History and Haunts 2019

Howl-O-Ween Fun at History and Haunts October 10, 2019

outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

IMG_3213 3

The Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest was gearing up when I arrived for the second weekend of History and Haunts in downtown Sevierville. Music and lawn games were already taking place too.

Contestants were preparing for the dog costume contest.

The Sevierville Commons Arts Council had a wonderful craft for young and old—masks!

These masks were made by artists and attendees at the event. Free fun for everyone. Don’t ever miss a ‘make-it-and-take it’ event by the Arts Council. So fun! 

Waiting excitedly for the contest.

Several businesses were on hand to share information and prizes. I am pretty sure that I used this one a long time ago when I had a water leak in my apartment across town. I would definitely call them again.

There is a saying: No matter where you go, you can always find a sombrero. I loved this little dog. He is a rescue animal. His owner said that he is so good with people and other animals. My kind of pet!

When you have three dogs, a carriage seems to be a good idea. These pet owners were ready for the event with the cutest little costumes on their fur babies.

I asked this young man about the costume. He said that he found this lobster costume at a TJ Maxx. I need to go shopping there again for my pup next year.

The trophies were serious.

Minions!

I loved Beagle Juice! I think that this pup may have won two awards. The first time that I have seen a dog wig. So funny.

All the winners lined up for the ‘Best of Show’ category.

I believe that one of the contest judges is quite a canine expert.

This vendor was certainly in the right place.

Dressed for the season and the contest. This pup was the best behaved, of course!

This vendor had info and it reminded me that it is time to make an appointment for a facial. The MediSpa has aesthetic and cosmetic treatments. The Sevierville location is 740 Middle Creek Rd, Suite 111.   www.medispaknoxderm.com

It was fun to take home a little MediSpa goodie bag!

The gazebo area downtown is really special when the sun sets and I enjoy being there.  The courthouse is illuminated in the distance. 

I walked to my car to take one last picture of Dolly and the October night sky when …

I noticed a Smoky Mountain storyteller sitting nearby telling tales. I joined them to hear a few stories. Some sounded like real mountain tragedies that happened long ago. The lady held us spellbound with her tales and presentation. It was a perfect end to the History and Haunts second weekend.

But get ready…there is more! 

This Saturday, October 19, will find zombies taking over the downtown area.

“Thriller” music video dance lesson at 5:00 p.m.

Zombie costume contest at 6:00 p.m..

A Zombie Walk downtown at 7:00 p.m. (so you won’t be surprised if you drive by or stop into Graze for dinner).

Zombie flash mob and Thriller dance at 8:00 p.m.

Starting at 5:00, the Sevierville Commons Arts Council will offer a ‘paint your own pumpkin’ activity that will decorate your home quite nicely for the rest of October. This craft will fun for everyone in the family.

A lot will be happening downtown on Saturday evening so come out to join the fun that only happens once a year.

See you out and about in Sevierville!

History and Haunts: October 5, 2019

outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

IMG_3113.jpg

I arrived about 5:45 to see the first weekend of History and Haunts in downtown Sevierville. Although it took place at the same time as a Vols home game and the Tino Homecoming, there were quite a few people enjoying the event. And what a nice evening it was!  Here are some pictures from my visit and the Walking History tour that highlighted famous African American brick masons in Sevierville.

IMG_3130

I parked behind Sevier County Bank (my bank) and walked to the back of the gazebo area for the History and Haunts event. Henderson’s Produce was at their usual spot and had some beautiful pumpkins for sale. (I ended up buying several bags of produce on my way out so the bank was a good parking choice.)

IMG_3137 2

Always glad to see Courthouse Donuts and all their treats. There is no better downtown supporter than this business!

IMG_3052

Next, I found the Sevierville Commons Arts Council table with the ‘make-it-and-take-it’ craft. So fun! Kids of all ages will enjoy the Arts Council crafts.

IMG_3143 2

The only limit is your imagination!

IMG_3048

I made it in time for the 6:00 Historic Walking Tour of downtown Sevierville, led by Carroll McMahan. The tour would focus on Sevierville citizens who were African American brick masons. Their bricks built most of downtown!

IMG_3058

It was easy to find the tour. Just walk up and enjoy!

IMG_3086

We walked up Court Avenue to hear Carroll McMahan tell us about buildings formed by local brick masons and to hear about some local history. We heard names like Isaac Dockery, Tom McMahan, and Stuart Burden. One of the people taking in the tour was also a descendant of Isaac Dockery. It was fascinating.

IMG_3093

You can see so many brick buildings downtown and most were built by local African American brick masons. They had their own kilns so they could make the bricks on their properties off Allensville Road and Middle Creek Road.

IMG_3102

We wandered by more houses with historic significance. This building was originally a hotel that served early visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

IMG_3105 2

We walked by this building. It has changed ownership since I was here a while ago.

IMG_3108 2

The old Sevierville Post Office was a stop on the tour. When I moved to Sevierville, it was still open!

At the end of the tour, I wandered around the gazebo area before the sunset. However, I imagine it will be nice after that because the event was open until 9:00.

IMG_3145 3.JPG

This business will be relocating soon downtown. I cannot wait!

img_3128-1.jpg

Next, I wandered over to see some of my favorite vendors. This is my favorite soap artist. She has some lovely things for the fall season. I hope she is back next week!

IMG_3122

There were some other new vendors at the event downtown.

IMG_3125

Several games were located by the gazebo. Come and play Jenga or Cornhole!

IMG_3141

It is a great family event. Four legged family members on a leash are welcome too.

IMG_3131 3

The sun sets on the courthouse with pumpkins ready to be taken home.

IMG_3046

Signs of fall.

IMG_3054

History and Haunts will take place every Saturday in October. Go to www.downtownhistoryandhaunts.com to see more.

Next week, there will be music, games, fall crafts, storytellers, a downtown walking tour, and a Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest. Registration at 6:45 and the contest will take place at 7:00. Bring your fur baby!

A Zombie takeover will take place on October 17, with a costume contest at 6:00 p.m. A Zombie walk follows at 7:00 p.m. At 8:00 p.m., a flash mob will perform the dance from the famous video “Thriller.” Lessons will take place at 5:00 p.m. for those who want to perfect their dance moves for the flash mob at 8:00.

October 26 will be amazing! Live music, games, fall crafts, and food will accompany the main event: Haunted History walking tours. Sevierville Historian, Carroll McMahan, will lead a Sevierville Walking History tour that will feature actors from Seymour High School’s Drama Club that will bring the past back to life. Tours will take place at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30p.m. I’ll be there for the later one to enjoy the tour after sunset. There is sure to be some seasonal ambiance.

Lots of fun activities will be happening downtown Sevierville on Saturdays in October. Scare up a friend or two and come on down. See you out and about in Sevierville.