Coming off a weekend involving the unveiling of a new craft brew from Tennessee State Parks and annual chili cook off, don’t expect action to slow down anytime soon in Roan Mountain.
Roan Mountain State Park Ranger Meg Guy recently told the Elizabethton Star that the annual Autumn Harvest Festival is scheduled to take place this weekend on from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Miller Farmstead on the park’s premise.
Open to the public; attendees have the opportunity to browse through booths featuring local artisans and purchase different crafts and homemade food.
Guy added that different demonstrations will be available throughout the afternoon and the public has the opportunity to enjoy some “old-time music.”
If weather becomes a factor, Guy added the event will be relocated to the Park Visitors’ Center.
While excitement approaches for the annual fall festival, park officials indicated visitors will see a few changes for the upcoming Halloween in the Campground event set for Saturday, Oct. 28.
With the event scheduled to take place between 6 to 9 p.m., park staff announced there will be a $5 parking charge per vehicle and that attendees should expect parking to be similar to the Rhododendron Festival. Carpooling to the event is encouraged to assist with parking and help with traffic in and out of the event.
“We at Roan Mountain State Park are dedicated to providing safe and quality park events to the public. We must account for the overall safety of everyone in attendance. The Halloween in the Campground event was created in 2007, which has grown each year exponentially thereafter. Our number one priority for this event is the safety for all our visitors,” park staff said in a statement released by the Roan Mountain State Park Facebook account.
Along with sweet treats for the little goblins and ghouls, hot dogs will be provided to the first 1,000 attendees and hayrides will be provided through the park’s “haunted forest.”
For more information on upcoming events, contact Guy via email at Meg.Guy@tn.gov or call (423) 772-0190.