City: Nashville, TN

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Description: An RC Cola and a Moon Pie—if you have to ask, you’re probably not a Southerner. The RC–Moon Pie combo is a classic. The tiny, charming town of Bell Buckle celebrates the big round chocolate-and-graham-cracker-covered marshmallow treat the third Saturday in June. It all started in 1995, when the town wanted to celebrate the 75th birthday of the Moon Pie, which is made in nearby Chattanooga. As you might guess, this event doesn’t take anything too seriously. It’s purely for fun. Festival activities might include a Moon Pie toss, Moon Pie hockey, synchronized wading, a Moon Pie dessert recipe contest, a Moon Pie song contest, and a “womanless beauty pageant,” featuring high school football players in drag. You wouldn’t want to miss the crowning of the Moon Pie King and RC Cola Queen. A 10K run, country and bluegrass music, and clogging demonstrations add to the fun. The event is held in conjunction with a crafts fair. Bell Buckle is about an hour’s drive from Nashville, off I-24 between Murfreesboro and Shelbyville. The historic town has been a magnet for the arts community, attracting sculptors, potters, and other artisans. While you’re here, you might want to check out the Bell Buckle Cafe (www.bellbucklecafe.com), a popular spot with musicians. Admission is $5. Parking is $3 to $5.