It was a busy Spring weekend all around Macon County.
Plant sales were held at the Cowee School and Heritage Center and the Holly Springs Community Center. The Macon Farmers Market and Artisan Alley started their seasons on Main Street. The Sweet Carolina Music Festival serenaded over 1,000 at Veterans Memorial Park. And, the Zonta Club of Franklin dazzled with Kentucky Derby fashion.
First the fashion
The Zonta Club of Franklin‘s held its annual fundraiser styled as Kentucky Derby party at The Cove Weddings and Events Center near Burningtown. The money raised provides scholarships to local high school senior girls heading to higher education.
Games of chance, for a good cause, were as fun as the Kentucky Derby.
The ring toss was a popular game for the adults.
Seersucker suits are so back! Modeled by Tom Overton of Visit Smokies and Morgan Stewart.
Sunflowers and a seersucker shirt always go together. Modeled by Chris Sobek and Bob McCollum.
The Zonta fundraiser Derby hat contest was fun and showcased beautiful, stylish, and vibrant fashions.
Co-winners of the hat contest, Melonie Stewart (adult bracket) and Maddie Jenkins (under 21 bracket). Stewart is wearing a hat by Unique Designs by Sophia, and Jenkins is wearing April’s Flowers on Main.
The reason for this seasonal soiree. Macon Early College Z-Club members (l to r): Aiva Ashe, Dayami Cruz, Cameron Ramsey, Elenor Kessler, Maddie Jenkins and Rayne Szpara.
Plant sales were in bloom
Both the Cowee School and Heritage Center and Holly Springs Community Center held their spring plant sales.
Visitors enjoy browsing a variety of potted herbs and flowers at the Cowee School’s spring plant fair.
3 Barn Farms showcased a wide variety of plants for sale on Saturday.
Holly Springs Community Center Plant Sale (l to r) Carol, Elizabeth McClure, Janie Sutton, Afred Dubiel, and Judy Chase.
Frog Fair
Friends of the Greenway held its annual spring market by the Little Tennessee River. Showcasing arts, crafts, delicious food and lively music, this year’s fair was a hit.
Smart Pharmacy’s Jacob Reiche shopped for mom.
Honey by K and K.
Frog Fair is always more than great arts and crafts. Music is a top attraction to this fun event. Photo by Friends of the Greenway.
Frog Fair organizers left nothing to chance, even ensuring safe parking and street crossings on Main. Photo by Friends of the Greenway.
Main Street seasonal happenings
Franklin’s Main Street was alive with activity too. The Macon Farmers Market renewed its season at the Town Hall parking lot, while Artisan Alley set up shot at the Gazebo. New vendors joined the farmers market this year including Deal Farms.
Shoppers browse the Macon Farmers Market, which will take place every Saturday until November.
H&H Farms is always steady with customers and good foods.
Kids made the most of the Town Hall green space.
As always, Franklin’s Scottish heritage is in bloom.
Kids and dogs like to shop too.
With Artisan Alley up town hill from Town Hall at the Gazebo, all of Main Street was hopping.
Local vendors of handmade crafts and colorful decorations were ready for the crowds.
Artisan Alley showcases local crafts every first and third Saturday during the summer and fall.
Locals and out-of-town visitors can find something on Main Street, including a nice place to relax and catch up.
Sweet Carolina serenade
The 2nd annual Sweet Carolina Music Festival doubled in size this year. Selling more than 1,200 tickets and featuring Sylva’s-own country chart topper John Morgan. The family-friendly event raised money to benefit the Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center in Franklin.
Franklin’s own Madison Owenby warmed up the crowd on a chilly but beautiful day.
Patricia Hart plays to the crowd.
Family fun for all.
Sylva’s John Morgan closed out the show.
Sponsors galore. Sweet Carolina is poised to be even bigger and better in 2027.
And we know that to them that love God, all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.
