SHADY VALLEY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Shady Valley Cranberry Festival concluded on Saturday with a parade and plenty of festivities.

Becky Cretsinger, a volunteer at the Cranberry Festival, explained that the event contributes to funding Shady Valley’s community center, considered the “heart of the valley.” Additionally, the festival helps raise money for scholarships.

“For us, this event is about unity,” she mentioned. “It’s an opportunity to reconnect with people we haven’t seen in a while. We invite visitors to our little valley, which many don’t know exists. When they come, they can appreciate our area’s beauty, allowing us to enjoy a pleasant fellowship.”

Cretsinger said the festival got its name 33 years ago from the natural cranberries grown in Shady Valley.

“The bog here is quite small, and they chose the Cranberry Festival to highlight it because of its significance as one of the last natural cranberry bogs still around.”

She said she feels like her community is a “forgotten little area” worth visiting.

“It’s challenging to reach us,” Cretsinger noted. “Regardless of the route, you either traverse a mountain or go through the rock formation at Backbone Rock. While it’s not easy, once you arrive, the valley’s beauty makes the journey worthwhile.”

The festival held a bean supper and a silent auction on Friday, along with crafts and bounce houses. On Saturday, the final day began with a parade, followed by food vendors, music, and more family-friendly activities.