The 23rd Jackson Square Lavender Festival returns to Jackson Square this month. The Main Event is free to the public on Saturday, June 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lavender Festival was named Best Festival last year by the Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council, a press release said. It is presented this year by the City of Oak Ridge, which will have a booth for information about living, working, and playing in Oak Ridge.
Since 1999, Lavender Festival has been held the third week of June, which is when the lavender is in bloom in Tennessee. In addition to several local lavender farms, the festival features 150 artisan and food vendors, live music, informative presentations, and free children’s activities.
Because of the large crowd last year, the festival is expanding to include a new area in front of United Way building at 301 Broadway Avenue, with Broadway Avenue closed to traffic, the press release said. This new area will feature food and artisan vendors, several free activities for children including a small train ride, sidewalk chalk and bubbles, and a smoothie blender bike with free rides and smoothie samples for kids.
While the Main Event is free, there are several ticketed events during the weekend that will benefit local charities. Buy yours now to save, as tickets will be higher at the gate (or will be sold out), the press release said.
- Nine Lakes Wine Tasting, June 17, 12 to 3 p.m.—Benefitting United Way of Anderson County, the wine tasting will feature the wines and ciders of five Tennessee wineries. Ticket includes a tasting glass, wine tote, and samples of 30 local wines. Must be 21 with valid identification. Wine Tasting will be inside the United Way building at 301 Broadway Avenue.
- Tour of Gardens, June 16-18, selected hours—Benefitting Nourish Kids Club, the Tour of Gardens will feature four beautiful private gardens in and very near Oak Ridge. Master Gardeners of Anderson County will be available to answer questions in each garden, the press release said. Addresses of the gardens will be published June 10. Tickets are required, but children are free with paying adult.
- Herb Lunch, June 16, 12 p.m.—A treasured tradition in Jackson Square with limited seating and a gourmet, plated lunch. Tickets are only available at The Ferrell Shop, 235 Jackson Square, and will sell out quickly, the press release said.
A complete list of musicians, vendors, and activities will be announced closer to the event. Volunteers are needed in all aspects of the festival, and a sign up form is on the website.
For more information, ticket sales or to support the festival, visit www.JacksonSquareLavenderFestival.org.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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