Appalachian Bear Fest promises to be a “Beary Good Time!”

Appalachian Bear Fest promises to be a “Beary Good Time!”  A good time is waiting for your entire family at the Appalachian Bear Rescue’s first “Appalachian Bear Fest” on Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 2pm-7pm at Trillium Cove Shops (121 Trillium Way) in Townsend, Tennessee. Admission to the event, concerts and parking are all free!

Entertainment will include Laurel Wright (from Maryville) of The Young Fables, and the musical talents of Eli Fox, Jared Hard, Chris Long, Lucy Rose George, Pacer Fisher and Joe Ferguson.
Local authors, Richard Way, Sonja Hill, and Mark and Fran Smith will be on hand to sign copies of their books, and area artists and artisans will offer unique hand-made merchandise for sale.

Kids will love the opportunity to meet Charles the famous pig, appearing at his first book signing event, and learn the amazing story of how he survived the Gatlinburg wildfires. Charles will be available for photos and kids can also take home a “hoofsigned” copy of his inspirational book of survival.

A bear den hike with Joey Holt begins at 9 a.m. You may pre-register for this event by visiting abrTN.org. Information on bears and other wildlife found in the Great Smokey Mountains will be available at booths manned by staff from the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and Appalachian Bear Rescue.

Youngsters, ages 7-12, can earn a Junior Curator badge from ABR curators and take home an ABR ear-tagged cub by participating in one of two Junior Curator classes scheduled at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Pre-register for these classes (which requires a $20 donation to ABR cubs) by visiting abrTN.org.

A kids carnival will offer a variety of games for youngsters and adults can enjoy an antique tractor display.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and spend the afternoon and learn all the “bare facts” about bears while listening to great music and enjoying food provided by some of Knoxville’s finest food trucks.