ECU Battle of the Build® IX & Holiday Artisan Market!

Saturday November 8th, 2025 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds
A FREE community event celebrating local talent, creativity, and holiday cheer.

What is Battle of the Build®?

Battle of the Build® is a grassroots workforce development initiative of the Johnson City Area Home Builders Association (#weBUILDconnections), designed to connect students, teachers, and local employers. This FREE annual event celebrates the creativity and skills of high school CTE students in trades such as plumbing, construction, HVAC, electrical, and more

Join us Saturday, November 8th, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray, TN to see student-built projects and discover the exciting world of skilled trades.

Why Attend:

Explore unique projects created by twelve area high schools in themes like Indoor Living and Outdoor Entertainment.
Meet and interact with students, teachers, and local trade professionals.
Watch projects judged by nationally recognized experts.
Enjoy shopping and festive fun at our Holiday Artisan Market while supporting our High School students and Local Artisans!

Exciting Competition Highlights

Students from local high schools work with mentors from the Johnson City Area Home Builders Association to plan, build, and present their projects to nationally recognized judges. Prizes are awarded in multiple categories, including:

Judging Categories:

Participating Schools:

David Crockett High School
Dobyns-Bennett High School
Elizabethton High School
Hamblen County Schools
Hampton High School
Happy Valley High School
Johnson County High School
Science Hill High School
Sullivan East High School
Tennessee High School
Unicoi County High School
West Ridge High School

Special Awards:

Holiday Artisan Market

Handcrafted for the Holidays

Step into the holiday spirit at our Holiday Artisan Market, held alongside the ECU Battle of the Build® IX! With doors open at 9:00 AM, the public is invited to browse and shop from a wide variety of local artisans and makers.

Discover unique gifts, handmade treasures, festive décor, and more — perfect for filling your holiday stockings. While enjoying the market, watch high school students showcase their creative projects and get inspired by the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Bring your family, meet the makers, and enjoy a fun, festive experience for all ages!

Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors

The ECU Battle of the Build® IX would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Together, #weBUILDconnections and #weBUILDcommunities.