How did the Christy legacy evolve?
When it was published, Christy was an instant hit, spending 10 months on the best-seller list and finishing at number five for 1967. The book returned to the prestigious list again in 1995 in response to the release of the television series. It is estimated that Christy has been read by more than 30 million people. For more information go to Christy the Novel.

Townsend, Tennessee was chosen to be the film location for the CBS television series by the same name. The pilot episode debuted on Easter Sunday 1994. All together nineteen episodes were produced before the series was canceled after the 1995 season. A large and varied cast includes Kellie Martin who portrays the idealistic 19-year-old Christy Huddleston. Tyne Daly plays her mentor, Miss Alice Henderson. Fairlight Spencer, a mountain woman who befriends Christy, is played by Tess Harper. Randall Batinkoff is the mission preacher, David Grantland and Stewart Finlay-McLennan brings to life the gruff mountain doctor, Neil MacNeill. For more information, go to Christy the TV Series or visit the Cast and Crew page.

Because the CBS series was canceled, the last episode of season two became a frustrating cliffhanger for Christy fans. Partly to answer the question of how Christy resolved her issues of the heart, as well as the fate of many beloved characters, PAX Television produced a made for television movie, Return to Cutter Gap and a mini-series, Choices of the Heart. For more information, please read PAX Movie Mini-Series.

What will I encounter at ChristyFest™?
If you enjoyed reading the book and/or watching the television productions, then you understand the appeal of this classic story. At ChristyFest™ not only will you find topics related to the story being discussed, but you will mingle with fellow attendees and the presenters who share your interests. Christy encompasses so many aspects of literature: history, romance, mystery, faith and inspiration, to name a few, and it appeals to a large range of interests. Each year the team works to present fascinating elements of this novel and its legacy. At ChristyFest™ you may have a question answered, discover something new or gain a greater appreciation for the story and the many ways it touches our lives. To learn more about previous events and activities at ChristyFest™, visit the Archives [Under "Information" in the navigation bar at the top of the page] or stop by the Schedule to see what the upcoming ChristyFest™ has to offer!

What is the Del Rio and Christy Mission/Ebenezer Mission Site?
The book Christy is based on the real life adventures of the author, Catherine Marshall’s mother, Leonora Whitaker. Leonora left her home in December of 1909 to travel to Del Rio, Tennessee to teach at the Ebenezer Mission in Morgan Gap. When Catherine wrote Christy she fictionalized her story by changing the names of the people and the places. For instance Del Rio became El Pano and Morgan Gap became Cutter Gap. Many of the events in the book actually happened to Leonora and John Wood, the young minister whom she served with and eventually married.

Can you tell me more about the Del Rio and Christy Mission/Ebenezer Mission Site trip?
Usually included in the schedule is a day trip to Del Rio, Tennessee where the Ebenezer Mission Site [now known as Christy Mission] is located. We travel by cars in an organized caravan from Townsend to Del Rio with a breakfast stop on the way. The tour begins in Del Rio where we see the real general store and boarding house which were included in the Novel. We then head to Ebenezer Church and can tour the cemetery before we end up at the Christy Mission, home of Larry Myers. Larry is the grandson of Flora Corn, who served as the inspiration for Fairlight.

You can find details of this year's trip on the Schedule. Remember to sign up for the Del Rio/Christy Mission Trip when you register for the festival. Driving time to this meaningful place is approximately two hours and does include some rugged country roads.

Why is ChristyFest™ held in Townsend?
The entire Christy TV series, with the exception of one episode, was filmed on location in Townsend, Tennessee and in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Surrounded by the beauty of the mountains which have come to symbolize Christy, Townsend is a quiet town which blends beauty and amenities to make for an enjoyable stay.

One episode, Echoes, was partly filmed at The Museum of Appalachia. For those who have an extra day you might consider visiting The Museum of Appalachia. Located in Norris, TN [16 miles north of Knoxville on I-75, exit 122] this museum is home to large collections of farm and domestic tools and all kinds of antiques. It also has a modest display of memorabilia from the filming of Christy as well as the log structures used in the filming which are of special interest to Christy fans. More information can be found at The Museum of Appalachia or on the Townsend page.

Also, located on the Foothills Parkway, north of Townsend is the Look Rock Observation Area where a number of scenes were filmed. Near the parking lot for the observation tower, you can visit Look Rock which was filmed as "God’s Fist” in the episode, The Hunt. Additionally, the Pilot episode, Lost and Found, and other segments of episodes were also filmed in and around this area. However, if venturing into this area we caution visitors to adhere to park rules, wear suitable clothing and stay on the trails.

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What does my registration fee to ChristyFest™ cover?
Your registration fee generally covers all the day and evening events listed on the schedule for the festival, unless otherwise noted. Each year we have some Optional Events or items which you may include as part of your registration if you so choose [some examples of optional activities or opting into a catered lunch]. For more information on the current activities and events, please visit Registration.

When can I register?
Registration traditionally opens in January. Please visit Registration for more information.

How do I register and pay for ChristyFest™?
You may register using our online form through which we accept Paypal. Please note you do not have to have a Paypal account to pay via Paypal. Paypal accepts all major credit cards. For more on how Paypal works, visit www.paypal.com. All payment must be remitted in USD.

Additionally, you may download a Registration Form to mail in with your check or money order. For further details on registration rates and deadlines, along with the online or downloadable Registration Form, please visit Registration.

I can't be there the entire festival - can I register for certain days?
Yes, you can register for individual days or a group of days, however, day registrations are limited and based on whether space is available. For rates and more information about registering go to Registration.

May I register once the festival begins?
Yes, you may! We do, however, require you to pay in cash when registering in Townsend. We will accept registration for the Entire Festival or certain days [subject to availability].

Keep in mind that you may risk the possibility of registration becoming full so we encourage you to register early if you are able. Registration check-in will take place each morning of the festival. For the location of daily registration, visit the Schedule.

Do you have child/youth rates?
We do! Please visit the Registration page to view our child and youth rates.

Is the registration fee refundable?
Your registration fee is refundable until May 1 minus a 20% administration fee. Sorry there are no refunds after May 1.

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What kind of accommodation is available in Townsend?
There are several hotels and motels in Townsend. Comfortable modern cabins and camping area are also available. For more information and recommended accommodations, we have information on Townsend Lodging. You can also ask about places to stay on the Christy Message Board.

When should I book my accommodation?
You should book your accommodation as soon as possible. Making your reservations early ensures a place to stay that will be easily accessible to ChristyFest™ events. Some places book early as Townsend is a vacation destination.

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What restaurants are in the area?
Townsend offers many great restaurants that specialize in home-style cooking and southern fare. All ranges of atmosphere are available, ranging from very casual to dressy. There are no major fast food chains in Townsend though some establishments also provide take out.

What do meals cost in Townsend?
Full meals at most restaurants average around $7-$15 depending on what you order. Fine dining will cost between $25-$40. Townsend has a very nice grocery store and most hotels rooms provide a small refrigerator and microwave.

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Where can I find out about possible carpooling or roommates for ChristyFest™?
You can visit our Message Board where these questions are being asked and answered by fellow ChristyFest™ participants. We do encourage attendees not to post personal details [such as contact details] on the public boards but to use the Personal Messaging system for such things.

What clothing should I bring to ChristyFest™?
Townsend, Tennessee can be hot and humid in the summer. Rain showers are common, so bring an umbrella and perhaps a rain jacket or poncho depending how much time you want to spend outside. Shorts, cool shirts, tennis shoes, sandals or other comfortable shoes are appropriate. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are also a good idea. For evening and Sunday worship, casual summer clothes might include a skirt or sun dress for the ladies, and for the men, shirt and slacks. Casual wear is appropriate for most establishments. Your accommodations may have a pool and/or Jacuzzi, so don’t forget your swimsuit or trunks. We encourage you to check out the weather report before traveling to Townsend.

What is the closest airport to Townsend?
The closest airport, McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, TN, is about 30 minutes from Townsend. There is no public transportation from the airport, so you will need to rent a car or arrange a ride. If renting a car, it is best to make arrangements in advance as the airport is of modest size and has limited resources. Townsend and the surrounding area are popular destinations in the summer. You can learn more at the Knoxville Airport.

Are there ATMs in Townsend?
Yes, there are a limited number of ATMs in Townsend that accept most major bank and ATM cards. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Are there activities at ChristyFest™ for kids?
ChristyFest™ does not offer specific activities for children, but you may find some of our scheduled workshops and activities may be enjoyable for your children depending on their age. Occasionally, though, our workshops do carry an age minimum. Further details can be found on the Schedule page. Currently, children 10 and under may attend CF with their families for no extra charge. All children under 18 must be attended by a responsible adult. Townsend and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers opportunities for families to enjoy the history and the beauty of the mountains. You will find more information on the Townsend page.

What kind of other activities are there in Townsend?
Townsend and the surrounding area is a great location for fishing, hiking, camping, inner tubing, golfing, caving and horseback riding! Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a wonderful place to enjoy the history of the area and to view wildlife.

Nearby Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are home to many commercial attractions and shopping. The amusement park, Dollywood, is in Pigeon Forge. Knoxville is only a short drive away.

For additional information on the many things to see and do in and around Townsend, please visit the Townsend page.

Which guests will be appearing at ChristyFest™?
Guests whose appearances have been confirmed for 2008 may be found via several methods. From here you can view our currently confirmed Cast and Crew Members, Presenters, and registered Attendees. Check back often as guests will be added periodically. Additionally, those links can be found via the main navigation at the top of the page. Simply access the "Registration" tab and go to "Who's Coming".

Will I be able to get autographs?
In the past, all Cast and Crew members, as well as Special Guests, attending ChristyFest™ have been willing to sign autographs. We have a special Autograph and Photo event just for his purpose. Photos of the actors that you can have signed are available the ChristyFest™ Store should you wish. The Schedule list the time and place of the Autograph session.

Who has previously attended ChristyFest™?
Here is a list of those who have attended in the past. You can read more about them by browsing the Archives [Under the "Information" tab in the navigation bar at the top of the page]. Additionally, you may find more via the Cast and Crew Links. "Series" refers to the 1994-1995 CBS Series and "Movies" refers to the PAX Made-for-TV movies.

Past guests have included:

Actors:
Stewart Finlay-McLennan (Doctor Neil MacNeill, Series/Movies)
Randall Batinkoff (Rev. David Grantland, Series)
Jacob Witkin (Dr. Ferrand, Movies)
Andy Stahl (Tom McHone, Series/Movies)
Lauren Lee Smith (Christy, Movies)
Dale Dickey (Opal McHone, Series/Movies)
Frank Hoyt Taylor (Uncle Bogg, Series)
Mike Hickman (Bird's Eye Taylor, Series/Movies)
Buck Ford (Bob Allen, Series)
Bonita Allen (Mary Allen, Series)
Bruce McKinnon (Jeb Spencer, Series/Movies)
Ingrid Torrance (Fairlight Spencer, Movies)
Olivia Kelly (Ruby Mae, Movies)
Alyssa Hmeilewski (Mountie O'Teale, Series)
Jenny Krochmal (Zady Spencer, Series)
John Gillihan (Will Holt, Series)
Lane Batot (Bonnie Prince Charlie, Series)
Kelley Clarke (Becky O'Teale, Series)

Producers/Writers:
Ken Wales (Executive Producer of the 1994/95 Series)
Patricia Green (Co-Executive Producer, Writer/Creator of Series)
Tom Blomquist (Executive Producer/Writer for the three Movies & Supervising Producer/Writer for the Series)

Special Guests:
Emma Wood Hoskins (Daughter of Leonora Whitaker Wood/Sister of Catherine Marshall)
Mike Clemmer (Musician/Dulcimer craftsman)
Gene Webb (Woodcarver: Dan Scott carvings/Joseph Scott portrait Series)
Ila Hatter and Jerry Coleman (Wildcrafters)
Bill Alexander (Poet and Bark Berry Basket maker)

Crew:
Mary McKinnon (Set Teacher, Series)
Lane Batot (Carpenter, Series)
Judy Shaefer (Craft Services, Series)

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