Tipton-Haynes will host Sorghum Festival Sept. 21
Published 11:09 am Monday, September 16, 2019
- A worker pours sorghum into a large pan which will be boiled down into molasses. The sorghum is squeezed from the cane by cast iron rollers pulled by a mule. The public is invited to Tipton-Haynes Historic Site, Johnson City, to see the cane processed into molasses in a day filled with activities – from music to exploring the caves on the property.
The Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, 2520 S. Roan St., Johnson City, will host their 20th annual Sorghum Festival Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will allow visitors the opportunity to see sorghum being processed into molasses using a mule-powered mill.
The mule will turn the cast iron rollers squeezing out the delectable juices, which will be boiled down into molasses.
Activities will be held throughout the day. In the early part of the day Oscar, his crew, and the mule will be milling the cane.
Visitors are invited to tour the historic structures on the property, which will take them back to the 1800s. They will be able to spend some time in the cabin where open-hearth cooking will take place. The historic cave will be open for all ages to explore and find their inner spelunker.
Also, several local bands will play music in the historic barn throughout the day. Bring a chair or use one of our hay bales to enjoy the music. There will also be several local vendors selling homemade crafts and Mountain Boy’s Kountry Kitchen.
Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children 12 and under, and kids under 3 can attend free. As always, members of the Tipton Haynes Historical Association are FREE. Sorghum molasses will also be available for purchase — $6 per pint and $3 per half pint.
For additional information, please call (423) 926-3631. Tipton-Haynes is located at 2620 South Roan St., Johnson City, exit 24 off I-26 and follow the signs to the site. Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site is a Tennessee Historical Commission State-Owned Historic Site.
