While most East Tennesseans are thinking about strawberries and roses, the folks at Rose Center have pumpkins and mums on their minds as they prepare for the longawaited 50th Mountain Makins Festival.

On the fourth weekend of October, the historic 1892 Rose School building and grounds are filled with the sights and smells of the harvest season. Organizers of the event invite makers, artists, and crafters to apply for exhibition space.

Tuesday, June 30 is the priority deadline for artisans to submit their applications.

Booth space is limited, and a selective crafts jury will review the entries.

“An effort is made to include a wide variety of arts and crafts, from very traditional to modern interpretations of traditional crafts. We’re always excited to discover new makers,” Director Beccy Hamm said.

Work should exhibit excellence in technique and concept, and show imagination and the mark of individuality. All work must be original to and made by the exhibitor.

Mountain Makins Festival, a celebration of Appalachian culture, draws several thousand visitors from throughout the region. It has received two Best Festival in the Southeast awards by the Southeast Festivals and Events Association. The event has also been designated a “Top 20 Event in the Southeast” three times by the Southeast Tourism Society.

The 2026 festival will be held Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25.

To celebrate Rose Center’s 50th Jubilee, admission to the festival will be free this year, so organizers expect record attendance. Applications are available online at RoseCenter. org, or on Eventeny: https://www.eventeny. com/dashboard/events/event/vendors/ application/create/?id=27474&app=49779.