Nearly 40 years ago, the Museum--and the Fall Festival--were in their infancy.  Several folks had asked Museum founder John Rice Irwin to host an event where they could re-create some old-time mountain activities in an authentic setting.  Here, John Rice (left, in hat) steadies the mule while Ote Stooksbury works the cane press.  Ote's wife Jimmie  and John Rice's father Glenn look on.

Here Vergie Coxe makes apple butter from scratch in a copper kettle over an open fire.  Vergie, who also makes her famous fried pies on a wood-burning stove, has been cooking outside at Homecoming for over 30 years. (The link to the Restaurant at the top of the page features a photo of her hands, taken at Homecoming when she was making fried pies.) 

The "Old Coonhunter" himself--Cas Walker, Knoxville grocer, businessman, politician, and raconteur--visits the Main Stage.  For many years one of the region's most well-known and colorful characters, Cas was a frequent visitor to the Fall Festival.  Carl Bean and Sherri English, former members of the Museum of Appalachia Band, are to the right.

Mountain man Lyal Salyer of Andersonville takes a break from his craft work to talk with Sally Scruggs of Glen Alpine, shown peeling apples to be "sulfured" in the large barrel.  Sulfured, or bleached, apples were exposed to sulfur smoke in the old days to preserve them.

Ben Adams emcees from Stage Two, over at the Small Overhang Barn.    Stage Two has always offered a smaller, more intimate performance venue than the busy Main Stage, with opportunities for audience-performer interaction and a more laid-back atmosphere.

Carlock Stooksbury--one of the Museum's best and oldest friends and the staff's very Favorite Person--plays the mouth bow.  Carlock's mouth bow was made for him by the inimitable Alex Stewart, whose work is prominently displayed in the Hall of Fame.  Carlock still performs with the Museum of Appalachia Band, featuring the mouth bow and juice harp. 

Leon Overcash runs his loom out on the grounds.  Hundreds of craftsmen and artisans have helped make Homecoming one of the nation's preeminent music and craft festivals.

Janette Carter, of the famed Carter family, performs on the autoharp.  Janette graced our stage annually for many years before ill health stopped her.  She will always be remembered here for her musicianship, her lively personality, and her love for Homecoming.