100 South Main Avenue, Erwin, TN
The Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Town of Erwin, is preparing for one of the community’s most anticipated summer events as the 2nd Annual Small Town, Big Picnic returns to downtown Erwin on Saturday, June 6 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Following the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural event, organizers have significantly expanded this year’s celebration with additional activities, entertainment, vendors, contests, and an
entire additional downtown block added to the event footprint. The Small Town, Big Picnic will now stretch along Main Avenue from Tucker Street to Union Street, creating an even larger community festival atmosphere in the heart of downtown. Main Street will be closed to traffic during the event to allow families and visitors to safely enjoy the activities throughout the downtown area. Designed as a kickoff to summer and a celebration of community connection, the Small Town, Big Picnic is quickly becoming one of Unicoi County’s growing traditions. Organizers say the event was created not only to provide family entertainment, but also to encourage residents and visitors to experience downtown Erwin and support local businesses.
“Our downtown is the heart of our community, and events like this are important because they bring people together while also encouraging them to experience everything our downtown businesses have to offer,” said Amanda Delp, Executive Director of the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce. “We want families filling the streets, businesses bustling, kids laughing, music playing, and people reconnecting with one another. That sense of community is what this event is all about, and it’s exciting to see how quickly it’s growing into a tradition people look forward to.”
Throughout the evening, attendees will enjoy live music from two outstanding regional bands, Spivey Mountain Boys and The Southern Highlanders. Known for their energetic performances, crowd interaction, and authentic mountain sound, both groups are expected to bring an exciting atmosphere to downtown throughout the evening. The Southern Highlanders will perform from 5:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by community contests from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Spivey Mountain Boys will take the stage from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. The evening will conclude at 8:00 p.m. with the official sealing ceremony for Erwin’s 150th Anniversary Community Time Capsule.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food trucks located throughout the event area while downtown restaurants remain open offering special picnic-themed menu items and treats throughout the
evening.
Returning from last year’s event is the Pinewood Derby competition. Participants must pick up an official derby car kit in advance from the Chamber office or Erwin Town Hall, customize and decorate their cars before the event, and then bring them to downtown Erwin to compete during the races at the picnic. Kids participating in the Pinewood Derby will receive ribbons and recognition during the competition.
One of the biggest new attractions this year will be the Touch-a-Truck experience, where children and families can get an up-close look at police vehicles, fire trucks, EMS units, Erwin Utilities vehicles, construction equipment, service trucks, and other specialty vehicles from local agencies and businesses. Kids will have the opportunity to climb inside vehicles, meet the people who operate them, sound horns, explore equipment, and learn more about the important work these vehicles perform throughout the community. Organizers expect the interactive attraction to be one of the evening’s most popular family activities.
Another exciting addition will be the community dunk tank, featuring local “celebrities” and familiar community personalities taking their turn above the water. The dunk tank will be the only attraction at the event requiring payment to participate, with proceeds benefiting the K-9 Officers Fund to support local law enforcement K-9 programs. The event’s popular eating contests are also expanding this year thanks to the support of Grand True Value Rental, which is donating cash prizes for winners in both the Watermelon Eating Contest and Pickle Eating Contest. The Watermelon Eating Contest will feature three divisions including Kids (10 and under), Teens (11-17), and Adults (18 and over). The Pickle Eating Contest will feature Youth (10- 17) and Adult (18 and over) divisions. Contest winners will receive cash prizes, ribbons, and plenty of hometown bragging rights.
Additional blue-ribbon style competitions will allow community members to showcase homemade favorites including jams and jellies, canned salsa, pickled items, and pies. Participants simply bring their entries to the event where they will be officially judged during the evening festivities. Families will also find numerous businesses and organizations set up throughout downtown offering free games, activities, balloons, giveaways, and family-friendly entertainment along the streets. Cornhole, inflatable putt-putt, carnival-style games, and other interactive activities will be available throughout the evening, helping create a festival atmosphere where there is something happening around every corner.
“Small Town, Big Picnic is becoming more than just an event — it’s becoming a tradition that reminds us why we love living here,” Delp added. “In a world where people are often rushed and disconnected, this gives families, neighbors, and friends a chance to slow down, spend time together, and make memories in the heart of our town. Seeing our downtown filled with laughter, music, children playing, and businesses thriving is exactly the kind of community spirit we want to continue building,” added Delp.
Another meaningful highlight of the evening will be the official sealing ceremony for Erwin’s 150th Anniversary Community Time Capsule. Community members will have one final opportunity during the event to contribute letters, photographs, memorabilia, and items representing life in Erwin today.
The capsule will be officially sealed at the conclusion of the event and buried the following week as part of the town’s continuing sesquicentennial celebration. The time capsule is intended to preserve the stories, memories, and spirit of the community for future generations to discover decades from now.
The Chamber is proud to partner with Brightspeed as the presenting sponsor of this year’s Small Town, Big Picnic. Their support has helped expand the event experience and provide additional
attractions and activities for the community to enjoy.
All activities at the Small Town, Big Picnic are free to enjoy with the exception of food purchases and participation in the dunk tank fundraiser. Multiple parking areas will be available around the picnic grounds for attendees. Seating will be available near the stage area, though guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to comfortably enjoy the evening’s entertainment and activities.
