Jamestown hosting the first All Things Tennessee Festival this weekend to celebrate the region and the things that make the state special.
Fentress County Chamber of Commerce Assistant Director Seth Vaughn said the event originated from a group of business leaders who wanted to create a community-focused celebration in an area that saw a longtime festival end many years ago. Vaughn said the festival highlights the abundance of local farmers and producers who contribute to the regional economy.
“We wanted to take into consideration of something that we do well, and that is to support our local businesses and our local farmers and entrepreneurs,” Vaughn said. “And we have a great abundance of those here in Fentress County and across the Upper Cumberland region who produce great products. And so we wanted to celebrate them.”
Vaughn said the festival features at least 80 vendors who will be selling or giving away products to promote their businesses. Vaughn said the event includes an antique car show and live music throughout the day, concluding with a free concert featuring the bands Consumed by Fire and Love and the Outcome.
“The goal of this festival is to bring people into the downtown district to shop at our local businesses, but also to just support our small businesses across the state, but also come to experience what we have to offer here in Fentress County,” Vaughn said.
Vaughn said the economic impact of the festival is significant because money spent at local businesses typically re-enters the local economy seven times over.
“So if you go support a small business in downtown Jamestown, they’re going to reinvest that, the cycle of that one dollar gets invested into the community again seven different times,” Vaughn said.
From sponsoring local sports teams to offering unique services for the communities they serve, Vaughn said local businesses are vital for the economic success of an area.
Vaughn said the festival draws attendees and vendors from across the state. Vaughn said the Chamber of Commerce will use the event to further its “Shop Fentress first” campaign.
“But on top of that, we just, it’s important to support those that support you, and our small businesses and our local businesses do so much for, for our community,” Vaughn said.
The festivities begin in downtown Jamestown Saturday at 9am with a parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of America.