World Famous Moonshiner to Headline Del Rio's 4th of July Celebration

Source: The Newport Plain Talk - 06-04-2005

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DEL RIO— Popcorn Sutton, the self proclaimed “best whiskey maker alive today” will demonstrate the fine art of “moonshine makin” at the Del Rio Preservation Society’s third annual patriotic and cultural festival on Saturday, July 2nd at the Society’s grounds on Highway 107 South in this East Tennessee mountain community.

Sutton, of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, is a frequent visitor to Cocke County, has many friends here and is immediately recognized around the world as an unforgettable character from the Smoky Mountains. He’s the author of a book on his own life, the subject of many film and television documentaries and a much sought after expert on “mountain dew.”

Beginning at 10 a.m. the show features local foods, entertainers, children’s games and artists and crafters. Robert Ashley, preacher at Del Rio Church of God on Blue Mill Road will offer the invocation. Bobby Seay of Seay’s Country Store and other local vendors will sell lunches, desserts and beverages.

“The entire Del Rio community will be honored,” said the Society festival planning committee,” as we celebrate our mountain families, showcase our musicians and singers and display much of our history from a hundred years ago.” The old Runnion Store, now owned by James and Evelyn Adams, will be available for tours and local history buffs will share stories and photographs of the growth of the community. “And it will be good to see our friend Popcorn back in the mountains of Del Rio. He’s an interesting fellow,” they said.