The sorghum festival is returning to Union County the second and third weekends in October, albeit under a slightly different name: The Sorghum in the Mountains Festival.
Named so due to legal limitations surrounding the old branding, the festival will continue to represent Appalachian heritage and stimulate the local economy this fall, marking the 56th year of a historical sorghum-based tradition.
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Preparations are underway with a few major updates. Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce President Steve Rowe said that, due to safety concerns, the concession stand and stage in the central field of Meeks Park have been replaced.
It’s important to note, too, that the Sorghum in the Mountains Inc. organization is independent from Union County Government and the Chamber of Commerce. Festival decisions are carried out by a board, with each member overseeing a different aspect of the festival, such as entertainment, games and food.
Because of the organization’s brand-new status, there won’t be any T-shirts, tickets or other personalized souvenirs this year. Rowe anticipates the next few seasons will serve as a way for Sorghum in the Mountains to get its bearings, though folks should know that the spirit of the event will remain the same.
As one of the staples of the festival, sorghum cane processing demonstrations will also make a return. Rowe divulged that part of that will happen at the Union County Farmers Market, and right now, the crop should be about ready to harvest in anticipation of the sweet syrup to come.
Focus remains on upholding tradition and celebrating what it means to live in the mountains. The same games will make a return, but the festival board hopes to add new options that will be detailed in the near future.
The parade will also be held this year, though there is no requirement for registration. Participants are asked only to keep in mind that Sorghum in the Mountains will be a family-friendly event, and floats and vehicle decorations should be kept presentable for all audiences.
As planning is still underway, more details will be released as they roll out, but for now, Rowe said Sorghum in the Mountains Inc. wants the community to know that even though some things have changed, the tradition of the sorghum festival will continue.
