Awards

Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council Presents 2022 Awards

On December 1, 2022, the Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council (METTC)announced their 2022 Excellence in Tourism Awards.  METTC promotes tourism activities and represents a 16 county region including Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cooke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union counties. There are five awards given annually for excellence in promoting tourism within the METTC region. 

The Oak Ridge Lavender Festival was awarded the 2022 Best Annual Festival or Event Award. Beginning in 1999, this Oak Ridge event has grown larger and more popular each year. With 100+ artisans, live music, children’s activities, speakers and demonstrations, its Nine Lakes wine tasting, a Friday herb luncheon, and a new tour of gardens, it is the longest running festival of its kind in the Southeast and the only Lavender Festival in Tennessee. Twenty-two thousand people attended the 2022 edition of this festival in Historic Jackson Square on the 3rd Saturday in June. This unique festival has become one of the must-see Summer events in the METTC region. The award was accepted by Barbara Ferrell and Rebecca Williams.