Sadly, Popcorn committed suicide to avoid being sent to federal prison after being busted for making moonshine (surprise, surprise).
Although Popcorn is no longer with us, they still throw a festival in his honor every year in his home town of Maggie Valley, NC.
Hillbilly Woodstock was a celebrations of all things Popcorn Sutton. His wife wold T-shirts and videos. At her table was this touching portrait of Popcorn, complete with his replica of his infamous tombstone.
"Popcorn Said Fuck You" is a very popular catchphrase and adorns a great deal of Popcorn merchandise. As seen on the decorative Popcorn Sutton hand saws.
I didn't know who Barney Barnwell was, but it appears he is a Mountain fiddler with a pet Possum, so that makes him okay in my book.
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The festival included music from country and bluegrass bands....
And of course your regular Southern health foods......
Sadly, for a festival inspired by a legendary Moonshiner, there was no moonshine. Festival goers would have to settle for root beer served in a moonshine still.
There were mini-moonshine stills for sale.....
And of course, any southern festival would not be complete without someone carving bears out of logs with a chainsaw.
But of course.....The most important ingredient to any Moonshine festival: Moonshiners!
All in all, its great to see so many people come out to celebrate a local focal folk hero.
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