Old-Time Music fans Join The Tennessee Fall Homecoming In Mid-October

Melody Schubert
Rhonda Vincent and her band, The Rage, are already lined up to this year. There's much more than music to be enjoyed at the Homecoming in Tennessee - the Museum´s mission is to preserve and pass along the Appalachian heritage to younger generations, and with that said, there will be numerous demonstrations of old-time skills like molasses-making and rail-splitting, spinning and sheep herding, and much more during the festivities.

The Tennessee Fall Homecoming includes a large craft show with artisans selling pottery, baskets, wood carvings, musical instruments, honey, quilts, artwork, and countless other hand-made wares. Authors and musicians offer their books and CDs, and food vendors serve up traditional Appalachian "vittles"—from a full meal of cornbread and beans to special treats like fruit cobblers and homemade ice cream.

A Heritage Day for students will be held in Early-Oct, with interactive music and activities geared toward youngsters. Homecoming visitors can also tour the extensive village-farm museum encompassing some three dozen authentic log structures, exhibit buildings filled with Appalachian artifacts, gardens surrounded by split rail fences, and a variety of farm animals in a picturesque setting. Unique, locally hand-crafted items are available in the gift shop, and a small café provides country meals, pinto beans and cornbread, and home-style desserts.

Homecoming hours are 9 a.m. to dusk daily, regardless of weather. Ample free parking is available. The Museum will be open daily, with the exception of Christmas Day. For more information on Homecoming and other events at the Museum, call 865-494-7680; e-mail

museum@museumofappalachia.org
; or visit the website: www.museumofappalachia.org.

Credits: By Stacy Delray, Melody Schubert, Museum of Appalachia