Sullivan County Day 2026
Join us at the historic Rocky Mount State Historic Site for Sullivan County Day 2026 – a celebration of our county's rich heritage as part of America's 250th birthday and Tennessee's 230th anniversary of statehood. Following the county's proclamation recognizing the third Thursday of October as Sullivan County Day, this heritage festival brings together the entire Sullivan County community on Friday, October 16th for a day of history, culture, demonstrations, local exhibits, and family-friendly activities at the very site where territorial government began in 1790.
Event Schedule
Exhibitors and vendors complete setup. Early bird visitors welcome to browse exhibits.
Featured Speaker: Mayor Richard S. Venable
Official proclamation reading and keynote address on Sullivan County's role in American democracy
• National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance
• Recognition of county commissioners and dignitaries
• Historical context: 1779-1789-1796-2026
"From Territory to Statehood" - Costumed interpreters depict life in the Southwest Territory capital, 1790-1792
Browse booths and exhibitions from county departments, historical societies, parks, businesses, and community organizations. Continuous demonstrations throughout the day including:
• Blacksmithing and pioneer crafts
• Colonial cooking demonstrations
• Fiber arts (spinning, weaving)
• 18th century music performances
Local restaurants and food trucks featuring regional cuisine
Local historians discuss Sullivan County's evolution from 1779 to today. Topics include the Watauga Association, territorial government, Civil War era, and modern development.
Interactive stations where children can:
• Churn butter
• Learn colonial games
• Complete heritage scavenger hunt
• Make cornhusk dolls
• Junior Ranger program
Multiple guided walking tours of Rocky Mount, including the mansion, outbuildings, and grounds. Learn about William Cobb's role as territorial capital host.
Commemorate America's 250th and Tennessee's 230th with ceremonial cake cutting. Prize drawings for scavenger hunt participants. Announcement of Sullivan County's 250th birthday plans for 2029.
Thank you for celebrating Sullivan County's heritage with us!
Festival Exhibitors & Participants
Sullivan County Day brings together the entire community. Confirmed and invited participants include:
County Government
- County Commission
- County Mayor's Office
- Register of Deeds
- County Clerk
- Sheriff's Office
- Emergency Services
- Planning Commission
- Public Works
Historical Organizations
- Rocky Mount Historical Society
- Sullivan County Historical Society
- Archives of Appalachia (ETSU)
- Daughters of the American Revolution
- Sons of the American Revolution
- Civil War Heritage Groups
Parks & Recreation
- Sullivan County Parks
- Warriors' Path State Park
- Steele Creek Park
- Anderson County Nature Center
- Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Education
- Sullivan County Schools
- Kingsport City Schools
- Bristol City Schools
- East Tennessee State University
- Northeast State Community College
- 4-H Clubs
Arts & Culture
- Appalachian Heritage Crafters
- Blue Ridge Music Center
- Local Artisan Guild
- Storytellers of Appalachia
- Traditional Music Groups
Business & Tourism
- Chamber of Commerce
- Tourism & Visitors Bureau
- Local Business Showcase
- Farm Bureau
- Regional Bank Sponsors
- Economic Development
Community Organizations
- Lions Club
- Rotary International
- Veterans Organizations
- Faith Communities
- Volunteer Fire Departments
- Extension Services
Libraries & Archives
- Sullivan County Library
- Kingsport Public Library
- Local Genealogy Societies
- Tennessee State Library
Want to Participate?
County organizations, businesses, and community groups interested in exhibiting should contact the County Mayor's Office. Booth space is free for county organizations and nonprofits.
Request Exhibitor InformationLocation & Visitor Information
Rocky Mount State Historic Site
200 Hyder Hill Road
Piney Flats, TN 37686
Admission: FREE for Sullivan County Day
(Courtesy of Sullivan County Government)
Parking: Free on-site parking with overflow shuttle service
Accessibility: ADA accessible. Shuttle available from parking to main festival grounds.
What to Bring: Lawn chairs, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes
Pets: Service animals only
About Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount served as the territorial capital of the Southwest Territory from 1790-1792 when William Cobb hosted territorial Governor William Blount. This historic site represents the birthplace of Tennessee government and perfectly embodies Sullivan County's pivotal role in American democracy.
Celebrating Three Historic Milestones
America 250 (1776-2026)
Sullivan County Day 2026 is an official America 250 commemorative event, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence and our nation's founding principles.
Tennessee 230 (1796-2026)
Tennessee became the 16th state on June 1, 1796. Sullivan County, established in 1779, helped form the foundation of Tennessee statehood through the territorial government period.
Sullivan County 247 (1779-2026)
Established by the North Carolina assembly on October 30, 1779, Sullivan County has provided continuous local governance for 247 years. Our 250th birthday celebration is coming in 2029!
Stay Updated
For more information, vendor applications, volunteer opportunities, or sponsorship inquiries:
Sullivan County Mayor's Office
Phone: (423) 323-6428
Email: countymayor@sullivancountytn.gov
Follow us on social media: #SullivanCountyDay #America250 #Tennessee230