This year's FGS Banquet will be held on a different day in a very unique venue, the Museum of Appalachia. An Evening in Old Appalachia includes a Southern country dinner, live old-time and bluegrass music, and a tour of the extensive village-farm complex with pioneer artifacts and heart-rending stories of the Appalachian people. This unique replica of a pioneer farm/village tells the stories of everyday Appalachian folks and families through artifacts and hand-lettered signs.

Learn about Alex Stewart, the quintessential "mountain man" of Newman's Ridge in northeast Tennessee...old George Burkhart of Harlan County, Kentucky, who raised his family in a hollow tree... Tom Cassidy of Union County and his tiny house, "all a man needed"... the cabin from Fentress County where Mark Twain's family lived until just before his birth...Harrison Mayes and his concrete crosses, destined for every state, even every planet...and "Cedar Creek" Charlie's colorful polka-dot folk art.

Historic log buildings and display halls, filled with thousands of authentic artifacts and human interest stories, are nestled in a picturesque setting surrounded by split-rail fences. After the tour enjoy the Museum gift shop filled with hand-crafted wares by regional artisans.

Your $45 ticket includes all this, plus transportation from the convention center (choose a 5:30 departure or a 6:30 departure) and back to the two conference hotels.

You won't want to miss this fun event!