The 27th Annual Sorghum Festival will allow visitors to observe sorghum cane being processed into molasses using a mule-powered and hit-and-miss powered mill from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City. During the morning hours, the mule will be out turning the cast iron rollers, squeezing out the delectable juices to be boiled down into molasses. Come early, as the sorghum crew will be crushing the sorghum cane and boiling the sweet juices throughout the morning and into the early afternoon hours.
The sorghum breakfast from 8-11 a.m. will feature biscuits with gravy or sorghum, sausage, bacon, eggs, oatmeal, grits, and drinks. Visitors can also enjoy touring the historic structures of the property that will take you back to the 1800s. Local bluegrass and folk music will be played within the 19th century barn throughout the day. The historic cave will be open for everybody of all ages to explore and find their inner spelunker. Local food trucks will be on site for visitors to enjoy a picnic lunch. There will also be several local vendors selling homemade crafts. There will also be several hit-and-miss engines from the East Tennessee Antique Engine Association.
Admission with breakfast is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and kids under 3 are free. Without breakfast, admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children. As always, members of the Tipton Haynes Historical Association are free.
Sorghum molasses grown and made at the site will also be available for purchase — $16 per quart, $8 per pint, and $4 per half-pint. For additional information, call 423-926-3631. Tipton-Haynes is located at 2620 South Roan St. in Johnson City.