Victory Trail Celebration, 10 AM to 4 PM on Sat., Sept. 21, 2013 and 10 AM to 3 PM on Sun., Sept. 22. Join us for an encampment by the Overmountain militia before the Battle of King’s Mountain in 1780.  Live some of the most crucial days of the American Revolution!   Contact the park for further information at 423.543.5808

Sept. 25, 2013, Wednesday

• Overmountain Victory Trail Event, Tues., Sept. 24, 2013, Historic Rocky Mount, Piney Flats, TN. Members of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association will present a special night of "candlelight narration" in their campsites as they recreate the fateful evening of September 24, 1780, tehir encampment with the Cobb Family and the triumphant over-the-mountains march to victory at Kings Mountain.
  
  
• Overmountain Victory Trail March, 2 PM (approx. time), Wed., Sept. 25, 2013, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, Elizabethton, TN. Contact the park for further information at 423.543.5808.

Oct. 3-5, 2013, Thursday-Sunday

• 19th Annual Sycamore Shoals Quilt Show, Thurs.-Sat., Oct. 3-5, from 8 AM to 4:30 Pm, and Sun., Oct. 6, from 1 PM to 4:30 PM, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, Elizabethton, TN. This four-day exhibition, sponsored by the Sycamore Shoals Stitchers, features a show and demonstrations by local quilters held in the park museum. Bed quilts, wall hangings, holiday and baby quilts, miniatures and antique quilts will be on display. Contact the park for further information at 423.543.5808.

Oct. 12, 2013, Saturday

• Overmountain Men 15K Race Event, Historic Rocky Mount, Piney Flats, TN. The public is invited to the 3rd Annual Overmountain Men Victory Run from Sycamore Shoals to Rocky Mount to commemorate the victorious return route of the Overmountain Men following the Battle of King's Mountain on October 7, 1780. Runners and non-runners are invited to participate in the activities of the day.

Oct. 19, 2013, Saturday

• Spirit of the Harvest, Historic Rocky Mount, Piney Flats, TN. Participate with family and friends of the Cobb Family as they gather in the rewards of their labor throughout this productive year with the harvest of the crops and the preparations being made for the long winter season.

Nov. 1-3, 2013, Friday-Sunday

• "Skirmish on the Nolichuckey", featuring the official 150th anniversary of the Battle of Telford Depot/Limestone Station, hosted by  Fenders Farm, 254 Hwy. 107, Jonesborough, Tennessee, and sanctioned by the Armies of Tennessee. Education Day Friday, Nov. 1 2013, with battle reenactments Saturday and Sunday Nov. 2nd and 3rd. For more information contact Fenders Farm at fendersmaze.com or Alan Hayes at alanhayes@embarqmail.com.

Nov. 11, 2013, Monday

• Veterans Day Candlelight Tribute, Historic Rocky Mount, Piney Flats, TN. A special walk through time to honor the men and women who have sacrificed to win and keep our freedom and way of life secure on the battlefield and at home.

Dec. 5, 2013, Thursday

• Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Historic Blountville, 6 PM, Thurs., Dec. 5, 2013, in front of Sullivan County Courthouse, downtown Blountville.

Ongoing Events in the Region:

• Blountville Farmers Market, 2:30 PM, each Thurs. beginning April 19, 2012, located behind the old Sullivan County Courthouse at Blountville. Market also open on Sat. mornings. Info at 423.323.4660.
  
• Kingsport Farmers Market, 7 AM to 1 PM, Wednesdays and Saturdays, corner of Clinchfield and Center Streets. Info at 423.246.6550.
  
• Bristol Farmers Market, May 1 thru October 31, Saturdays 7 AM to Noon, and Wednesdays 3 PM to 7 PM.
• Antique Car Show, Friday nights, 6 PM to 8 PM, May thru October, 2012, TriSummit Bank parking lot across from the train station in downtown Bristol. Info at 423.646.7780.
  
• Master Gardener Classes, applications now being accepted. Classes will begin on Tues., Sept. 11 and end on Nov. 1 with a graduation on Nov. 8. Most sessions will be held on Tues. and Thurs. from 6:30 PM to 9 PM at Colonial Hgts. Baptist church at Exit 59 off I-81 (with exception of 4 field trips.) Fee for the program is $165 which includes an extensive 800 plus page Master Gardener Textbook, the graduation dinner, your name badge, a soil sample, hand lens and other related costs. A limited number of partial Scholarships will be awarded on an as needed basis. Contact Chris Ramsey at 423.279.2723.
• Appalachian Ghostwalks, ongoing daily/nightly tours. Reservations required. Interested parties should call (423) 743-WALK (9255) for reservations.
• Netherland Inn, Open Saturday and Sunday - May through October. Hours: 2p.m. to 4p.m. Admission: Adults $4.00 and age 6 and under $1.00. Group Tours: April through October by appointment- School, Civic and Church Groups Welcome!
• Old Deery Inn and Museum, open by reservation for group tours of 8 or more. Tickets are $5 per person; children under 12 are $3. (423) 323-4660.
• Sons of the Confederate Veterans, John Singleton Mosby Camp #1409, meets at 6PM, 4th Monday of each month, Mama's House Buffet, John B. Dennis Parkway, Kingsport, TN.
• Sons of the Confederate Veterans, Lt. Stephen Powell Camp, meets at 7PM, 3rd Monday of each month, 2nd Floor Commission Room, Sullivan County Courthouse, Blountville.
• Sullivan County Historical and Genealogical Society meets at 7PM, 3rd Thursday evening of each month, 2nd Floor Commission Room, Sullivan County Courthouse, downtown Blountville. Free admission. General public is cordially invited. (423) 323-4660.
• TAMHA Traditional Appalachian Music Heritage Association holds jam sessions at 6PM every Friday at the Anderson Townhouse in historic downtown Blountville. Jams are also held from 2-4 PM at the Bristol Tennessee Welcome Center on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Free and open to the general public.
• Warriors Path State Park, Kingsport, Tennessee. "Summer in the Park" series will run from June through Mid-August, 2012. Every Monday through Saturday, the park will offer fee nature and recreation activities, including guided hikes, creek walks, historical tours, crafts, games, junior rangers, campfire talks, and more. Free. Contact Marty Silver at (423) 239-6786 for weekly schedule.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, ongoing events:

• Traditional Arts Workshops, Jan. thru Dec., 2012. Dates and times vary. Catch this unique opportunity to learn traditional art forms from expert instructors.  Pre-registration is required in addition to an instructor and materials fee.   Ask for our separate listing!
• Shape Note Singing - Led by Don Wiley, 2-4 PM, 3rd Sunday of each month.
  Sing the shapes!  In this early musical tradition, “shapes” represented each note of the do-re-mi scale.  Although many Appalachian frontiersmen could not read, they achieved beautiful four-part harmonies through this simplified method of learning music.  We invite you to join “The Old Fields Singers” for an experience you will not forget.
• The Liberty Spinners
  2nd Tuesday of the Month (except December), 9:30 am – 1 p.m. This gathering of spinners and fiber artists is open to anyone interested in the art of spinning.  Join us at 9:30 am on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (except December).
• Northeast Tennessee Autoharp Community & Old Time Group, Jan. thru May, and Sept. thru Nov., 4th Sunday of each month. 1:30 – 2:30 Autoharp & Dulcimer Beginners. Open Jam from 2:30 PM to 4 PM. Start on the basics on Autoharp & Dulcimer, then stick around for the open jam to show off what you’ve learned!  Old-time musicians of all instruments and skill levels are welcome to play!  This group meets on the 4th Sunday of the month, January through May and September through November.
• Sycamore Shoals Fife & Drum Corps., Saturdays, 10 AM. The Fife & Drum Corps performs at historical events, dedications, and parades.  This group is open to anyone ages 12 & up.  Musical experience is welcome but not necessary; just come with a willingness to learn.  Meet our volunteer coordinator John Large at the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center.  Lessons are free of charge, just call and let us know you’re coming!
• Friends of Sycamore Shoals Meetings, Jan. thru Dec., 2012. The Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area sponsors the many events here at the park.  If you would like to be a part of what goes on behind the scenes, join us for our meetings!  They are open to members, non-members, and prospective members alike. Call the park for meeting times and programs.
• History at Home, May thru Aug., 2012. A creative mix of historical & natural programs presented throughout the summer by our seasonal interpretive staff.  Please call for weekly schedules.

GET YOUR EVENT LISTED HERE! To have your event listed with us, email us or call (423) 323-4660.