JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The mountains are calling. A paddle splashes, the oar consumed by water.
Boots hit dirt, sounds echoing through the forest. A fly drops onto a stream, waiting for a fish to consume it as a fly fisherman wades though the water. These are the scenes of the 6th annual Meet the Mountains Festival, starting on Friday.
“As the region continues to grow, we intend for this event to showcase our sustainable growth mindset and the values of authenticity and inclusiveness,” Alec Castro, director of public and relations for Visit Johnson City, said. The festival officially begins on Friday. But the roots go back further.
It first started in 2018 with a simple concept. Highlight the thing that makes Johnson City and the surrounding area nationally and internationally known — the outdoors. The event was originally created by the Northeast Tennessee Regional Economic Partnership.
But, in the last three years, Visit Johnson City has operated the venture. The event is back at Winged Deer Park, which will serve as its permanent home. For four years, the festival was held at Founders Park.
Castro said the festival committee heard overwhelming support from the venue change last year. He said attendees can expect their favorite activities to return, along with new activities. Throughout the two days the festival is held, there will be a mix of on-site activities, along with some off-site activities.
Hours have changed somewhat as well. “Festival hours are slightly condensed this year, although there is still plenty of time to enjoy the diverse experiences the event has to offer,” Castro said. So, what will event goers see? Experience? There are three different zones with endless adventure – air, water and earth.
The air zone focuses on outdoor adventure like rock climbing. The water zone features adventure like kayaking or fly fishing. Finally, the earth zone highlights hobbies such as hiking and mountain biking.
There will also be four performers for the event. Starting at 6:45 p.m.
Friday, Matt Sanders will play at the Winged Deer Lakefront Amphitheater, followed by Young Mister. Elora Dash kicks off the entertainment Saturday at 5 p.m.
and she will be followed by Jill Andrews. Castro said he expects more than 10,000 people to come to the event this weekend. “The original leaders of this project, I believe, would be pleased to know Meet the Mountains has become a regional flagship representing who we have been, where we are now and what is to come for this beautiful region we are fortunate to call home,” Castro said.
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