For over 50 years, the sounds of laughter, excitement and country music floated through the air in downtown Elizabethton. And to no surprise, 2018 was no different.

The 52nd annual Covered Bridge Celebration reached its conclusion Saturday evening with several hundreds of visitors descending upon Covered Bridge Park and Historic Downtown Elizabethton to take in all the different activities available for the all-ages festival.

Saturday’s last day of the festival reached a fever pitch of excitement with nationally-renown recording artist Billy Dean rocking Covered Bridge Park’s main stage with a slew of classic hits, much to the enjoyment of hundreds at the park and across the bank near Security Federal Bank. The night officially came to a close following the performance with a fireworks finale sponsored by Snap-On Tools.

The three-day festival featured a bevy of musical heavy hitters, including Fiddlin’ Carson Peters and Doyle Lawson headlining Thursday and Friday nights. Over the course of the event, multiple local vendors were able to sell their different crafts and other goodies while multiple children’s areas were offered by various community organizations. UT – Extension, Edwards Island Park, Covered Bridge Park and Bonnie Kate Theater served as different venues for children to take in different games and family-based fun. Ballad Health also held their annual 5K/3K Run-Walk.

Organizers were quick to thank the public and other supporters via social media for making the event “a success” for 2018 and that planning is already in effect for the 2019 installment. The event was provided by the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce.

Updates on future plans for the next festival can be viewed by either checking the Chamber’s website or the Annual Covered Bridge Celebration Facebook page online.