BTC Fiber Valley Fest this weekend!
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With free admission for music, singing, and numerous other events, BTC Fiber Valley Fest returns to Dunlap this week. Most activities take place at Coops Creek Commons, the grounds and stage at 287 Pine Street. All shows and events are admission-free with reserved seating available for $25.
On Saturday May 2, youth singers from Music Makers begin their performances at 11:00 a.m. Opening ceremonies are at 1:00 p.m.
Concerts begin on the stage at the west end of the site, with country-rock artist and mid-state native Ellie Johnson at 3:00 p.m. and rockers Legacy at 4:30 p.m.
A 1980s theme is set for Saturday evening with tribute band Club Rewind at 6:00 p.m. and day one headliner, Great White, at 7:30 p.m.
Great White’s rock songs include 15 singles which hit the US Rock Chart over 15 years, with several reaching the mainstream chart. Those included “Once Bitten, Twice Shy;” “The Angel Song;” and “Save Your Love,” all frequently played on radio and part of the group’s gold and platinum albums.
Founding member Mark Kendall, lead guitar and vocalist, remains part of the five-man group which features former Night Ranger member Michael Lardie. Brett Carlisle, a 29-year-old Alabama native, brings lots of energy to the stage as Great White’s lead vocalist. Carlisle had covered several Great White songs with the band he founded as a teen, All or Nothing, and members of Great White happened to catch one of their shows, leading to his new role.
On Sunday, performers from the Inspirational Country Music Association lead off at 12:30 p.m., followed by local bluegrass favorites Just Country at 2:30 p.m.
Music Sunday concludes with The Creekers at 4:00 p.m. A six-piece band bringing bluegrass influences with country and pop influences, The Creekers was formed in Leslie County, Kentucky, in the eastern part of the state. Most of the group is from the Bluegrass State. Members of the group include Tanner Horton, vocals and lead guitar, Allen Hacker, vocals and rhythm guitar, and Anna Blanton, fiddle.
The Creekers released their first album, Pour Me in the Creek, in 2024 and have grown in popularity since. Their song, “Tennessee,” reached the Spotify Viral 50 chart last summer, remaining on the list for several weeks.
A number of other activities are scheduled including the Friends of the Library Art Exhibit, held April 30-May 3 at the Sequatchie County Fair building off Heard Street. The show, featuring local artists, is free to attend.
Also set are a children’s carnival, bounces houses, pro wrestling matches, a petting zoo, and exotic animals. A “Cruz’n” of classic vehicles north on Highway 28 and Rankin Avenue from Sequatchie County High School to the Citizens Tri-County Bank lot begins at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. For more on the cruise, contact Bill Hill at 678-699-1047.
Another anticipated highlight of the festival is the wide range of food and beverages available, along with sale of unique items by vendors on site.
For more information on the festival, call 423-949-3338, visit the BTC Fiber Valley Fest Facebook page, or visit the website valleyfestonline.com.
