Excitement Blooms at Covered Bridge Days in Elizabethton
This past Friday morning, the quaint city of Elizabethton was filled with excitement as one of its most beloved annual events, Covered Bridge Days 2024, officially kicked off. With the warm sun shining down and anticipation buzzing in the air, vendors quickly set up their colorful tents to unveil their handmade treasures. It was a sight to behold!
A Team Effort
The bustling activity wasn’t just from the vendors, though. The dedicated team from the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department was hard at work making sure everything went off without a hitch. Parks and Recreation Director, David Nanney, took a few moments to reflect on the immense effort it takes to organize such a fabulous festival. “I don’t believe people understand how much it takes to pull an event like this off,” he said, darting between tents and running errands. “We have around 150 vendors this year. When we took over, we had about 20, and the numbers have doubled every year since!”
Tents and Treats Galore
The heart of the festival could be seen on the 600 block of Elk Avenue, where the streets were lined with vibrant tents that stretched all the way back to the traffic light at Sycamore Drive. Each tent displayed unique handcrafted goods, from beautiful hand-painted cups and mugs to colorful crocheted items. No matter where you looked, there was something eye-catching to grab your attention!
Those with a sweet tooth or a craving for savory treats were in luck as well! Food trucks filled the area offering a variety of mouth-watering options, including pizza, cotton candy, and popcorn. You could almost smell the delicious aromas wafting through the air, luring festival-goers towards the culinary delights.
Attention, Kids!
For the little ones (and the young at heart), the Touch a Truck event was a highlight on Friday. Kids got the chance to explore different vehicles parked on the Doe River Bridge, including shiny fire trucks, tractors, and even a brand-new automated trash sideloader! The joy on their faces was priceless as they climbed aboard the big machines.
Live Music to Set the Mood
As the day progressed, the main stage came alive with performances that had everyone tapping their feet. Local favorites like Sensational Stemwinder, Hi-Test Bluegrass, and Daniel Grindstaff filled the air with sounds that made the festival feel all the more festive. People gathered, chatting and dancing as the rhythm captured their hearts.
What’s Next? More Fun Awaits!
As we look forward to Saturday, festival-goers have even more thrilling performances to expect. The legendary Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder are slated to take the stage, alongside local talent Carson Peters. It’s bound to be a musical treat for all! And don’t forget, the festival will wrap up beautifully on Sunday with a heartfelt performance by Christian artist Jason Crabb set for 4:30 p.m.
In summary, Covered Bridge Days is not just an event; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and fun. With each vendor booth telling its own story and every musical note weaving into the rich fabric of the festival, Elizabethton is alive with joy and excitement this weekend. If you’re in the area, be sure to join the festivities—you won’t want to miss out!
