Tennessee Forest Festival Week: Canning Contest Winners, a Barrel Race and a 5K in Bolivar

The Tennessee Forest Festival, a long-running community tradition in Bolivar in Hardeman County, filled the last full week of September with events for all ages. Coverage from the Hatchie Press tracked the lineup as it unfolded.

Canning contest

The festival's canning contest took entries in September, with separate divisions for adults and for juniors age 16 and under. The Hatchie Press announced the winners on Sept. 23, recognizing canners across a variety of categories.

Barrel race and fun run

The 7U Hotwheels Barrel Race for young racers is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24. The Forest Fun Run 5K follows on Saturday, Sept. 26, open to runners and walkers of all ages.

About the festival

The festival is based at the Hardeman County AgriBusiness Center on Vildo Road in Bolivar, and past editions have also included events such as a rodeo and the Miss Forest Festival pageant, a local preliminary to the Miss Tennessee Scholarship. For next year's schedule, residents can contact organizers at TNForestFestival@gmail.com or follow the Hatchie Press.

Sources: Hatchie Press coverage of the 2026 festival, Tennessee Vacation listing.