Dolly fever hits Oct. 3 antique festival
Event to feature look-alike contest for adults, kids and animals
Visitors jam Market Street in Historic Downtown Clinton during the Clinch River Fall Antique Festivl in October 2024, before the improvements to the sidewalks and repaving of the street began. (photo:G. Chambers Williams III )
That’s in addition to a concert of Parton’s songs, performed by the local group WestWend, which will be held on Market Street from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on that day.
The look-alike contest is open to adults, children and animals, according to Historic Downtown Clinton, and there will be a trophy awarded for each category.
People may sign up for the contest by 12:30 p.m. that day at the Historic Downtown Clinton organization’s tent.
In a Facebook post, the organization said:
“Calling all Dolly look-alikes! This moment is for you (and your pets). Blinged out trophies for the best in each category! And as Dolly might say: ‘Now y’all have fun, but keep it sweet, keep it classy, and remember — Grandma might be watchin’!’”
While the event runs Friday on Friday (Oct. 2) and Saturday, most of the main events and features are set for Saturday.
That includes artists set up mostly along Main Street. The Facebook post about the artists says:
“(On Saturday), one of a kind original works from high-end artists and fine-art exhibitors will grace the streets of our historic district in record numbers (more than ever) with incredible pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
“Come experience why this festival is becoming one of East Tennessee’s most-exciting destinations for collectors, art lovers and anyone who appreciates something truly special — our heirlooms in waiting!”
Also on Saturday, there will be horse-drawn carriage rides available down Eagle Bend Road, pulled by Clydesdales.
“Climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage and enjoy Historic Downtown Clinton at a slower pace,” a Facebook post says. “Your ride with the Finley Farms Clydesdales offers a relaxed way to take in the residential side of our historic and serene area.
“Every ticket supports The Pearl Foundation’s work to preserve and revitalize downtown — from cultural events to hands-on preservation projects. Reserve your carriage ride, invite a friend, and help keep our downtown story alive.”
As for the concert, the local musical group WestWend will present “Coat of Many Colors: A Tribue to Dolly Parton,” sponsored by Enrichment Federal Credit Union.
WestWend consists of Clinton city Councilwoman Wendy Maness, her husband Jonathan, David Whitaker, David Becher, and, for this concert, steel-guitar player Ronnie Chauvin, who has performed extensively at Dollywood, Wendy Maness said.
The festival will run from noon-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Theme of the festival will be “Frontier Jubilee,” said Katherine Birkbeck, executive director of Historic Downtown Clinton.
Birkbeck said she recruited WestWend to perform the Dolly Parton tribute for the event.
“This will be the first antique festival after completion of the downtown construction,” Birkbeck said. “It’s very exciting.”
Market Street reopened in August after being closed to vehicular traffic for about 15 months while a $5.9 million downtown improvement project was underway, including new sidewalks and upgraded utilities.
The artists, most from out of state, will be set up on Main Street on Saturday, Birkbeck said. They will be from California, Illinois, South Carolina, Kentucky, Florida and more.
Antique and food vendors will line Market Street on both days, and the street will be open to pedestrians only.
Country music dance lessons will be offered by Russell Walker & the Honky Tonks from Knoxville.
There also will be a special “tailgate” party on Market Street on beginning at 5 p.m. Friday for people going to the Clinton High School football game, Birkbeck said.
“We invite everyone to tailgate before the football game at 7:30,” she said. “Come out and support our local restaurants and businesses before the football game.”
As for the Dolly Parton tribute, Wendy Maness said people are welcome to send her their suggestions for Dolly songs they would like to hear at the event.
