SPRUCE PINE — The Toe Jam Music Festival returns to Spruce Pine on Saturday, Sept. 11, from noon to 10 p.m.
The festival was canceled in 2020 amid the pandemic and returned this past May with a condensed version of the event dubbed “Pinky Toe Jam” that aimed to give music lovers a small taste of what was to come.
Toe Jam 2021 starts at noon with a performance by Blackwater Station followed by a watermelon eating contest on the side stage. The Danny Snyder Band takes the stage at 1:30 p.m. followed by Jody & Mark on the side stage at 2:30 p.m.
Thirty Ought Six plays at 3 p.m. just before the hula hoop contest begins at 4 p.m. on the side stage. Jet Black Audio plays at 4:30 p.m. followed by the Mark Chandler Band on the side stage at 5:30 p.m.
Pierce Danger Band, Bullis Brotherhood, American Maid and The Rewind wrap up the day of music from 6-9 p.m.
The fullscale Toe Jam Festival returns despite some lingering questions about the pandemic. Festival organizer Jimmy Hinshaw said in a Facebook post on Aug. 17 that he had received many inquiries from people worried about COVID during Toe Jam.
Hinshaw assured the public that he planned to adhere to state government orders, which as of July 30 do not restrict outdoor gatherings. He added that he has continually worked with the Toe River Health District and urges the practice of the three Ws, particularly among the unvaccinated.
Just days after that post, Hinshaw asked his followers through the Toe Jam Music Festival page whether or not the show should go on.
“This is a very hard thing for me to ask,” he wrote. “Toe Jam a go or no? Please be honest and respectful.”
The post generated nearly two dozen comments, of which the vast majority urged Hinshaw to let the show go on.
“Go, it’s outside,” one commenter wrote.
“Go for it,” another said. “We’ve waited for this for a long time. People are ready for it. We need it.”
Two days later, Hinshaw thanked the commenters for the “overwhelming response” and announced the show would continue on Lower Street in downtown Spruce Pine.