National Cornbread Festival
The National Cornbread Festival is an annual event that celebrates cornbread. Come to historic downtown South Pittsburg to tempt your taste buds with a variety of cornbread creations. Watch the National Championship cook-off sponsored by Martha White and Lodge Manufacturing Company. This event is held the last full weekend in April and also includes, entertainment, children’s activities, juried arts and crafts, a “jamming tent”, as well as the carnival which brings thrilling rides and games.
www.nationalcornbread.com
Jasper July 4th Celebration
Each year, the Town of Jasper joins together to celebrate the Fourth of July with entertainment and fireworks. If the fourth doesn’t fall on a Saturday, it is usually held the Saturday following the Fourth of July at the Jasper Park. Contact information: Call Town of Jasper: 942-3180
Kimball Fireworks Festival
The Town of Kimball holds a fireworks festival each September. Featured are entertainment, arts & crafts, concessions, kids activities and door prizes as well as a fireworks show. Contact information: Call: 423-837-7040
www.townofkimball.com
Whitwell Labor Day Parade
The City of Whitwell celebrates Labor Day each September with a parade, beauty pageant and other various Labor Day festivities at the Whitwell Ball Park with great entertainment, BBQ Chicken plates and much more food, many booths with fun and games including bingo, and an Antique Car Show. Contact information: Call Whitwell City Hall: 423-658-5151.
Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride
Annual motorcycle ride along the historic ‘Trail of Tears” held the third Saturday every September. Thousands of riders participate. The ride originates in Chattanooga, comes down Hwy 41 through Jasper, and Hwy 72 through South Pittsburg.
www.al-tn-trailoftears.org
Marion County Fair
The Marion County Fair is held every September at the fairgrounds behind Dairy Queen in Jasper. The fair features several competitions, carnival, musical performances and demolition derby among many other activities.
www.marioncountyfair.com
Grand National Boat Races
This event is held in October at Marion County Park, Interstate 24 exit 158. Watch thrilling race action on Nick-a-Jack Lake.
www.odbaonline.com or www.screamandfly.com
Ketner’s Mill Fair
Ketner’s Mill Country Fair is held every October in Whitwell. The fair features arts and crafts and entertainment for all ages. Contact information: Sally McDonald, P.O. Box 322, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350. Phone: (423) 267-5702
www.ketnersmill.com
Fall Color Cruise
The Fall Color Cruise is held each October at Hales Bar Marina and Resort. Parking is available at Marion County Park with shuttle service available. The event features arts and crafts, food vendors, and entertainment.
www.halesbarmarina.com
South Pittsburg Christmas Parade
An annual Christmas Parade is held in December at 10 a.m. with prize money going to the best decorated float. Contact information: City Hall at 423-837-5000.
Jasper Christmas Parade
An annual Christmas Parade is held in December at 5:30 p.m. Contact information: Jasper City Hall at 423-9423180.
Outdoor Activities
Many public areas are available for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite sport. Whether you want to swim, hunt, fish or camp, the activities you’re looking for can be found here in Marion County.
Marion County Park
Hwy. 41, Jasper, TN
The park has camping facilities, a swimming area, a playground covered picnic area, plus picnic tables scattered throughout the park. There are two boat ramps to accommodate the boating traffic. Call Marion County Parks & Recreation at (423) 942-9857.
Shellmound/Nickajack Dam Recreation Area
Located near Nickajack Dam is another TVA public facility in Marion County. There are 56 camp sites, as well as a boat ramp, swimming area, picnic shelters, playground, hiking trails. Fishing is also allowed in the area. For information, call 423-942-9857.
Foster Falls Campground
April 6 – November 15 (423-942-5759) Campground has on-site manager. Recreation opportunities include 28 campsites, with handicap-accessible site. Rest rooms with heated showers and toilets, picnic tables and grills, group pavilion available by reservation, hiking trail, natural area, bird watching. Directions: From Tracy City, TN, go five miles east on Hwy. 150/US 41 to campground.
Valuable Marion County Contacts and Information
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