Spring Events in Southeast Tennessee:
April – May 2015
April 11-12
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Pikeville
Explore wildflower-rich areas of the park to see many early spring wildflowers and breathtaking views. A variety of hikes, workshops, driving tours, and slideshows will be offered. For more information, visit http://tnstateparks.com/parks/event_details/fall-creek-falls/34th-annual-spring-wildflower-pilgrimage.
April 10-12
Trails & Trilliums Festival
South Cumberland State Park
Monteagle
A three-day festival celebrating waterfalls, woods, wildflowers and wonders. This years’s keynote speaker will be author Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods.” For more information, visit www.trailsandtrilliums.org.
April 10-12
Food for Life Conference
Sequatchie Valley Institute
Whitwell
Since 1998, thinkers, practitioners, dreamers and eaters have gathered for the annual Sequatchie Valley Institute’s Food for Life conference. Join us for a family-friendly weekend of food, fire, kids, music and camping - and prepare to change your perception of reality about food.
April 17-19
Cabela’s / Boat U.S. Collegiate Bass Championship Chickamauga Open
Dayton
Watch the nation’s top college anglers compete in the Chickamauga Open for the coveted title and valuable points in the Cabela’s / Boat US Collegiate Championship series. This event will be filmed and nationally televised on NBC Sports Network. For more information, visit www.fishdayton.com and www.collegiatebasschampionship.com.
April 18
Cherokee History Lecture Symposium
Red Clay State Park
Cleveland
Learn about Cherokee history and culture through a series of lectures presented by Lamar Marshall of Wild South, Anne Rogers PhD of Western Carolina University, and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians genealogist Anita Finger-Smith. Enjoy a park tour after lunch. For more information, visit http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/red-clay or call 423-478-0339.
April 18
Spring Wildflower Hike & Open House
Sequatchie Valley Institute
Whitwell
Join the Sequatchie Valley Institute staff and friends along with the ragwort, dwarf buckeye, phlox, bloodroot, trout lily, trilliums, wild geranium, redbuds, and dogwoods in the beautiful Sequatchie Valley for spring wildflower hikes. The hikes will be accompanied by naturalists, foresters, and bio-enthusiasts familiar with the geography, ecology and biology of the area. There will be two hikes offered: a moderate two-hour hike and a four-hour rugged mountain trail hike. For more information, visit svionline.org or call Carol Kimmons at 423-949-5922/4598.
April 22-25
Ramp Tramp Festival
Reliance
The Polk County Ramp Tramp Festival was started in 1958 by 4-H club members and volunteers who ”tramped” up the Big Frog Mountain in Polk County, TN to enjoy a hike on a spring day as well as a ramp meal. Today, that same traditional spirit lives on during the annual Polk County Ramp Tramp Festival. For more information, visit www.RampTrampFestival.com.
April 25-26
National Cornbread Festival
South Pittsburg
The annual National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg, Tenn., offers cornbread cook-offs, arts and crafts vendors, food, a variety of music, children’s activities, a car show, and tours of historic homes. Admission is $5 (preschool children get in free). For more information, visit www.nationalcornbread.com or call 423-837-0022.
April 25, 26 and May 2,3 & 9
A Day Out with Thomas the Train
Tennessee Valley Railroad
Chattanooga
Spend a day out with Thomas the Train. Take a ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt, see authentic engines, and enjoy family fun at the Tennessee Valley Railroad. For more information, visit tvrail.com.
April 30 – May 2
Boxcar Pinion Memorial Bluegrass Festival
Raccoon Mountain Campground
Chattanooga
The Boxcar Pinion Memorial Bluegrass Festival celebrates bluegrass music in honor of Thomas “Boxcar” Pinion. To learn more, visit www.boxcarforeverbluegrass.com
Contact: Cindy Pinion: 706-820-2228 or 423-605-7975 (cell)
May 2-3
ValleyFest
Dunlap
Valley Fest features children's activities, an art exhibition, shopping, food, and special activities, including a 5k, 10k and a fun run/walk, a car show, and beauty pageant. Enjoy a variety of musical performances on multiple stages. For more information, visit www.valleyfestonline.com.
May 8-9
Tennessee Strawberry Festival
Dayton
Two days of fun-filled craft and food vendors, entertainment, parade and fun for the whole family. Visit www.tnstrawberryfestival.com