Exciting Plans Unveiled for Covered Bridge Days in Elizabethton

Get ready, Elizabethton! The much-loved Covered Bridge Days festival is back and bigger than ever. Scheduled for September 20-22 this year, the festival will not only retain its cherished traditions but also bring in a range of new attractions and an increased number of vendors and crafters.

Organized by the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department, the festival will feature an array of world-class entertainment. This year’s headliners include bluegrass virtuoso and Elizabethton native Daniel Grindstaff, who has been nominated for two International Bluegrass Music Association awards. He’ll be taking the stage on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m., with performances by Stemwinder at 3:30 p.m. and Hi-Test Bluegrass at 5:30 p.m. setting the musical tone for the weekend.

On Saturday, the entertainment kicks off at 1 p.m. with Powershift, followed by the Bullseye Band at 3:15 p.m. and Carson Peters & Iron Mountain at 5:30 p.m. The highlight of the evening will be a performance by Country Music and Bluegrass Hall of Famer Ricky Skaggs with Kentucky Thunder at 8 p.m., capped off with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:45 p.m.

The musical delights continue into Sunday with Joyful Hearts at 1 p.m., Don and Ella Derby at 2:30 p.m., and Grammy and Dove Award winner Jason Crabb at 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the stellar musical lineup, festival organizers are excited to announce an expanded array of vendors this year. Kelly Kitchens, the Program & Special Events Coordinator, revealed that vendor spaces would move up into the 600 block of East Elk Avenue. “Last year we had a waiting list and this year, we’re also likely to have one. The number of vendors will double again,” she said.

With the expansion, there will be more space for Kids Island, a free attraction filled with fun activities. Kitchens noted, “We will also introduce some paid attractions this year, brought in by an entertainment group from Chattanooga. New activities will include simulated sword fighting, a mechanical bull, a climbing wall, and axe throwing.” However, she emphasized that many activities would still be free of charge. “Kids Island will remain free with inflatables, costumed characters, a foam party, and magic shows. Everyone should be able to enjoy the festival without breaking the bank.”

Administrative assistant Derrick Vines expressed his excitement over the surge in vendors. “In 2021, we had about 18 vendors. This year, it looks like we’ll have between 120-130. The additional vendor spaces will be set up to encourage foot traffic, ensuring festival goers have full access to both new vendors and existing merchants.”

The festivities will kick off on Friday at 11 a.m. with entertainment and a “Touch A Truck” event on the Elk Avenue Bridge, continuing until 4 p.m. Saturday promises even more with several dance troupes, the Miss and Mr. Covered Bridge Days pageant, and the Main Street Block Party from 4-8 p.m. Kids Island will be open from 10 a.m. to about 7:30 p.m. The day will end with the grand fireworks show at 9:45 p.m.

Returning for its fifth year, the Youth Business Fair will promote young entrepreneurship for ages 7-18. Interested young people can register through the end of August by emailing the event coordinator.

For more details and the latest updates, visit the Covered Bridge Days official website or follow their social media pages. This year’s festival promises something for everyone, making it a must-attend event for the Elizabethton community.