Honor Fountain City Day in the Park draws a crowd

By Mike Steely

Senior Writer

steelym@knoxfocus.com

Rainy weather did not harm the Honor Fountain City Day events last week, as hundreds of people attended the Memorial Day event. Vendors, displays, political candidates and families with children dotted the grounds of the park for Fountain City Town Hall’s annual event.

Music came from the Fountain City Ramblers, Knoxville Pipes and Drums, and the Knoxville Wind Symphony Jazz Band.

That afternoon, attention turned to the ceremonies in the park shelter where Boy Scout Troop 55 presented the flag. The national anthem was sung, and Mayor Indya Kincannon and local Councilwoman Lauren Rider spoke before turning the mic to FCTH Chair Joyce Lee, who presented awards to several worthy citizens for their contributions to the community.

Amelia and Scott Hodges were awarded the Residential Landscaping award. The Residential Restoration award went to Daniel and Dana Kembel, and the Commercial Restoration award went to Grace Mears of Skin Bar Medispa.

Gracie Alward, a music teacher at Gresham Middle School, was named Friend of Fountain City.

Andy LeGrand, director of the Fountain City Art Center, was chosen as Person of the Year.

Drawing much attention were two KPD horse patrols, which circled the park to the delight of the crowd, who came prepared with folding chairs, rain hats and umbrellas. A delegation of local elected officials was present and candidates for city council worked the event for votes.

The East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard completed the day with a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”

Honor Fountain City Day in the Park is sponsored by the Fountain City Town Hall organization and began in 1975. The yearly event has only been interrupted by the COVID pandemic.