On Friday, Oct. 12, through Saturday, Oct. 13, Shady Valley Elementary School will be hosting the 26th annual Cranberry Festival. This year, the school is celebrating its 80th year of educating young students.
Shady Valley Elementary School has quite the history. It was built in 1936 with the purpose of consolidating four schools: Crandull, Shady Flats, Harmon and Winchester. This consolidation brought the people of Shady Valley together, instilling a rich feeling of community that is still present today.

The school serves as a representation of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, alleviating the effects of the depression by providing employment and enhancing learning. During the time of its construction, it had features that were unheard of. The school itself had uncommon luxuries, being immense in comparison to other schools and featuring a large playground with an open hardwood fence. Its amenities combined with the camaraderie of the Shady Valley community instilled a strong sense of pride, which can be felt at the Cranberry Festival.
The events begin Friday with a bean supper from 5 to 7 p.m. The best cornbread and beans of the region will be served, along with coleslaw and cranberry cookies. Hot dogs will also be available. The annual school auction will begin at 7 p.m., featuring local art works and crafts as well as donated items. There will also be a silent auction.
On Saturday, the events kick off with a pancake breakfast at the fire department from 7 to 9 a.m. The parade begins at 10 a.m., featuring floats, antique tractors, cars and more. The opening ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at the Patton Pavilion. There will be schoolhouse exhibits featuring quilt displays and arrowhead displays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme for the schoolhouse exhibits is “A Time to Remember.”
Throughout the weekend, there will be a large selection of food and drinks as well as craft booths. Different genres of music will also be played, such as country, western, bluegrass, gospel and more.
There is no admission charge to the grounds or school. Parking will also be free.
Shady Valley Elementary School is located at 5070 423, TN-133, Shady Valley, TN 37688.
For more information, call (423) 727-5800 or (423) 739-9242 or email dsmith@jocoed.net.
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