Join us for a full day of history, heritage, and Appalachian flavor at the historic home of Tennessee’s first governor, John Sevier. Our annual Statehood Day Festival brings the past to life with hands-on activities, historical demonstrations, local food, and stories that span centuries—all set within the historic homestead at Marble Springs.
✨ Festival Highlights:
🫓 Cornbread Cook-Off & Recipe Swap
Home cooks and local food businesses face off in a blind-judged competition at the Pavilion, with winners announced around 1:00 PM.
Think your cornbread has what it takes? Sign up here:
https://forms.gle/FkdekBPeESm1LJFJA
🍞 Cornbread Tasting with Rising Appalachia
Enjoy a free side-by-side tasting of two cornbread recipes—one from the 18th century and one modern favorite—plus purchase their original “Taste of Tennessee” dishes crafted to honor local flavors.
🎨 Traditional Skills & Heritage Crafts
Explore traditional skills and storytelling throughout the day. Craftspeople and interpreters will share techniques and tools that connect us to Tennessee’s roots.
🪶 Living History Encampments & Reenactors
Meet costumed interpreters portraying early Tennesseans and see how everyday life was lived on the frontier.
🎤 Talks & Storytelling
Enjoy short presentations throughout the day on Tennessee’s journey to statehood, the legacy of John Sevier, and Appalachian lifeways.
🌲 National Park Rangers: Celebrating Tennessee!
Rangers from Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be on-site with fun, educational “Celebrating Tennessee” games and activities for all ages. Stop by to play, learn, and explore our shared heritage.
🧺 Family Activities Throughout the Day
From heritage games to hands-on crafts, interactive experiences await visitors of all ages in the heart of the historic grounds.
🎨 Be a Part of It — Traditional Craft Vendors Wanted!
We are seeking craft vendors and demonstrators who specialize in traditional or heritage-based techniques. This is a curated event focused on skills that reflect the frontier spirit and Appalachian lifeways.
Apply here:
https://form.jotform.com/251014923975156
Marble Springs State Historic Site is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Historical Commission
You may also like the following events from Marble Springs State Historic Site:
Also check out other
Festivals in Knoxville.
