A Special Supplement to
The Newport Plain Talk
e Harvest Fall Festival p 2026
t e e r t S
SEPTEMBER 2026
Happy Fall Y’ALL!
Join us for the 39th Annual Newport Harvest Street Festival! NEWPORT – Mark your calendars for October 4-5, as Downtown Newport transforms into the heart of fall fun with the return of an East Tennessee favorite! Get ready for a weekend full of food, crafts, live entertainment, and family-friendly excitement! We’ll kick off the celebration with a special opening ceremony coordinated by the Newport AMVETS Post 75 on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. Let’s come together to honor the brave men and women of our military! The ceremony will take place at the entertainment stage on Broadway next to the Courthouse lawn. It’s the perfect way to start the festivities and show our appreciation for those who serve!
Shopping, Crafts & Local Businesses
Stroll through the festival to explore an amazing selection of handmade arts and crafts, from pottery and quilts to paintings, toys, and unique home décor for fall and Christmas. Be sure to stop by our local businesses and downtown shops for even more treasure! Discover new downtown spots, meet friendly faces, and support our wonderful community.
Kid’s Fun at KiddieLand
When the shopping’s done, KiddieLand is ready to deliver fun for the little ones! With an armband, kids can bounce, slide, and play all day long. The Kiwanis of Newport Train is back, offering fun train rides through the festival, and we’ve got helicopter rides for kids to enjoy! Plus, Pendleton Playground will return with even more surprises like teacup rides, jeep rides, and games for all ages.
Live Music & Entertainment
Get ready for a jam-packed lineup of live entertainment! Start your Saturday off with fan favorite Sammy Shults, Next the one and only Exit 8 Band who’ll be bringing all your favorite classic and southern rock hits. Crimson Highway will close out Saturday’s music! New to the festival but featuring some familiar faces, they’re sure to be a great way to wrap up the
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day. We will also have our local dance studios throughout the day perform Newport Dance and Cheer and Max Movement studios to keep the fun going throughout the day. On Sunday, join us for a special service with Bridgeport Freewill Baptist Church and enjoy an afternoon filled with uplifting gospel music from Memorial Baptist Church, Carson Creek Singers, and more.
Pageant Time
Don’t miss out on the crowning moments! Join us on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on the Courthouse lawn to cheer on the little ones competing for Harvest Queen. The Miss Newport Harvest Festival pageant for ages 16 to 21 will close out the event. Who will wear the crown this year?
Tractors, Furry Friends & More
Get a taste of tradition with artisan activities on the Main Street side of the Courthouse and be sure to check out the Sevier County Antique Tractor display on Broadway. Plus, we’ve got some furry friends joining the fun this year. Come celebrate the fall season at the 39th Annual Newport Harvest Street Festival – a weekend filled with fun, food, and festivities for the whole family. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing sponsors for making this exciting weekend possible. Jefferson Cocke County Utility District, Sonoco, Bush’s, Limitless Solutions, American Appliance, McSpadden INC, Newport Paving, Tennova Newport Medical Ole Smoky Distillery, US Bank, Demcor, Rural Medical Services and Commercial Bank. For more details on this year’s Newport Harvest Street Festival, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 423-623-7201 or via email at lramsey@ cockecountypartnership.com or araines@cockecountypartnership.com. For photos and updates, visit our website or follow the Newport Harvest Street Festival on Facebook.
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REAL ESTATE AGENCY!
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Schedule of Events
Saturday, October 3rd
The day begins at 10 a.m. with Newport Dance & Cheer
Newport Arts and Athletics is the home of Newport Dance & Cheer Academy, Inc. & Newport Martial Arts Academy. We offer classes in dance, gymnastics/ acrobatics, karate, a competitive cheerleading team, and occasional fitness & dance classes for adults! Our classes are offered for students ages 2.5 and older. Newport Martial Arts Academy is led by Kyo Sah Nim, Jennifer Grillo Foster & Kyo Sah Nim, Ian Turnage, and their students study the Korean Martial Art form of Tang Soo Do. Newport Dance & Cheer Academy, has over 25 years of instruction here in Newport, is under the instruction of Director and Instructor, Susan McMahan. Assisting her are head instructors, Haley O’Pry, Avery Hensley, & Taelyr Ball. The Star Squad cheer team is led by Julianna Hazlett. Classes are offered in ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics/acrobatics, pointe, hip hop and more! We also have a unique Sparkle dance program for students ages 2.5-6 years old. Private lessons are also available in addition to our group classes. Our dancers have performed throughout the Eastern United States and most recently, the competition dancers performed at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, as well as competing at the Epic Nationals in Sevierville, TN, where several of their routines placed in the top five in their division along with their minis receiving a special award for their outstanding character performance. For more information on our classes, please contact our office at (423) 623-4113. You can also visit us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Newport’s own Sammy Shults will take the stage from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
The Newport Harvest Street Festival is excited to welcome back one of Cocke County’s own, Sammy Shults. A wellknown local favorite, Sammy, has been entertaining crowds across the region with his heartfelt country sound that blends the best of the past with today’s hits. Hailing right here from Cocke County, Sammy’s music reflects the roots and stories of our community. Festivalgoers can look forward to a mix of traditional country favorites and fresh new tunes that showcase his talent and love for performing. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Sammy Shults live on stage as part of this year’s festival lineup.
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Sunday, October 4th
A Day Filled With Gospel Music On Sunday at 10 a.m. you can start your morning off with a Sunday service by Bridgeport Freewill Baptist Church, everyone is invited to attend.
Max Movement will be performing from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Max Movement is a locally owned and operated dance and gymnastics studio. We offer classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, pointe, tumbling, and acrobatics for ages three and up. Recreational and competitive classes are available. We have an award– winning competitive team. Max Movement is located at 264 E. Main Street Newport, TN (423)-237-3823. Https://maxmovementdance.wixsite.com/ dance
Exit 8 Band antother local favorite will perform at 2:10 P.M. – 3:50 P.M. Exit 8 Band has been rocking crowds across Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina for over five years with a dynamic blend of country, Southern rock, classic rock, and blues. With more than 50 years of combined experience, this five-member powerhouse delivers today’s favorites and timeless classics with energy and heart. Recent performances include the Sevier County Fair, Adventure Distilling Company, Long Branch Saloon, and Fox & Hounds. From small venues to festival stages, exit 8 keeps audiences singing, dancing, and coming back for more.
Alyssa Patterson will perform from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Alyssa Patterson is a 20-year-old singer/ songwriter from Newport, TN. She is currently in the process of recording two original songs, and she has been singing since she was two years old. She has been writing songs and playing guitar for seven years.
Memorial Baptist Church Praise Team will perform 1:20 p.m. to 2:05 p.m.
Festivalgoers can look forward to uplifting gospel music when the Memorial Baptist Church Praise Team takes the stage at the Newport Harvest Street Festival on Sunday, October 5th, from 1:20 p.m. to 2:05 p.m. Known for their heartfelt performances, the group shares their faith and talent through music that inspires and uplifts. Their set will feature gospel favorites sure to have the crowd humming along while bringing a message of joy and blessing to all who listen. The Memorial Baptist Church Praise Team is sure to be a highlight for those who enjoy spirit-filled music and community praise.
Carson Creek Singers will perform from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Crimson Highway will be performing from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
We're adding something new to the stage this year! Crimson Highway will make their Newport Harvest Street Festival debut, closing out Saturday's entertainment. Come out, enjoy the music, and help us give them a big downtown Newport welcome!
Proud to partner with the Cocke County Partnership for the 39th Annual Newport Harvest Street Festival 6 • HARVEST FESTIVAL • FALL 2026
The Carson Creek Singers will take the stage at the Newport Harvest Street Festival on Sunday, October 4th, from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. The group is made up of Roy and Paula Poore of Dandridge and Reece and Penny Grooms of Cosby. For the past 13 years, they have been performing together, sharing their love of music at churches and community events across the area. Known for their heartfelt harmonies and uplifting performances, the Carson Creek Singers are sure to bring a special touch of tradition to this year’s festival.
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Parrottsville Heritage Days
Parrottsville Heritage Days, which is traditionally held the second weekend of October, will return this year after being canceled last year because of the flood caused by Hurricane Helene. According to Court Clerk Holly Norton, festivities are set for Friday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 11. The festival is held at Parrott-LaRue-Myers Park off Old Parrottsville Highway in the heart of Parrottsville. Friday’s kickoff event consists of the popular chili cook-off. Preregistration is not required. Anyone who wishes to enter the chili cook-off should show up at the park pavilion at 5 p.m. with their crockpot of chili. After the chili has been judged and prizes awarded, the chili will be sold. The proceeds are usually given to a charitable organization. Some vendors may be set up by Friday evening, but others may be using the time to set up their booth for the weekend event. Saturday and Sunday will include many activities. Vendors will offer various goods including handmade crafts and artwork. There will be a variety of foods available ranging from hot dogs and hamburgers to home cooked foods, baked goods and sweet treats. Throughout Saturday and Sunday there will be entertainment.
Beauty pageants
The beauty pageants will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11. Pageants for girls from newborn to JOHN J. SUDBRINK, JR. four years of Larry LaPatka of Parrottsville shows off his 1930 Ford Model A age and for at the Annual Parrottsville Heritage Days at Parrott-LaRue-Myboys will get ers Park.
JOHN J. SUDBRINK, JR. Parrottsville Heritage Days brings hundreds of people to Parrottsville every fall.
underway at 1 p.m. Pageants for girls ages five years and older will get underway at 3 p.m. Baby Doll Heritage Days Queen 2023 Jade Artica plays with some straw on stage while her parents work to get a photo of her at the Parrottsville Heritage Days. For more information about the pageants, call or text Angel Fowler at (423) 721-1855.
Sunday
Sunday will kick off with a church service held at 10 a.m. The festivities wrap up between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. each day on Saturday and Sunday. “We would like to invite everyone to come to Parrottsville and enjoy our annual Parrottsville Heritage Days Festival,” said Mayor Gayla Hommel. “We are looking forward to having a well-attended, fun-filled event,” she added. “There will definitely be something for everyone.” For a vendor application, or to get additional information, call Parrottsville Town Hall at (423) 623-9380 or email pvlcourtclerk@gmail.com.
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Fall adventure in Tennessee
TN. Dept of Tourism
SPOOKY SEASON
Immersive cave walking tour, arts and fall color experiences and spooky season storytelling Vivid autumn leaves burst through the trees, new experiences await the fall bucket list, the aroma of apple and pumpkin treats waft through the air and echoes of ghost stories whisper with haunted happenings. Here’s what’s new and trending this fall in Tennessee.
ATTRACTIONS, EXHIBITS & EXPERIENCES
McMinnville – Get ready for an adventure. The Discovery Walking Tour is an immersive experience surrounded by video, light and sound deep within the cave. Watch and listen to the story of how the cave was formed, came to life and the types of animals that call the cave home. Morgan County – Hike MoCo kicks off the Fall Frenzy Hiking Series. Explore and soak in the scenery along trails of Big South Fork, Frozen Head, Obed, Cumberland Trail and more. Chattanooga – Rock City’s Fall Colors is an autumn splendor of pumpkins, haybale vignettes and seasonal decorations and live music with a picture perfect backdrop in the gardens. Gatlinburg – Get creative and power your imagination in the Smokies. Painting Around offers DIY painting, arts and craft experiences like canvas, rock and splatter painting and holiday Courtesy Tennessee Tourism decorations.
Rugby – Historic Rugby After Dark tours guide guests through original buildings and structures of the Victorian village founded in 1880s, telling history, legends and ghost stories. Knoxville – Mabry-Hazen House’s A Victorian Séance, an immersive, guided reenactment of a 19th-century Spiritualist séance filled with “mysterious and startling wonders,” takes place on the evenings of Oct. 2326. Adams – Experience October at one of the most haunted locations in the country. Hear the folklore at Bell Witch Cave, which offers paranormal tours, cabin tours, daytime hayrides, nighttime haunted hayrides, food, a gift shop and more. Nashville – Visitors can explore the haunted side of history with Ghost Tours: Tragedy and Mystery at The Hermitage with stories of unusual experiences of Andrew Jackson’s family and unexplained incidents on the site, a rare opportunity to see the mansion, grounds and cemetery by lantern light. Memphis – Each October, visitors can take special tours and attend Soul of the Cemetery to hear stories of Elmwood Cemetery. BackBeat Tours shares more historically spooky tales with walking ghost tours through some of the most haunted places in Memphis.
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People travel from all over to Carver’s Orchard and Applehouse Restaurant By Kathy Barnes Assistant Editor
There are plenty of apples to choose from at Carver’s Orchard and Applehouse Restaurant located at 3460 Cosby Highway (Highway 321) in Cosby. Danny Ray Carver, who has been in the orchard business for his entire life, owns the business. Carver’s Orchard was established by Carver’s father, Kyle Carver, in 1942. The orchard covers 75 acres and offers more than 100 varieties of apples. Carver explained that the early harvest starts in late June and depending on the variety of apples, the harvest will continue through late fall. The last variety that will be harvested will be the Pink Lady variety, and they aren’t harvested until around Thanksgiving. While many locals visit the apple house and restaurant, there are also many customers who live out of state who schedule an annual visit to pick up their apples and other items, such as canned goods. The apple house offers more than just A basket of freshly picked apples is shown by the apples. It has homemade conveyor belt at Carver’s Orchard.
fried pies, nuts, and other fruits and vegetables. Hours for the orchard/ apple house are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. There is also a seasonal candy store and a restaurant on the premises. The restaurant hours are currently Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The apple house store is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Stacey’s Sweet Treats is a candy store that offers a variety of oldfashioned candies, including hand-dipped chocolates, homemade candy apples, fresh salt water taffy and more. The candy store is closed Monday and Tuesday. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The orchard phone number is (423) 487-2419 and the restaurant phone number is (423) 487-2710. Carver’s Orchard and Applehouse Restaurant are located at 3460 Cosby Highway.
A candy store is also located at Carver’s Orchard. It offers a variety of old-fashioned candies.
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