We can’t wait to see you Labor Day Weekend!

Finally! The Long Journey Home celebration is back to an in person format in 2022 with:

• Buskin’ on Main Street and an outdoor film on Friday, September 2
• The Musical Heritage Tour and Sculpture unveiling on Saturday, September 3
• and the traditional Sunday Singin’ on September 4.

“I wandered again to my home in the mountains…” the opening line of the iconic song, Rank Stranger is the theme of this year’s celebration.Friday Activities

The fun begins on Friday evening with Buskin’ on Main Street. This event brings the small town to life with music, friends, and plenty of good eating. The Long Journey Home Art Show and Quilt Show are always a big hit. Then, Short Life of Trouble: The Legend of G.B. Grayson, a short film by Appalachian Memory Keepers will be shown outdoors at dusk.

Saturday Activities  

On Saturday, the Musical Heritage Homecoming Tour begins at the Old Mill music park at 1pm with the music of Clarence “Tom” Ashley performed by Kenny Price and Jerry Moses. Then at 2:30pm The JAM Band as well as the Long Journey Home House Band will share the stage for the unveiling of the Fiddlin’ Fred Price Memorial Sculpture at Johnson County Center for the Arts. This life size bronze sculpture is the latest addition to Mountain City’s downtown Mural Mile, a collection of nine murals that honor the stories and songs of this unique mountain community.  

Saturday’s tour concludes, as always, at the Fred Price Homeplace, nestled high in the mountains. Beginning at 4pm, The Piney Woods Boys will perform musical selections from the album Old Time Music at Clarence Ashley’s, Doc Watson’s first album, now on the National Recording Registry. Tour maps may be picked up at the Center for the Arts and other local businesses. The Musical Heritage Mural Mile and Long Journey Home were made possible in part though funding from Johnson County Community Foundation and Tennessee Arts Commission as well as the generosity of community members.  

Sunday’s Activities 

The festivities end on Sunday with a Sunday Singing at Heritage Hall Theatre from 2 to 4:30pm. Several local musicians who carry on the deep traditions of mountain gospel will perform.