Broomcorn Festival | Selmer, TN | Sept. 20th, 2025
Pictured - Jack Martin picking broomcorn in preparation for this year’s Broomcorn Festival taking place on September 20th at Hockaday Farms
“The Hockaday family originated from England, migrated into Appalachia, and by the 1860’s had made their way to the area where Highway 142 now sits. The family primarily farmed cotton but also farmed corn and soybeans.
Hockaday Brooms didn’t become an established business till the 1980’s - prior to that Will Hockaday would make the brooms and give them away. Will built his equipment from scrap parts he had lying on the farm - using a photo he found in a paper as a guide. He began building brooms in 1903.
Jack Hockaday started making brooms around 1915 when he was a teenager - Jack Martin, Hockaday’s grandson, said his grandfather told him that “Older men had their starch and stiff ways - “don’t talk about yourself because everyone else is going to talk about you.”” So he rarely advertised the business.
Martin still uses the original equipment to build his brooms - he has a kicker table and broom press. The kicker table is what he uses to assemble the broom and to wrap it. “ excerpt from tourmcnairycounty.com A Family Tradition, written by me.
Location:Hockaday Handmade Brooms 📍 City/Country: Selmer, TN, USA
September 20th, 2025
Okay, I'm already buzzing about the Broomcorn Festival in Selmer, TN next year! September 20th, 2025 – mark your calendars! After reading up on Jack Martin and the Hockaday family's incredible history, I feel like I've found a truly unique event. It’s not just about brooms; it’s about keeping a genuine American craft alive, right there at Hockaday Handmade Brooms. This festival is definitely going on my must-do list! Now, for those of us who love a good 'dress to impress' theme, but for a festival like this, it's less about runway couture and more about rustic chic! Think comfy denim, flannel shirts, sturdy boots, and maybe a cute bandana – perfect for wandering among the broomcorn fields, just like Jack Martin in those photos. You want to be stylish but also practical for a day of exploring history and crafts. It's about blending in with the charm of Selmer, not trying to make an exclusive statement, because this is an 'everyone's a VIP' kind of event! While there might not be an actual corn maze (though wouldn't that be fun?!), imagine the atmosphere: crisp autumn air, the scent of harvest, maybe some local food vendors, and the sounds of community. It's the kind of fall experience that makes you feel connected to the land and its traditions. Selmer, TN, really knows how to celebrate its heritage, and festivals like this are the heart of it all. I'm hoping to discover other local artisanal treasures too, adding to that authentic harvest fun vibe. And let's talk about the 'couture' of broom making! When I think about Jack Martin still using the original kicker table and broom press from 1903 – that's real craftsmanship. It's not mass-produced; it's art, passed down through generations. Each broom tells a story, a tangible piece of history. Learning about Will Hockaday starting with scrap parts and a photo is so inspiring. It's a reminder that genuine quality and tradition are priceless. I can't wait to see the process firsthand and maybe even take home a handmade broom – a piece of Selmer's soul. What I love most about events like the Broomcorn Festival is the 'no VIP' vibe. It truly feels like everyone is welcome, from families with kids to history buffs and craft enthusiasts. It’s an authentic community gathering where you can chat with the makers, learn about a unique tradition, and just enjoy the simple pleasures of a fall festival. It’s about sharing, learning, and celebrating together. No exclusive sections, just good old-fashioned fun and heritage. So, if you're looking for a genuinely unique festival experience that celebrates history, craft, and community, put Selmer, TN on your radar for September 20th, 2025. I'm already planning my trip and my 'rustic chic' outfit! Hope to see you there, experiencing this amazing family tradition!
