Despite a threat of rain, I went downtown to see the last weekend of History and Haunts in downtown Sevierville. What a nice event! This was a special event that took place every Saturday in October. Each Saturday offered unique activities and fun. I was particularly looking forward to the last Saturday in October due to the Haunted History walking tour, led by Sevier County Historian Carroll McMahan—and it was amazing.
There were a couple of food vendors parked in front of the courthouse. This one is becoming quite popular.
The Sevierville Commons Arts Council never disappoints with their ‘make-it-and-take-it’ art. I got a little souvenir of the season. How cute!
The Sevierville Commons Art Council had an amazing assortment of fall crafts for all ages. I especially enjoyed the pumpkin painting and the homemade masks. In the photo above, Crystal is helping me cut a mask to resemble a cat for my work outfit tomorrow. Thank you!
Fall was in full force downtown.
Music on the courthouse steps created a festive atmosphere. You could actually get a seat because a huge crowd was on the first Haunted History walking tour at 6:00. I was hoping to do the 7:30 tour to enjoy it after dark.
Downtown is lovely right now so go see it if you get a chance.
It was dark and approaching the time for the 7:30 Haunted History walking tour. It was full of tales about past Sevier County citizens, many who met a tragic end. The actors above were members of the Seymour High School Drama and Forensics group. They were excellent!
I checked the radar on my iPhone (as my friends and colleagues know that I do) and saw that showers and thunderstorms were nearby. Because the threat of bad weather, the 7:30 walking history tour took place in front of the courthouse. It was a good call.
Dolly seemed to be listening to the tales along with us.
The students were assigned a person in Sevier County history and given a brief background about the person, but it was the students’ responsibility to create lines and to retell the story in the ‘first person.’ They did a great job! Caroll McMahan, Sevier County Historian, led the tours and introduced the former Sevier County residents.
“Former residents’ summarized their lives…and their untimely ends. I really enjoyed the improvisation and the interaction between the actors and Carroll McMahan, our county historian.
This unfortunate character ended up with an axe in the head. (The actor said that you can find and axe like this one on Amazon!)
Each character told their story quite cheerfully. The students skillfully performed their lines and roles. Bravo!
At the end, choir members from Northview Academy sang a somber song to close the event. I wish that I could remember the name of the song because it was so pretty.
Because storms were headed our way, I decided to skip the storytellers and to save that for next time. In conclusion, it was such a nice event! I had heard of it before and had always wanted to do it, particularly the Haunted History walking tour with actors. I was so glad that I had the opportunity to experience History and Haunts during October and recommend it for you next year. It was such a nice evening.
See you out and about in Sevierville…
Sevier Commons Arts Council board member, Crystal Lynn, and Audrie Prince take a moment to address attendees on the importance of the arts in our community.
There are more things being offered at the Arts in Common Gallery downtown. The Make It and Take It Workshop above will take place this Saturday, March 23 from 10:00 a.m. -12 p.m. Find more on the organization Facebook page. 
I went to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Spooktacular Block Party last year and had a great time so I had not planned to go again this year. It was huge! However, when my schedule opened up at the last minute, I had to go and see it again. I arrived soon after the start time at 5:00 and was so glad that I did because I saw a lot of good things. This is part one of a blog story: the downtown gazebo and Bruce Street areas. I’ll publish part 2 tomorrow.
The sun was starting to go down on Bruce Street as I exited the event and made my way to the car. After talking to Jill Greene, I already look forward to the last two Art Happenings of 2018. Artists, beautiful creations, nice catering, and interesting people—mark your calendar for the second Thursday of each month. It is a favorite way to get out and about in Sevierville. 
Liza Bach and Jill Greene overseeing the August Art Happening. A good crowd enjoyed the evening!
Out and About in Sevierville 