Sixteen years ago, Lewis McNeely founded the fall Apple Festival in Cleveland, Tenn. Now he’s ready to launch a new festival – this one in spring, he says, so he doesn’t compete with his first.
“I’ve always liked marketing. I’ve had a catering business, written a book, but one of the things I like to do is be creative,” says McNeely, who is also starting a new advertising agency. “I was sitting out on the farm property one night looking at the fence posts, trying to come up with a name for the festival, and thought of ‘Fence Posts & Farm Land.'”
But he wasn’t sold on it – and as he sat there pondering possible names, fireflies began to flicker around him. Fence Posts & Fireflies had a nostalgic vibe that complemented the rural Cleveland barn setting where the festival will be held. He had his name.
Fence Posts & Fireflies is one of nearly 40 events listed in the Times Free Press’ first spring festival guide. These festivals aren’t just showcases of original art and handcrafts; they also celebrate the Southern idiosyncrasies that make this region distinctive.
Kids will squeal with excitement over the Racing Pigs and Paddling Porkers Show at Big Shanty Festival in Kennesaw, Ga. Check out the moonshine runners obstacle course and best-dressed hillbilly costume contest at Rockwood’s Thunder Road Festival.