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In the rolling hills of middle Tennessee lies the tiny town of Bell Buckle and on the third Saturday in June two Southern traditions, RC Colas and a Moon Pie, are brought together for a grand celebration
The historic town has been known for antiques, arts/crafts, and great food for many years. But in 1994, the Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce began exploring ideas to increase foot traffic during the summer months. The idea for the Festival first began as a way to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Moon Pie and to bring new visitors to Bell Buckle (population 405). Bell Buckle’s Rodney Simmons called John Campbell of Chattanooga Bakery to see if the Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce could throw Moon Pie a Birthday Party. Little could anyone have expected what a huge event this would become – 15,000 people plus now attend annually!
This event draws spectators not only from across the nation but from around the world. The year following the first Festival the Atlanta Olympics inspired Moon Pie Games and the formation of the “Down Home Divas” Synchronized Wading team. Led and choreographed by Bell Buckle’s First Lady Carla Webb, the Synchronized Wading event (a fascinating take on the Olympics’ Synchronized Swimming) is a “tongue in cheek” musical performed in a kiddy wading pool. This “dry humor on a wet stage” has evolved into one of the traditional highlights of the day.
The Festival begins with the 14th Annual Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce 10 Mile Run at 7:00 am. This event has become a major running competition with over 1,000 runners entering each year. The day continues with games, contests, a parade, coronation of an RC King and Moon Pie Queen, 80 art and craft booths, live entertainment, cloggers, Country music and bluegrass, and 25 food booths featuring such Southern fares as Tennessee Smoked Barbecue, hand squeezed lemonade and deep fried Moon Pies! The day concludes with the cutting and serving of the World’s Largest Moon Pie.
A day of fun for young and old celebrating THREE southern traditions: RC Colas, Moon Pies and Historic Bell Buckle, Tennessee- where we are 100 years behind the times and proud of it!
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RC-Moon Pie Festival ™ 2008 Schedule of Events:
| 7:00 am |
RC-Moon Pie 10 Mile Run ™ |
| 9:00 am |
Art & Craft Fair/Food Court – Open All Day |
| 9:30 am |
Cloggers |
| 10:00 am |
RC-Moon Pie 10 Mile Race ™ Awards |
| 10:30 am-10:55 am |
Bluegrass Express Cloggers |
| 11:00 am |
RC-Moon Pie Recipe Cloggers |
| 11:30 am-11:55 am |
Southern Country Cloggers |
| 12:00 pm-12:15 pm |
Contests--Family who traveled the Farthest, Oldest Person
Present, Youngest Person Present |
| 12:15 pm |
Synchronized Wading "A Midsummer's Nightmare" |
| 1:00 pm |
Uncle Tom's Band |
| 2:00 pm-2:15 pm |
Coronation and Opening of Olympic Games |
| 2:15 pm-3:45 pm |
People's Bank of Bedford county Games--Moon Pie Toss, RC Dash,
Moon Pie Hoops, Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest, Hog Calling Contest |
| 3:45 pm |
King and Queen select Knights. World's Largest Moon Pie Cut &
Served by the King and Queen and Knights of the Moon Pie Round |
| 4:00 pm-until |
Uncle Tom's Band |
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RC Moon Pie Links
2007 RC Moon Pie Review
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