It's Officially Fall, Y'all: Cowan Carries on Fall Heritage Festival Tradition
- Terri Carter
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Last weekend, the streets of Cowan came alive with the vibrant sounds of live music, the mouthwatering aroma of festival food, and the cheerful buzz of community spirit as the Cowan Fall Heritage Festival took center stage. Under a warm September sun, families, friends, and visitors from across the region strolled past rows of vendors offering handmade crafts, local goods, and seasonal treats. Held annually on the third weekend of September, the festival is a cherished tradition that brings together regional communities through the educational and inspirational power of history, music, art, and civic pride.
The weekend festivities officially began on Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. with an opening ceremony and welcoming remarks that set the stage for a celebration filled with music, community, and tradition. From that moment on, the festival grounds pulsed with energy as a full lineup of bands and artists took turns entertaining the crowd throughout the weekend. Friday night featured a dynamic performance by The Rollin’ 7’s, whose sound drew festivalgoers to the main stage. On Saturday night, the excitement peaked as legendary country-rock band Exile delivered a crowd-pleasing set as attendees gathered in front of the main stage to take in the action.
Vendors from across the region and beyond gathered in Cowan to showcase a colorful array of crafts, products, and homemade goods that reflected both artistry and tradition. Festivalgoers spent the weekend strolling through booth-lined streets, shopping local and discovering one-of-a-kind treasures. From jars of homemade jams and jellies to handcrafted knives, toys, boutique clothing, and permanent jewelry, the offerings were as diverse as they were delightful. Each booth told its own story, inviting attendees to connect with the makers, learn about their craft, and take home a piece of the festival’s charm.
Throughout the festival grounds, a tempting lineup of food trucks offered something for every craving, giving community members plenty of options to quench their thirst or enjoy a hearty meal. The air was rich with the scent of smoked barbeque, sizzling street fare, and sweet treats, drawing long lines of hungry attendees eager to sample something new or indulge in their go-to festival favorites. From freshly squeezed lemonade and southern sweet tea to pulled pork sandwiches, funnel cakes, and gourmet snacks, the culinary offerings added a flavorful layer to the weekend’s festivities, turning mealtime into another festival adventure.
Alongside the musical, culinary, and shopping entertainment, the festival also featured a jeep and off-road parade on Saturday afternoon, special performances by Center Stage Dance Company and the Franklin County High School Show Choir, and an antique tractor/gas engine display and demonstration.
To ensure a safe and orderly experience for all attendees, the Cowan Police Department maintained a strong and visible presence throughout the festival weekend. Officers patrolled the streets on foot, engaging with festivalgoers and offering assistance as needed, while also managing traffic flow to keep pedestrians moving safely through the bustling town.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, the festival activities were closed out with fireworks displays that started at 9:00 p.m. on both nights. The festival weekend came to a close on Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m., with the last musical act being Final Crossing taking the stage on Tennessee Avenue.
As the sun set on another successful Cowan Fall Heritage Festival, the laughter of children, the rhythm of live music, and the scent of festival fare lingered in the air like a fond memory. The weekend was a reflection of Cowan’s enduring spirit, where history meets hospitality and neighbors become friends. With each booth visited, song enjoyed, and story shared, the festival reminded attendees of the beauty found in coming together. As plans for next year quietly begin to take shape, the tradition continues to reflect that the heart of Cowan beats stronger when the streets are filled with community.
