Some big names will perform at the 12th Annual 2012 Foothills Fall Festival.
Officials from the City of Maryville announced the lineup on Monday.
Train, Darius Rucker, Gary Allan and Thompson Square will perform for thousands of fans at the festival, set for October 12-14 at Maryville's Theater in the Park.
Gary Allan kicks off the weekend on Friday, Oct. 12. The California-born country star just released his eighth album, "Get Off on the Pain" and is best known for his soulful and rocked-out country sound.
Grammy award-winning pop band Train will take the stage on Saturday, Oct. 13 along with Lauren Alaina and Bridgette Tatum. Alaina was the first runner-up on American Idol's tenth season last year, falling just short of winner Scotty McCreery. Train hit mainstream success in 1998 with their hit single "Meet Virginia." Other hits include "Drops of Jupiter," "Hey, Soul Sister," and "Calling All Angels." Their newest hit is "Drive By" off their latest album California 37.
The festival weekend wraps up on Sunday, Oct. 14 with Darius Rucker, Thompson Square, Brad Blackwell and The Farm.
Darius Rucker is riding high with the release of his sophomore country album, Charleston, SC 1966. Rucker's success in country music has been recognized with awards from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, Teen Choice Awards and several American Music Awards nominations.
The husband-and-wife duo of Thompson Square, were recently honored at the 2012 CMT Music Awards for Best Duo Video of the Year for their hit single, "I Got You." Thompson Square also dethroned superstars Sugarland to become the Academy of Country Music's "Vocal Duo of the Year."
Newcomers to the music scene are The Farm and East Tennessee native Brad Blackwell who will round out Sunday's lineup. Blackwell is from Kingsport and was named East Tennessee's Best Local New Artist by the Knoxville News Sentinel in 2010. Blackwell is emerging as one of the most gifted singer/songwriters on the independent music scene today.
"Remaining supporting artists will be announced in the coming weeks," said Jane Groff, City of Maryville events coordinator. "Tickets will go on sale Saturday, July 14."
The Foothills Fall Festival drives some 70,000 local, regional and national visitors each fall to Downtown Maryville for national-caliber entertainment.
Lisa Breazeale owns the bar "Two Doors Down," which is just a few blocks away from the festival grounds. She says each fall, her sales jump significantly.
"We're five times busier, have more traffic, it's great," she said. "It is our 'Black Friday' weekend, comparatively speaking."
She and other business owners in Maryville prepare each year for the huge crowds.
"It takes a month to prepare for that weekend, she explained..I have to have more help, I have to have more inventory. It's a lot harder to prepare for it, but its worth it!"
"We are excited for the City of Maryville to have the opportunity to partner with sponsors and volunteers to bring the community together for a music-filled weekend this fall and look forward to seeing all of our friends from around the country," said City Manager Greg McClain. "This year's event is not one to miss."
A juried arts and craft show with free music, activities and demonstrations will fill Broadway in the heart of downtown Maryville. Sixteen acres of adventures for the family will fill the Greenbelt Park near Blount County's award-winning library, all free of charge.
Three-day festival passes are available for $50 (until Aug. 20) and $60 after Aug. 20. More information on where tickets will be available for purchase will be announced soon.