The following is the tentative schedule for ChristyFest™ 2008. Some dates and times as well as the events themselves are subject to change as the ChristyFest™ team works out the details. All events take place at the Highland Manor Conference Room unless otherwise indicated. Additional information will be added as it is made available, so check back often!

Dwight McCarter is a former Back Country Ranger and he is an expert on the Smoky Mountains. This year at ChristyFest™ he'll be sharing some of his stories and experiences of living, working, and exploring the Townsend area and the Smoky Mountains region. Dwight has hiked literally thousands of miles in the mountains and he knows well its beauty and its dangers. Experience the Smokies in a whole new way!

Lunch Break

1:00pm-3:00pm: Remembering Catherine: Author and Friend

Come experience the telling of the birth of the beloved novel Christy in a whole new light! Elizabeth Sherrill worked on the Christy manuscript with Catherine Marshall, helping Marshall to produce the popular novel known by millions of readers across the globe. Also a friend to Catherine, Elizabeth offers a unique perspective on the creation of Christy. Christy readers will recognize Elizabeth’s name from the dedication page of the novel. As a witness to the creation of the plots as well as the growth of characters in the Cove, Elizabeth offers an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to better understand Catherine and Christy.

Following Elizabeth’s presentation on Wednesday there will be an autograph session with her books available for purchase.

Note: This event is included in the ChristyFest™ activities if you have booked for Wednesday or the Entire Festival. However, this event is also open to the public subject to an admission fee. For more visit Elizabeth Sherrill Ticket Information.

Late Afternoon: Free Time

7:00pm-9:00 pm: Social Time
We'll get together to view Outtakes and Bloopers from the TV series - with never before seen footage! We'll also have a Trivia Game and other fun events!

We’re taking a road trip to Del Rio, Tennessee to discover the setting of the adventures of Leonora Whitaker who was the inspiration for the story, Christy.

We’ll meet at the Townsend school parking lot to line up the caravan promptly at 7:00 a.m. If you are not driving to Del Rio, you may leave your car at the school parking lot or you need to find a ride to the parking lot. We’ll head to Carver’s Applehouse Restaurant in Cosby where we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast. Then we’ll continue on our way to meet up with Larry Myers, grandson of Arter and Flora Corn (Jeb and Fairlight Spencer), in Del Rio (El Pano). Larry will point out the Burnett Boarding House (Miss Tatum’s) where Leonora (Christy) spent the night and the Runnion Store (General Store) where she met up with the mailman, Hubert Stokely (Ben Pentland). The railroad tracks that brought Leonora from North Carolina run straight through this little town.

Then Larry will lead us on back to Morgan Gap (Cutter Gap) passing by the “Old Mud Hole”. On the way we’ll stop by the Ebenezer Baptist Church, the building that served as the Ebenezer (Cutter Gap) Mission schoolhouse and church before being moved to its present location. You’ll have a little time to walk around the cemetery and visit several graves of interest.

We’ll load back into the cars for the last mile to Christy Mission. Larry and his wife, Karen, will treat us to lunch and we’ll have plenty of time to explore the place where it all began. The Click (O’Teale) cabin and a few foundations, clearly marked, are all that remain of the original buildings, but the spirit of Christy is sure to be felt.

All too soon it will be time to say goodbye. We’ll head out around 3:30 p.m. and be back to Townsend by 5:30 p.m.

Note: Please wear comfortable walking shoes. We recommend that you bring sun screen, a hat and bug repellent. A picnic blanket might come in handy, too.

Evening: Free Time

Presented by Marilyn Mitchen

As much as she [Mother] could tell me, I would write. . . . I would tell the story of the first year. Eleven months in a young woman's life.
Christy, Prologue

Cost: $8.00 per person

Join folks as you explore the mountain community of Cades Cove from the back of a hay wagon. See deer and other wildlife in their natural habitats, enjoy the fresh mountain air and breath taking scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains. Have a great time with fellow attendees as well!

Presented by Tom Blomquist

Taking Christy from book to television screen was a huge undertaking. A large cast, shooting on location and recreating accurately the time and place of Cutter Gap all presented unique challenges to producers of this project. Yet implementing the highest of standards, meant attention to every detail. Tom Blomquist will take us behind the scenes to explore how this was done giving us an insider’s look at the process of bringing Christy to the screen.

11:45 AM-12:45 PM: The Hunt: Hunting Dogs of Appalachia [Highland Manor Inn Conference Room]

Growing up in the southern Appalachians has given Lane Batot a true perspective of life in the mountains along with the important role of hunting. With the episode The Hunt as reference, Lane will present the realities of hunting during Christy's time. He’ll explain hunting methods, the kinds of game and unique hunting dog breeds, such as the Plott Hound and the Mountain Cur. He'll also have on hand a variety of hunting gear such as a horn for calling back the dogs, which in some cases, is still in use today.

12:45-3:00 PM: Cast and Crew Picnic Reunion with Photo and Autograph Session [Townsend Visitors Center Pavilion]

Here’s a chance for the cast and crew to swap howdies with each other and mix with fans of the series. Those involved in the many various aspects of the producing the series--some of who live in the area--are invited to join us. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and the opportunity to meet the cast and crew, get some autographs and snap some pictures. This is sure to be a fun and relaxing way to spend a few hours.

Advance reservations are necessary for the box lunch, cost is $8.50. Box lunches include your choice of Chicken Salad or Turkey Sandwich. Reservations for box lunch can be accepted via Main Registration until June 5th. You may still attend the picnic even if you do not pre-order a box lunch though you will have to supply your own meal.

LATE AFTERNOON - FREE TIME:

7:00-8:00 PM: Porch Pick’n Concert [Wood N’ Strings Dulcimer Shop]

Mosey on over to Mike Clemmer’s Dulcimer Shop for an hour of good ol’ fashioned music making on Mike’s backyard porch. Mike will have a special guest who will delight us with some melodies featuring this original mountain instrument. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

8:15-10:00 PM: Entertainment and Evening of Fun [Highland Manor Inn Conference Room]