News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Planning underway for the 31st Van Buren Mountain Homecoming set for July 13 on the Courthouse Square.
Chairwoman Tiffany Crain said the return of the event last year showed just how much it meant to the community.
“We’re a small town, and our small town looks forward to this every year,” Crain said. “We stopped doing. Actually, last year is the first year I took it over because they hadn’t did it in many years. They had stopped doing it. And so it was actually the 30th annual last year. And it’s just for a community to get together and fellowship, listen to live music, have crafts, have vendors. They play games for the kids, and they give away prizes.”
Musical acts have been secured for the event, with country, gospel, and rock part of the mix. Sparta’s own “Shattered” will headline the stage. Vendor signups are underway now. Crain said organizers are hopeful of doubling the number of vendors from the 50 who returned last year.
“They’re set up at the courthouse lawn and they get to see old friends who they went to school with, they may see their family,” Crain said. “It’s just all about getting to be a part of the community, coming together. And of course, they make money, too, so they like that as well.”
Crain said everything from jewelry to wood crafts to unique creations will be sold. Vendors interested in participating can find the signup form on social media. Crain said she particularly enjoys showcasing the local talents of Van Buren County residents.
“There’s a lot of hidden talent that people just do little woodwork stuff in their garage, and they never sell it,” Crain said. “This gives them an opportunity to get out here and showcase their products that they’ve handmade and put in their hard work in. And then it puts a smile on their face when they see someone that has purchased something that they handmade.”
Vendors can use Venmo to pay for the booth fee. Check and money order also accepted.
