Archived Outdoors

Sorghum festival comes to East Tennessee

The festival will offer visitors the opportunity to see sorghum being processed. Donated photo The festival will offer visitors the opportunity to see sorghum being processed. Donated photo

The 25th Annual Sorghum Festival will allow visitors to have the opportunity to observe sorghum cane being processed into molasses using a mule-powered mill on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

“Maggie” the mule will be out turning the cast iron rollers squeezing out the delectable juices to be boiled down into molasses. Just to watch ‘Maggie” work is worth a visit to the site! 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 nineteenth century barn throughout the day. The historic cave will be open for everybody of all ages to explore and find their inner spelunker. Area historic museums will be on site to help promote the region’s rich history. Local food trucks will be on site for visitors to enjoy a picnic lunch and supper. There will also be several local vendors selling homemade crafts. A handful of classic and antique cars from the Model A Mac’s group will be on display for visitors view. There will also be several hit-and-miss engines from the East Tennessee Antique Engine Association.

Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under. Kids under 3 are free. There is an extra $2 admission fee for breakfast.

Sorghum molasses will also be available for purchase. $8 per pint and $4 per half pint. For additional information, please call 423.926.3631. Tipton-Haynes is located at 2620 South Roan Street in Johnson City.

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