Unfortunately due to the inclement weather, our Crawlin' In The Crater event just off of Cumberland Avenue has been postponed to next weekend. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
We are still looking for volunteers to help us at the festival this weekend! If you are wanting to earn some volunteer hours, or just want to help out, contact Brittony Beason at 606-302-0811. Thanks in advance for your help! ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
From Chairman Joe Beason
The weather is changing, the leaves are turning, and fall is finally here. It’s time for the 32nd annual Cumberland Mountain Fall Festival in downtown Middlesboro, Kentucky. One word that would describe this year’s festival is more, more, more…it’s actually three words, but there is so much more for everyone to enjoy. Public opinion polls have emphasized the community wanted more…more entertainment, more authentic handmade crafts, more community involvement, and more special entertainment and programs. That’s what this year’s CMFF has done setting itself upon every diverse environment.
Being located in the middle of three of the most beautiful states in the Appalachian Mountains affords us a gold mine of talented crafters and demonstrators. This also gives us access to amazing entertainers, artists, writers, and an equally eclectic smorgasbord of foods from our own area. Like the crafters and artisans, our local cooks have always been recognized for their unbelievable talent and this year is no different. Showcasing our local churches, clubs, organizations, and individuals will present an incredible menu satisfying any taste. Remember, part of our Appalachian Heritage is our rich culture of delicious foods prepared for many years.
As you enjoy the delicious food, have a seat under a tent, under the trees, or on the bleachers and enjoy the great music we have lined up for you. From Bluegrass to Gospel, Country to Rock there is a virtual dynasty of entertainment on stage performing their musical talents. Several stages will bring more diversity and more music to your Fall Festival.
Look for two huge tents with over 48 booths filled with handmade crafts and demonstrators. Also look for the Pioneer Village loaded with truly unique presentations like soap made open over an open fire, tanning animal hides, leatherwork, a blacksmith, an apple butter stir-off, wild plant identification and their uses, and Appalachian food preserving. For something really special, enjoy an old-fashioned molasses stir-off on an off premises site.
One of the biggest reasons to come to the Fall Festival is FUN! And it’s all at your back door! Let’s start with the Kid’s area. Expect to see some BIG inflatables, the first time appearance of the interactive animal farm, pony rides and painting from T & T Stables, plus kids can go digging for fantastic treasures and trinkets at Diggin’ In The Crater.
And if the kids are looking for more…it’s the amazing Silly Safari’s show with plenty to keep them busy with fun! And you’ll never forget Juggling Jared with his skills and balloon art as he walks the festival looking to make someone smile! And what would a festival be without hayrides? We have those too! The bonus is that they end up at the pumpkin patch and you‘ll be able to enter the pumpkin painting contest. And we can’t forget the always popular carnival show from Kentucky natives Casey Rides with fun for everyone!
Still want more? We have it! Our chairman is giving you a car show, a BIG car show. With over 300 cars expected to line Cumberland Avenue it will be something not to miss, including a Swap ‘n’ Meet! And we’ve added a stage for some extra music to entertain the crowds checking out all the cars. While you’re there you can register for great door prizes from area merchants, games, and a very special slow drag race on the avenue!
There will be even more motorized attractions with the antique tractor show. The vintage enthusiasts are pulling out their collectables to give the car show a run for its money. Tractors have been and still are a vital part of our community and these restored land movers will come in all makes and models. Even old farm equipment will be on display. And in tandem with this part of the festival, the wagon show returns this year to show off what came before cars, trucks, buses, and planes. Wagons shaped how the country moved and transported everything and everybody. From weddings to funerals, they were used for everything and this tradition is fading away. This is a great way to have the community stay familiar with these great machines that had such an impact on our area. Be sure to get your picture made on one!
Wagons moved the military during the civil war and the re-enactors we’ll have at the festival will feature wartime clothing, period-piece guns, flags and authentic wares. Look for these professional men and women encamped along the outside of “Fort City Hall”. Gunfire will erupt as they bring the battle to Middlesboro, including a blazing cannon. The battles continue throughout both days of the festival. Don’t run away when the shootings starts or you’ll miss the apple butter stir-off unless of course you are a part of our great 5K run/walk.
The feet start moving Saturday morning with this long “running” tradition. The fall weather should be perfect for a great trek down the track set up by our committee. The chairman over this event’s goal is to make this not only fun, but challenging for everyone involved. Lots of extras planned for the 5K. After it’s done, get ready to experience a second day of our newest addition to the festival.
Crawlin’ In The Crater is the first of it’s kind to be a part of this year’s festival. It will be held both days of the festival October 3rd and 4th just a few blocks from the central area at the industrial site property. The entrance is between Days Inn and the railroad trestle on Cumberland Avenue. What to expect? Look for modified trucks, crawlers, jeeps, and buggies running a 600 yard obstacle course with hairpin turns, trenches, radical inclines that include log climbs. On top of all of this fun, there is a challenge hill, meaning very vertical for every off road vehicle to try and conquer. Sorry, no ATV’s this year, but come out early to see the pit area and grab some pictures, talk to the drivers, and enjoy the food and drinks on site.
Still need more in your more? We have a very special surprise in store for the main event area on the Middlesboro City parking lot. Let’s put it this way, it’s something so special no one will know about it until it’s unveiled on the lot at the festival Don’t forget your camera for this one, we’ll have one on standby in case you do. And speaking of getting your picture taken, we’ll have another special booth set up presenting Middlesboro in the 1930’s. Take a trip back in time with a professional photographer taking your picture.
To sum this up, the festival has enjoyed many faces and volunteers all helping to keep the festival going. It truly takes people willing to sacrifice their own time to put forth the effort to make this festival work. The volunteers and sponsors are what keep the festival progressing. We are thankful for them and we’re always seeking new volunteers. The greatest way to show your appreciation is to come out and enjoy the festival. Spend the day with us and your neighbors eating lunch or supper, maybe just a snack. Let the kids play and enjoy yourself, it’s all we strive for year after year. This is truly your community festival, totally operated by volunteers from your community, supported by your community and you. Most importantly, the Cumberland Mountain Fall Festival is put on for the benefit of this community. We hope you really enjoy it.
Joe Beason
CMFF Chairman ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
