White Lightning Trail Festival 2023
09/16/2023 · Cumberland Gap, Tennessee
White Lightning Trail Festival 2023 took over downtown Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, and the whole place leaned into it. The town streets were lined with vendors, music, classic cars, food, and what everyone called “Moonshine Alley.” This was an easy event to enjoy — good weather, small-town setup, and a crowd that was happy to talk. Big Beard and Still Will made the trip in, and right away it felt less like a commercial festival and more like a local gathering that just happened to pull in a lot of names from the Moonshiners community.
One of the first stops for us was Moonshine Alley, where we finally got to meet Moonshiner Crazy Chuck in person. He was exactly what you’d hope for: easy to talk to, no ego, and fully in the mix with the crowd. We got our picture together out in the festival with Still Will on one side, Crazy Chuck in the middle, and Big Beard on the other. Moments like that are why we make the drive — real conversations, not just “stand here, get a picture, move along.”
The festival wasn’t just meet-and-greet stuff. There were little pockets of activity everywhere — music, food, old-school cars parked along the street, vendors selling local work, and plenty of people just catching up. At one point in the afternoon, they held a beard contest. Big Beard entered along with ten others, including Moonshiner Pat. When it was all said and done, Big Beard walked away with first place, Moonshiner Pat took second, and another gentleman took third. Fun moment, and honestly a surprise. We’ve got the ribbons to prove it.
We spent time throughout the day with Moonshiner Pat. He was friendly from the start and kept circling back to check in and talk. He didn’t act rushed or standoffish. Just steady, approachable, and willing to hang out. We didn’t get a chance to say hello to his wife Lucy Mae this time, but hopefully that happens down the road.
We also crossed paths again with Moonshiner Kelly Williamson. The story there is pretty on-brand for us: we were walking the length of the festival, taking it all in before stopping at any specific booth, and Still Will nudged Big Beard and said, “Hey, that’s Kelly Williamson sitting over there.” Sure enough. Kelly was just enjoying the day like everyone else, and he still took time to talk. We first met him at his place — Adventure Distilling Co. — during Shiner’s Club Live. Seeing him again in a totally different setting, same attitude, just reinforced how tight this community really is.
Another highlight was getting time with Master Distiller Alfredo Peña — also known as the Cuban Cowboy. He’s had a busy run lately between personal milestones and professional wins, and you could tell people were excited to see him. He wasn’t hiding behind a table or acting unapproachable. He was out in the middle of it, talking rum, talking process, and just generally having a good time. We appreciate anyone who’ll take a minute and talk details, and he did.
By late in the day, we’d talked with shiners, bought from local makers, and stocked up on stories we’ll be telling for a while. We even joked that next year we’re just going to step into the big group photo on purpose instead of standing off to the side. Cumberland Gap made it clear this festival isn’t just for show — it’s something the town takes pride in, and it’s something families can actually bring their kids to.
We wrapped the day the same way most people there did: tired, sun on our faces, and carrying more stories than photos. For us, the best part of White Lightning Trail Festival 2023 was how naturally the town, the moonshiners, and the visitors all mixed. It never felt staged. It felt like Cumberland Gap showing pride in where it’s from and inviting everyone else to appreciate it the same way.
Also in attendance
White Lightning Trail Festival also brought out Master Distiller Amanda Bryant, Moonshiner Richard Landry, Pam Sutton (wife of Legendary Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton, RIP), Master Distiller Shawn Rigsby, Ryedaddy, Moonshine Jim, Moonshine Momma April Parker, and Moonshiner Red Dog. Even if we didn’t get photos with everybody this round, it matters that they were there and part of what made the day what it was.
Huge thanks as well to the organizers, volunteers, and vendors who kept downtown Cumberland Gap running smoothly all day. The whole festival was laid out in a way that felt welcoming and safe for families, and that matters. Respect to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make it happen.
👕 Worn at This Event
“She Thinks My Thumper’s Sexy!” Tee
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“Yeast Mode” Tee
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Event took place September 16, 2023 in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. Original Facebook coverage for this trip was first posted on September 16, 2023, with follow-up posts over the next few days. Extra photos and comments from the community are available on Facebook: View the original post.