Come sit with Historic Granville, a small town with a long history of hosting successful festivals to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Staff and volunteers in Historic Granville are feeling a little down. After all the planning and the buildup, we are having post festival withdrawal. This feels very much like the holiday blues. We planned for months and physically prepared the sites for weeks. The kitchen was bustling for days with food prep. Our friends and family came for the day and at the end of that fun day, they packed up and went home. Everyone smiling and waving good-bye hoping that we will see you next year. And, much like the holidays, someone is left to put away the decorations.
The Mayberry and I Love Lucy Day, the Genealogy Festival, and the Wine Festival last week-end allowed us to create memories with family and old friends while making memories with new friends. Festivals are a great party which provides visitors with many choices of events occurring at multiple places. This requires a well-managed schedule to allow families to have a fun experience.
Volunteers and staff are tired, have sore muscles, and our feet hurt. We are physically and mentally exhausted. As we recover and welcome visitors for day-to-day routine tours, we reflect on the memories of the festival day. Festivals are a wonderland, even when it rains. Everyone loves a good party! We believe the temporary pain is worth the long-term gain.
Five Reasons Historic Granville Hosts Festivals
Festivals are planned to celebrate things that make our town special. On festival days, we brag and showcase the uniqueness of our quaint little river town. We celebrate things as big as our heritage and as small as a fired bologna sandwich.
Learning new things, educating the public about our town helps visitors make connections with the area. Festivals throughout the year are planned with a different focus. Visitors learn of the many talents of local and regional performers through the entertainment at festivals. Two examples, the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival provides a venue for the local and regional musicians to perform. Local artisans demonstrate their crafts which creates interest in the classes they teach throughout the year. Storytelling is used in historic sites and museums to relate the history in a relatable manner.
Festivals allow for building community connections. For a community of 300 residents to plan and host a festival for several thousand people, it takes a broader community. Public and private organizations, local and regional sponsors, and volunteers come together for a common goal. These connections are the glue that holds communities' together.
Destination development occurs with festivals. First time visitors recognize that the area is more than a quaint little historic town that allows one to “step back in time”. They learn of the Bed and Breakfast options in Granville, experience the unique shopping opportunities available in multiple locations, and enjoy the delicious country cooking. Wildwood Resort and Marina offers fine dining, unique lodging options, and opportunities for fun on the lake. Horseback trail riding is available at Lake Meadow Farm and Stables. Jackson County is a paradise for outdoor lovers. The economic impact can be felt long after the festival.
Festivals are the fastest growing form of tourism becoming increasingly popular in small towns. The best form of advertising is to show new visitors what the area has to offer. Festivals serve as a tourism catalyst for the future.
Mark your calendar
May 7- Cornbread and Moonshine Festival
May 28 -Heritage Day-Car Show- Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival
July 2- Fireworks on the Cumberland
October 1- Fall Festival- Jazz Festival-Quilt Festival
October 1-31- Scarecrow Festival- Artisans Festival
October 21-22- Ghost Walk
November 11-12- Christmas Open House- Fashion Show
December 10- A Victorian Country Christmas
For details Visit our website: www.granvilletn.com
We invite you to share your festival experience with us.
