Historic Rugby, Inc.’s Golden Jubilee promises to be golden, indeed.
The organization responsible for restoring, maintaining, and preserving the village celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2, Historic Rugby will host its Golden Jubilee Festival, complete with a spectrum of activities that will delight both those just being introduced to the village and people who have enjoyed Rugby for years.
The festivities will include:
· An Historic Rugby member brunch recognizing one of the oldest descendants of the original Rugby settlers
· A new Rugby film debuting at the Rebecca Johnson Theatre in the Visitor’s Centre
· A special historic exhibit of Tabard Inn artifacts, some never seen before by the public
· The results of the photo contest begun earlier this year
· And amazing stories about Rugby shared by villagers and visitors alike.
· Crafters and demonstrations, as part of Rugby’s mission to support local artists
· The annual Michaelmas Festival and Tea, hosted by Christ Church Episcopal
· Hiking in the Big South Fork and Rugby State Natural Area
· Lawn games and activities for adults and children
· Great food at the newly-remodeled Harrow Road Cafe
· Music
· Great stories about Rugby told by villagers and visitors.
Many activities are free of charge; others have a modest fee.
The Michaelmas Festival, hosted by Christ Church Episcopal, runs from 11am to 4pm. Admission is free. The festival features crafters in the church yard, a bake sale, childrens’ activities, and interpretive tours of Christ Church. In addition, the church hosts Michaelmas Tea, with seatings at 12 noon and 2 pm. Cost is $10 per person. Reservations are strongly recommended, as this is a very popular event that typically sells out. Tea reservations can be made by calling 423/628-1282 or emailing grannymcbrayer@gmail.com.
For a complete schedule of events, visit www.historicrugby.org.
Rugby was founded in 1880 with the goal of building a strong agricultural community through cooperative enterprise, while maintaining a cultured, Christian lifestyle, free of the rigid class distinctions that prevailed in Britain at the time. The village has continued for 135 years, with numerous original buildings either restored or recreated. Learn more about the history of Rugby and its unique attractions at www.historicrugby.org.
Historic Rugby, Inc., the non-profit that oversees preservation and education in the village, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2016.
Rugby is just off State Scenic Highway 52, 16 miles southeast of Jamestown and 35 miles from either Interstate 40 or I-75 in East Tennessee on the southern edge of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.