Autumn Heritage Celebration this weekend at Sycamore Shoals

Published 4:41 pm Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Autumn is in full swing. As both the temperature and the leaves continue to fall, we begin to think of the many holiday festivities that wait in the coming days. Over 200 years ago it was quite the same for the early frontier settlers. Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park will become the scene of a Frontier Harvest Celebration as patrons enjoy a time of friendship, thanksgiving, and recognition of patriot ancestors.

In Colonial America, before Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday, each colony or community observed days of thanksgiving usually after the harvest had been brought in or after a significant military victory.

The Washington County Militia, host living history organization at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, will have their monthly militia muster this weekend as well as  a colonial “Harvest Home” as they celebrate the Overmountain Men’s victory at the battle of Kings Mountain.

Activities throughout the weekend will include programs and demonstrations of 18^th century frontier life, including open hearth cooking, food preservation, flintlock musket and rifle demonstrations, music, games, Revolutionary War era battle tactics, and much more. The weekend will also include a special Veterans Day program on Saturday, Nov. 12, to honor the combatants at the Battle of Kings Mountain and our current veterans and armed service members.

Also, join members of the Overmountain Weavers Guild as they present the Fall Fibers Fair inside the park visitors center throughout the weekend. Visit with local spinners, weavers, and fiber artists to learn more about wool, flax, and other fiber arts. Also, do some early Christmas shopping with fiber arts vendors who will be set up throughout the weekend as well.

Admission is free so don’t miss this unique event showcasing Tennessee’s rich heritage. During your time at the park be sure to experience the interpretive exhibits as well as our book and gift shop to make your visit complete.

Saturday’s events will begin at 10 a.m. with a militia inspection and raising of the colors. Other events of the day include a food preservation workshop at 11 a.m.; Skirmish on the Watauga at 1 p.m.; a salute to the Kings Mountain patriots as well as a salute to present-day veterans and service members at 2 p.m. Activities for the day will close at 4 p.m.

Sunday’s events begin at 10 a.m. with militia inspection and raising the colors; a worship service at 11 a.m. in the Fort Watauga courtyard; 18th Century food preservation workshop at 12 noon; Fife and Drums at 1 p.m.; and Skirmish on the Watauga at 2 p.m. in the field adjacient to Fort Watauga. Events will come to an end at 3 p.m.