The heart of Historic Granville beats stronger than ever as it prepares to welcome visitors to its 26th Annual Heritage Day Festival on May 24, 2025.
Tucked along the scenic Cumberland River, this charming small town, home to just 300 residents, will once again throw open its doors to thousands for a full day of celebration, music, food, shopping and Southern hospitality.
This year鈥檚 Heritage Day pays tribute to three remarkable centennial milestones:
鈥 100 Years of the T.B. Sutton General Store
On May 7, 1925, Thomas Benjamin Sutton purchased the goods and storehouse from B.F. Cooper and immediately began expanding the services. In addition to operating as a general store, Sutton opened a barbershop, sold insurance, John Deere equipment, feed, seeds and fertilizer, and ran a repair shop. Behind the potbelly stove, he established a small restaurant counter known for serving bologna, cheese, and crackers 鈥 still in service today 鈥 famous for its fried bologna sandwich.
鈥 100th Anniversary of Purity Dairy (formerly Ezell Dairy)
In 1925, newlywed Miles Ezell bought a few cows on credit, traded his beloved Ford coupe for a delivery truck and launched Ezell Dairy, which later became Purity Dairy. Guests can view a vintage Ezell Dairy truck on display at the Granville Farm to Table Museum.
鈥 100 Years Since Uncle Jimmy Thompson鈥檚 Grand Ole Opry Debut
Jesse Donald 鈥淯ncle Jimmy鈥 Thompson, an old-time fiddle player and singer-songwriter, was the first performer on what would become the Grand Ole Opry (then called the WSM Barn Dance) on Nov. 28, 1925. His performance played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the iconic show.
From the National Championship Ole Time Fiddlers Contest and artisan demonstrations to live bluegrass, one of Tennessee鈥檚 largest antique car shows, and classic Southern fare (yes, there鈥檒l be fried pies!), Heritage Day offers a joyful immersion into Appalachian culture and tradition.
鈥淔estivals in Granville are more than just events 鈥 they鈥檙e about preserving history, building community and sharing the soul of our town,鈥 said Randall Clemons, event organizer. 鈥淥n May 24, we invite everyone to come for the charm and the stories 鈥 and return as friends. Whether you鈥檙e a longtime friend of Granville or discovering it for the first time, Heritage Day is your chance to experience small-town Tennessee at its finest.鈥
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