A little-known piece of agricultural history will be celebrated with the International Cowpea Festival & Cook-off returning this fall for its 12th year, to the public park in Charleston, Tennessee. The festival is set for Sept. 14, 2024 beginning at 10 a.m. Admission is $5 for adults, students 18 and under are free.

According to research by former Farm Bureau President Jack Sanders, Charleston was once a large grower and exporter of cowpeas and was known as the “Cowpea Capital of the United States.” Cowpea is the general name for black-eyed peas, field peas, crowder peas, southern peas, silver- and purple-hull peas and cream peas. The cowpea, known scientifically as avigna unguiculata, got its common name because the peas were first fed to livestock as a strong source of protein. People realized the benefits and flavor and have made these peas a staple on southern plates.

The event will include a cook-off focusing on cowpea recipes created by professional chefs. A marketplace will feature arts and crafts, produce and other local items for sale. Returning this year will be a children’s area, live entertainment, photo contest, food vendors and a heritage area to share other parts of Charleston’s story such as Cherokee, Civil War and Wild River history.

The Cowpea Festival and Cook-off is a non-profit event with all proceeds going to support the operations of the Hiwassee River Heritage Center. We are currently working to secure sponsorships, entertainment and vendors. We have a committee working on the various areas of festival planning and always have room for folks interested in helping or sponsoring the event. Contact Melissa Woody at 423-472-6587, bXdvb2R5IHwgY2xldmVsYW5kY2hhbWJlciAhIGNvbQ== or Darlene Goins at 423-413-8284, Y293cGVhZmVzdGl2YWwgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ== to discuss your interest in this exciting event.