by Lauren Burr
posted April 3, 2008
The Farmhouse Gallery, an historic studio-gallery surrounded by stunning gardens and filled with rich Appalachian heritage, will host its annual Fiddlers and Fiddleheads Festival on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The festival is a day of old-time charm, featuring storytelling, blacksmithing demonstrations, music, salt making, classic cars and hit and miss engines on the 75-acre farm set in historic hills of East Tennessee.
Since its beginning, the annual festival, which is free and open to the public, has grown to a regional event, with more than 3,000 visitors attending.
Home to Wildlife Artist Johnny Lynch and his family, the Farmhouse Gallery is one of Northeast Tennessee’s hidden treasures, showcasing the area’s natural beauty. Visitors can view birds, butterflies, wildlife and peacocks, which thrive amongst the mountains and beautiful gardens of the farm.
“This is the first major event in the spring and it is a good time for people to get out and about,” said Pat Lynch, owner of Farmhouse Gallery and Gardens. “It is just a very relaxed and comfortable setting for people to enjoy all of our wonderful, local musicians and attractions. You can enjoy our homemade BBQ lunch, step back in time in our 19th century blacksmith shop, or leisurely shop in our gallery and gift shop featuring Johnny’s watercolors and prints, as well as local goods.”
On April 25, the day before the official Fiddlers & Fiddleheads Festival begins, visitors can participate in the Hill Climb up the “Bluegrass Hill” in Unicoi County off of Interstate I-26.
This sporting event, designed for street-driven, vintage cars built around World War II, reenacts hill climbs that were popular in the early days of automobiles. With cars from all areas, drivers will compete in the oldest form of motor sport to complete an uphill course.
“We are very excited about the Hill Climb becoming part of the festival again this year,” said Ms. Lynch.
“Depending on the weather, we typically have 120-150 cars and people drive from as far as Virginia, Florida and Wisconsin to participate in the national event.”
The Fiddlers Festival will have scheduled performances by local musicians and also invites visitors to participate in the open jam sessions with other bands.
“The Fiddlers Festival features a variety of gospel, country and bluegrass music, showcasing more than 20 bands each spring,” said Brenda Whitson, executive director of the Johnson City Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Visitors have a great time participating because festival attendees also bring personal musical instruments and participate in jam sessions throughout the day.”
Blacksmith and craft demonstrations will be conducted at the Rose Hill Forge blacksmith shop, which is located on the farm. Jerry Vencill, known as the “Old Jonah the Mountain Man,” will provide mountain storytelling. The First Tennessee Artillery Brigade will also perform reenactments with canons, appropriate costumes and set up displays.
“One of the most popular parts of the festival is the opportunity for festival goers to sample or purchase the handmade and hand-poured Farmhouse BBQ Sauce, which comes in a variety of flavors, including original, honey mustard or a fire spicy wing sauce,” said Ms. Whitson. “The Lynch family began to distribute their recipe because of popular demand and requests.”
During the festival, visitors can also enjoy a classic car show sponsored by the East Tennessee Model “A” Restorers Club. Guests are invited to bring cars 25 years and older to showcase throughout the day and the first 100 cars to arrive and register will be awarded with a dash plaque.
Visitors can also take a stroll through the Farmhouse Gallery located on the property. The gallery features three distinct collections of Lynch’s work: The Wildlife Art Collection, the Lynch Bench Series and Lynch’s black and white art. The Wildlife Art Collection is a series of native animals, including bears, ducks and butterflies, portrayed in their natural habitat. The Lynch Bench Series, for the sporting enthusiast, combines animals with various sports team, including team helmets and golf clubs, and Lynch’s black and white art features the famous covered bridge and also portrays puppies playing golf, relaxing on the sidewalk or playing with toothpaste.
“As a professional wildlife artist, Johnny paints the scenes surrounding him,” said Ms. Lynch. “Our farm abounds with birds and wildlife and is a great place to bird watch, or to sit on the porch rocker and enjoy the view. Peacocks put on a show on a daily basis. In order to keep the family farm lifestyle over the last 30 years, we have diversified along the way. From livestock to berries, to the art gallery and greenhouse to BBQ and catering, we’ve tried to develop a unique destination for travelers to visit.”
Farmhouse Gallery and Gardens is available as an event facility for weddings, dinners, retreats, company picnics, festivals and dances, and can comfortably host more than 1,000 guests. Farmhouse offers an abundance of live musical performances, including bluegrass, jazz, rock, country or classical music. Other entertainment activities include hayrides, campfire story telling, carnivals, magicians, drama performances, comedy routines, children’s activities and games.
“A wonderful place to relax and experience the East Tennessee countryside and southern traditions, the 75-acre farm offers an abundance of scenery and activities for visitors to relax and enjoy during their countryside visit,” said Ms. Whitson. “The farm is also available for special events—it’s a great location.”
Farmhouse Gallery and Gardens operates year round, Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In April to October. For more information, please call (423) 743-8799.
Johnson City is located in Northeast Tennessee and is the fourth largest metropolitan city in the state. Set in a region known as America's First Frontier, Johnson City is “Where the Pioneer Spirit Began”—a historically significant and culturally rich community surrounded by an abundance of unspoiled natural beauty.
Johnson City has a history, which dates back more than 200 years, and its culture embraces individual creativity and encourages innovation through expression. The area is world-renowned for its modern and traditional Appalachian and bluegrass music, art and cuisine, and outdoor recreation for the whole family throughout all four seasons.
For more information on Johnson City, please call 423 461-8000 or 800 852-3392.
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