The idea of the Sweet Carolina Music Festival started out as a simple fundraiser for the Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center. But given that Sylva native and country music chart topper John Morgan is headlining again, this one-day festival is much more than a good show for a good cause.
Presented by First Citizens Bank, the family-friendly event boasts games, food and fellowship. It kicks off Saturday, May 2, at 1:00 p.m. at the Macon County Veterans Memorial Park.
Joining Morgan are a host of local and rising talent: Jennifer Hart, Justin Corley, Kody Paul, Justin Passmore, Madison Owenby and Next Paige. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
Could this be an annual Macon County music festival? Kellie Burns, a leading organizer behind this event, thinks so. For those not familiar, she is a Franklin native and an active fundraiser for local charities. Last October, she led the charge to create 828 Treasure Quest to benefit KidsPlace of Franklin. She also is running for county commissioner.
Recently, Macon Sense had a chance to ask Burns about the festival, what it means for Macon County and the challenges organizers faced.
Macon Sense: What inspired you and your team to create the festival?
Kellie Burns: I do a lot of different fundraisers for non-profits and people in the community which normally encompasses a dinner and auction. This time I wanted to do something different. I wanted to do something that would not only raise money for a non-profit, but I wanted to do something that would also promote tourism and development, and bring new life to our county. We are in desperate need of things to do here and I feel like this is an event people of all ages can enjoy. I mean, who doesn’t love music, food, corn hole and fellowship? My hope is for it to become like a little country fair.
Macon Sense: How did you land a #1 hitmaker like John Morgan not once, but twice?
Burns: We actually started planning the first event in February of 2024. At that time, I had talked to my friend, Rashaune De La Cruz, from Vignette Realty, to see if she had any ideas or if she knew anyone who might want to perform. She told me about her cousin, John Morgan – who just so happened to be headed toward stardom. She actually put it like this – and I quote – “he is going to be a really big deal.”
She gave me his number, and I made that first call, and now it’s history. I had initially planned on doing it the summer or fall of 2024, but before we could get things officially up and going another festival popped up here in Franklin with him in it. I was a little disheartened and we thought about abandoning ship, but I really felt like God wanted me to do this event…and really felt like it needed to be John.
I went to the Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center (SMPCC) board and convinced everyone to wait until May 2025. I am super glad we did, because two weeks before John got here his hit “Friends Like That” with Jason Aldean hit number one. It was a prayer that I had prayed that November and had shared with the SMPCC board. It just made me realize that our timing isn’t always God’s timing, and we have to trust the process. I love the way God makes things happen even when we think it’s impossible.
Macon Sense: Who is on your organizing team?
Burns: Last year it was me, my husband (Chris Burns) and Sheila Green, along with the sweet ladies at the pregnancy care center. This year we added Lee and Debra Cloer from 828 Vibes and they have been amazing.
Macon Sense: Why choose the Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center as the beneficiary?
Burns: My friend, Pam Raby, who works there had mentioned me doing a fundraiser for them and I honestly believe in what they do for our community. From their parenting classes to their ultrasound services, they provide much needed resources for our community. They, also, provide formula, diapers, car seats, cribs, baby clothing, and wipes to young parents who are struggling and in need.
Macon Sense: How did this all get started? When did you begin thinking about a festival like this in Macon County?
Burns: I had just done an event for Together We Can when Pam asked if I would be willing to help the SMPCC come up with some creative fundraising ideas. I just so happened to be going to a music festival that summer in Anderson, SC to see Jason Aldean and thought, “Why can’t we have something like that here?” I started looking at all the logistics involved in putting an event like this on and felt it was something I could do. When I started running it by our local business owners I was amazed at the feedback and excitement I received. They were more than happy to help me bring an event like this to fruition. Without those sponsors there is no way that we would be able to put an event like this on.
Macon Sense: What will families and attendees get to experience besides great music?
Burns: We will have lots of vendors, food trucks, corn hole, line dancing and fun for the whole family
Macon Sense: How many people do you expect to attend?
Burns: Praying for more than 1,000. Two thousand would be a blessing.
Macon Sense: Is this going to be annual event?
Burns: Yes. It is our hope to do this event every year and bring new up and coming artists to our stage. I would love for John to continue coming back, but the bigger he gets the harder it will be for us to get him so we need to enjoy it will it lasts.
Macon Sense: Are there volunteer opportunities?
Burns: We are so blessed to have The Interact Club, Danny Antoine’s Karate Crew, 828 Vets and so many other people who have stepped up to help make this event happen. I do think we are good on volunteers right now.
Sponsors for the event include 828 Vibes, All Service Heating & Air, Banks Aerospace, Discover Church, Nantahala Flooring & Paint Home Center, Paige Musical Products LLC, Watson Contracting, Vignette Realty and Young Brothers.
