The William Walton Harvest Festival is back for its 12th consecutive year, and this year’s event promises to be a grand celebration as we honor the 225th Anniversary of Smith County. Set against the historic backdrop of the Smith County Courthouse grounds in Carthage, Tennessee, this much-anticipated festival will take place on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, starting at 10:00 AM and culminating with the Harvest Queen Pageant at 5:00 PM.
Festival Highlights: The festival will feature an array of activities for the whole family, including:
- Local Music: Enjoy performances from talented local artists.
- Craft Vendors: Browse unique crafts and goods from local artisans.
- Rides and Pioneer Demonstrations: Experience the fun of carnival rides and the charm of pioneer-era demonstrations.
- Historical Displays: Engage with exhibits that bring the rich history of our area to life.
- Authentic Costume Contest: Dress in your best 1799-era attire and compete for prizes in our Authentic Costume Contest.
- Cake Walk: Participate in the popular Cake Walk for a chance to win delicious homemade cakes.
- Pie Eating Contest: Test your eating skills in our fun and competitive Pie Eating Contest.
- Harvest Queen Pageant: Watch as contestants compete for the crown in various age categories.
Pageant Details: The Harvest Queen Pageant will be a highlight of the day, starting at 4:00 PM. Contestants must meet the following criteria:
- Categories:
- Tiny Miss (1-3 years)
- Little Miss (4-6 years)
- Petite (7-9 years)
- Junior (10-12 years)
- Teen (13-15 years)
- Miss Harvest Queen (16-18 years)
- Entry Fee: $25
- Optional Electives:
- $10 Most Photogenic (two awards: under 10 years and 11-18 years; photos due by 3:30 PM)
- $5 Best Dress (each age category)
- $5 Best Smile (each age category)
- $1 Votes for People’s Choice (crowd favorites)
Registration Details:
- Application Deadline: September 24th, 2024
- Check-in: Begins at 2:45 PM in the Historic Courthouse lobby. Contestants must check in by 3:30 PM to receive a number.
- Preparation: Contestants should arrive with hair and makeup done; dressing areas will be provided.
- Judging Criteria: Eye contact, poise, stage presence, and appearance.
How to Apply: Contestant forms are available at:
- Smith County Chamber of Commerce, 939 Upper Ferry Road, Carthage, TN
- Smith County Register of Deeds Office, 122 Turner High Cir #113, Carthage, TN
For more information or to submit your application, please contact:
- Smith County Chamber of Commerce: 615-735-2093
- Jerri Lin Vaden-Malone: 615-489-5570
- Emails: jvaden@titlesearcher.com or bbriggs@smithcountychamber.org
Historical Background: William Walton, the first settler of the area now known as Carthage, Tennessee, played a pivotal role in the region’s early development. Awarded land for his Revolutionary War service, Walton’s contributions included donating land for the town and establishing the Geneva Academy. His legacy continues to be honored through events like the William Walton Harvest Festival.
We look forward to celebrating our community’s heritage and enjoying a day full of fun and festivity with all of you!
To register online use the QR codes below
