There’s no more sure sign that summer has arrived in Blount County, and Maryville in particular, than the special seasonal celebration known as Summer on Broadway. This year’s festivities takes place Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22. As in the past, several blocks of West Broadway and adjacent streets in Downtown Maryville will be blocked off to allow pedestrians to leisurely stroll and enjoy its offerings.
Summer on Broadway dates back to 2015, although it wasn’t held in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. “With the Foothills Fall Festival ending in Oct. 2014, the city of Maryville wanted something for the community to take its place,” said Jeff Muir, Director of Communications for the Blount Partnership, the organization under whose aegis the event takes place. “So the idea of a summer festival was born, and the Blount Partnership took over by putting it on with the addition of the Helen Ross McNabb BBQ Bash and sponsorship from the city of Maryville.”
Muir added that the traditional attractions — Dock Dogs, Classic Car Show, Helen Ross McNabb BBQ Bash, Farmers Market, children’s activities, crafters, food vendors and the silent disco on Friday night — will return once again this year. In addition, the event ties in with an expanded Craft Brew Week June 18-20, which will include activities and prizes from participating craft brew vendors such as The Casual Pint — Maryville, Brackins Blues Club, Peaceful Side Brewery and Swara Brewing, and culminate with the annual beer celebration Hops in the Hills taking place on the greenway on Saturday.
According to Muir, Summer on Broadway traditionally attracts approximately 6,000 to 7,000 people, while around 1,000 tickets are generally sold for Hops in the Hills.
Blount Partnership works with the Downtown Maryville Alliance as far as set-up and operations. “Event planning begins in the fourth quarter every year,” Muir added.
Their efforts clearly pay off. “Summer on Broadway is a great way to enjoy downtown Maryville,” Muir continued. “There’s a lot happening with new businesses and renovations, so if you haven’t stopped by, it’s a great time to get out and take a peek inside these shops and see what’s on tap for the future. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to experience the joy of seeing the Dock Dogs take flight over the pool and smell the aroma of barbecue wafting over the downtown streets. It’s also a nice way to meet your neighbors and enjoy a community event. Stay a bit later on Friday and enjoy the silent disco.”
Muir also had positive things to say about Hops in the Hills. “Folks that attend the Hops festival like it because the lines are shorter to sample the beer from upwards of 30 breweries,” he said. “The live music adds life to the event and there’s dancing on the greenway in front of the amphitheater. Hops draws a regional audience.”
Muir went on to say, “Events like these are what’s needed to keep community pride growing while expressing the economic vitality of the area. It enriches the lives of those that live here as part of the overall work-life balance. It’s what makes living in a place fun where there are things to do for entire families.”
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