Hurricane Mills – Loretta Lynn’s 30th Bi-Annual Trail Ride, Sept. 3-8, 2012: Saddle up for this year’s Trail Ride at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. The event includes trail ride training and course and competition, camping, saddle drawing, camping, hay rides and movies. For more information call 931-296-770 or visit www.lorettalynn.com.
Memphis – Annual Southern Heritage Classic Sept. 6-9: Fans return year after year for the lively tailgate parties; to cheer on historically black football rivals, Tennessee State University and Jackson State University; to tee off in the celebrity golf tournament; for a glimpse at women’s fall fashions; and to experience music made in Memphis and other familiar rhythms. Still, celebrating the Southern Heritage Classic presented by FedEx that began in 1990 is much more. www.southernheritageclassic.com
Knoxville – The 93rd annual Tennessee Valley Fair is scheduled for Sept. 7-16: The Tennessee Valley Fair is one of the state’s largest multi-day events attracting nearly 140,000 people each year. The 93rd annual fair begins Sept. 7. Known for its innovative exhibits, livestock shows, concert series, action sports, exciting rides and a variety of unique fun foods, the Tennessee Valley Fair offers tremendous family entertainment. The Fair is also proud to present nightly fireworks sponsored by the Tennessee Education Lottery. For more information, please visit www.tnvalleyfair.org.
Nashville – “Tradition Lives On” Sept. 7-16 with the 106th Tennessee State Fair: This year’s State Fair will showcase the culture and promise of the entire state of Tennessee, making it a true state fair. It will epitomize the best of Tennessee, emphasizing agriculture and youth, heritage and future, all in an educational and entertaining atmosphere. During the fair, the Tennessee State Fairgrounds will come alive with traditional competitions, thrilling rides, and a wide variety of must-see events. www.tnstatefair.org.
Loudon – Smoky Mountain Fiddlers Convention Seeks Bluegrass Performers: -A musical tradition continues as Loudon Rotary Club hosts the 30th Annual Smoky Mountain Fiddlers Convention, Sept. 7-8 in historic Loudon, Tenn. Interested contestants should contact Larry Smith at jlarrysmith@bellsouth.net, P.O. Box 136, Loudon, TN 37774 or download a Contestant Entry Form at www.SmokyMTNFiddlers.com.
Clarksville – 25th Clarksville Riverfest Sept. 7-8: An annual two-day music and arts festival held along the banks of the Cumberland River. This free event features delicious food, activities for kids of all ages and multiple stages of live entertainment. In addition, a Riverfest Regatta, Lighted Boat Parade, Quick Fit Challenge, Cornhole Tournament and much more! For more information, visit www.clarksvilleriverfest.com.
Pikeville – Fall Creek Falls Hosts 34th Annual Mountain Folk Festival Sept. 7-8: This weekend’s jam-packed schedule includes handmade crafts, 2 stages of traditional mountain music, demonstrations of pioneer skills, country cooking, and much more. Don’t miss this event! For more information call 423-881-5298.
Pigeon Forge – Shades of the Past Rod Run 30th Anniversary on Sept. 7-8: Rods, Customs and Classics through 1972 will be on display at this amazing show held at Dollywood Splash Country. For more information, visit www.shadesofthepast.com.
Eagleville – 25th Annual Pioneer Power Days Sept. 7-8 - The South’s largest antique tractor and gas engine show with over 700 tractors. For more information, visit www.eaglevilletvppa.com.
Vonore – Fort Loudoun State Park Hosts 75th Anniversary Event - An 18th Century Trade Faire: This living history event brings fan faire of old back to life. Reenactors will portray merchants, artisans, soldiers, Cherokee and entertainers from the 1700s. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, call 423-884-6217.
Gray – 8th Annual Bonsai Exhibition Sept. 8-9: The eighth annual Mid-Appalachian Bonsai Kai (MABK) Invitational Bonsai Exhibit will once again be displayed at the East Tennessee State University and General Shale Brick Natural History Museum and Visitor Center at the Gray Fossil Site. The exhibition will be shown for two days only – Sat. and Sun., Sept. 8-9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the museum’s new Education Center. While the museum is closed to the public on Sunday, the Education Center will be open on Sunday for the Bonsai event. www.etsu.edu/naturalhistorymuseum.
Fairview – 28th Annual Fairview Nature Fest "Growing Green," Sept. 8: Now in its 28th year, Fairview Nature Fest has continued to grow and gain regional recognition as a choice destination for families seeking to observe a day of nature at its very best. This year's Fairview Nature Fest with a theme "Growing Green," takes place 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat., Sept. 8 at Fairview's 700-acre municipal nature park. The event is free and open to the public. History Village, free hayrides through the park, live music, nature exhibits, tasty festival food, children's entertainers, and much more to see and do in nature! For more information, visit www.fairviewchamber.org or call 615-799-9290.
Jackson – Casey Jones Oldtime Music Festival, Sept. 8: It’s full steam ahead for a fun filled Saturday at the Casey Jones Oldtime Music Festival. The festival is sponsored by the Jackson Area Plectral Society and Casey Jones Village. Performances will be held at the historic Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum Theater. Art in the Village is participating with festivities at the gallery throughout the day featuring local art and artisans at Celebrate Art. For more information, visit www.caseyjones.com.
Russellville – Nolichucky Vineyard to Have Harvest Festival, Sept. 8: Nolichucky Vineyard is now open as the First Farm/ Wine Permit under a new law enacted by The Tennessee General Assembly in 2012 and has opened The Grape Barn at Nolichucky Vineyard. The Nolichucky Vineyard Harvest Festival will be held Sept. 8 and will include grape stomping, a Lucille Ball look-a-like contest, Grape Harvest Pageant and Cody McCarver, Harvest Country entertainer for the evening. For tickets and event information, visit www.nolichucky.com.