By Dave Ongie, News Editor
It starts with a patriotic parade, continues with contests and socials and rolls along with music, food and fun until a spectacular fireworks display puts the wraps on the proceedings.
Jonesborough Days, which is set to run from July 4-6, is an annual tradition in Tennessee’s oldest town that is jam-packed with events for folks of all ages. This year’s festival will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday when the annual parade rolls down Boone Street before taking a sharp right turn up the town’s historic Main Street and will conclude with a fireworks show on Saturday night at 10 p.m.
Following the parade on Thursday, kids will find a variety of fun activities to participate in at Discovery Park, which is located behind the International Storytelling Center on Main Street. Ponies, heritage games, visits with princesses and a kids market are just a few of the things on tap during the three-day festival. Heritage Park will be open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Main Street will also feature crafts and other items furnished by over 70 local crafters as well as a plethora of food and beverage options. There will also be a handful of free socials and contests taking place throughout the festival, including a watermelon social on the steps of the historic courthouse on Thursday at 2 p.m., a dog costume contest on Friday at 10 a.m. and a MoonPie eating contest on Saturday at 2 p.m.
A low country shrimp broil will be held Friday at 5:30 p.m. at a cost of $15 per person. Jonesborough’s own Ozone Rangers will provide entertainment during the event.
Music will fill the air each night during Jonesborough Days as a total of six bands take the main stage. Avery Deakins will kick things off Thursday at 5:30 p.m. before the Wannabeatles play at 7:30 p.m. Friday’s lineup is the Ladybirds at 5:30 p.m. and the Beach Night Band at 7:30 p.m. Mixed Tape 80s Party (5:30 p.m.) and The Breakfast Club (7:30 p.m.) will close things out on Saturday prior to the fireworks.
Admission to Jonesborough Days is free of charge. Parking is available at Jonesborough Middle School for $5 per car with shuttle service to and from downtown Jonesborough. This year’s Jonesborough Days festival is sponsored by the First Tennessee Foundation, Food City, BrightRidge, Eastman Credit Union, Bath Fitter and Champion.
Visit www.jonesborough.com/special_event/jonesborough-days-festival/ for a full listing of events and detailed descriptions.
