By Linda Brooks Jones
Spring is coming and THE TENNESSEE MOUNTAIN LAUREL FESTIVAL will be held on Saturday May 15 from 10 to 5 at the Courthouse Square in Wartburg, Tennessee. Sponsored by THE MORGAN COUNTY TOURISM ALLIANCE the Festival has events and activities for people of all ages and interests. For detailed information see tnmlf.com. ALL TIMES EASTERN.
The weekend festivities begin on Friday May 14 at 6:00 at the Courthouse Square with a Pet Parade and performance by Southern Steel Band 7-9 and concludes with fireworks by The Brushy Mountain Group. Food will be offered by The Morgan County Cattlemen’s Association and War Pig’s Barbecue will be serving its delicious barbecue on Saturday.
Saturday begins with the first 5K Ridge Run. The run begins and ends at the Visitor Center 3804 Morgan County Highway. Registration and runner packet pick up can be made on site beginning at 7 am. The race will begin promptly at 8 am. For online registration www.runsignup.com Donation accepted for restoration of The Tanner Store.
Under the tent live musical performances will be held throughout the day. Get some food and beverage and sit and enjoy.
The 62 Ale Trail will host a beer tasting at the MOCO Brewery Project 513 Court Street across from the Courthouse beginning at 10 am.
Historic Rugby, Inc will be offering a Tea Tasting with Scones at the American Legion Hall from 11 to 2. www.mctamoco.com/shop
The Silent Auction has a wide variety of items for purchase. For quilt collectors, a hand pieced quilt is offered with a beginning bid of $250.00 Of particular interest will be the on-site printing of the 2021 Tennessee Mountain Laurel T-Shirts. Historic Rugby Inc. will bring their antique printing press and you can help print your own shirt. A fun viewing and doing.
SIT MEANS SIT dog obedience training group will have dogs demonstrating training techniques. Pet enthusiasts will be informed on ways to have better behaved animals. Games Galore will be found throughout the venue. Miniature golf is a new activity. ALL CORN HOLE ENTHUSIASTS are urged to enter the Corn Hole Competition. Double Elimination rules. Registration can be made day of event. $25.00 team $15.00 single. Registration money will be split with winner and MCTA.
CAR SHOW from 10 to 5. Register your car or come view those on display. See web site for details.
As always, the best of food and quality craft vendors will be on hand for the choosing and enjoyment. One may go to web site to see a sampling of the vendors and products available.
We invite you to come and be a part of this 6th Anniversary of The Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival. The Year of Opportunity is the theme chosen by The Morgan County Tourism Alliance. Take this opportunity to come and refresh yourself after a long winter. You will be welcome and appreciated.