By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
When the rain let up Monday morning, a large crowd of parents, children and grandparents turned out for the annual Honor Fountain City Day in the Park. The Memorial Day event began at 10 a.m. and stretched into the late afternoon, featuring children’s rides, food trucks and two different ceremonies under the organization and management of Fountain City Town Hall.
Various vendors and organizations manned booths filled with products and information. Neighbors visited with each other and some of their elected officials. The bagpipe duet of Austin Kendrick and Sara Manville kicked off the day of live music and an Uncle Sam character was present and handed out small flags.
Town Hall Chair Joyce Lee welcomed the audience, many of whom brought folding chairs, and Jacqueline Brecheen sang the national anthem as Boy Scout Troop 25 presented the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Second District Knox County Commissioner Courtney Durrett and 4th District City Councilman Matthew DeBardelaben spoke.
Town Hall member Rachael Crigger presented honors to various local businesses and citizens, including Brad Owen, Person of the Year. The Commercial Restoration honors went to Nelda Scott and Tammie Rouse. The Residential Restoration honors went to Lynn Weir and Barb Danks. Willy Roberts and Kevin McIntyre were presented the Residential Landscaping award, Knoxville Police Officer Lori Banks was named Friend of Fountain City and Blake Gadd was honored as Youth of the Year.
Dr. James A. Dougherty of the Fountain City Methodist Church gave the devotional as the Memorial Day Ceremony turned to honor local military veterans. “God Bless America” was sung by Jacqueline Brecheen and the Central High School ROTC Color Guard presented the colors.
WBIR anchorman John Becker spoke of local veterans, pointed out two placards featuring the names of local veterans and specifically of three Central High School graduates who served. Veterans in the audience were recognized and the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard was featured in a moment of silence followed by a 21-gun salute just across the creek from the community shelter and stage.
The day turned out to be warm and sunny and the efforts of the Fountain City Town Hall organization were enjoyed by those who attended. The annual Honor Fountain City Day in the Park reflected the community’s shared pride, history and spirit. Anyone wanting more information may visit the Fountain City Town Hall’s website at www.fountaincitytownhall.org for information.
Free Fishing Day
Saturday, June 6th | 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Fountain City Lake
Presented by Fountain City Town Hall
Special thanks to Home Federal Bank & Mynatt Funeral Home
– Registration opens at 8 a.m. (all ages welcome)
– Fishing ends at noon
– Winners announced at 12:30 p.m. (must be present to win)
Participants and attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own lawn chairs and fishing gear. Fishing rods and bait will be provided to the first 30 Fountain City youth residents who need them. TWRA staff will also provide demonstrations on how to tie and bait hooks, along with tips and techniques that may help participants during the tournament.
The event is open to all ages and skill levels and is designed to give families, children, and first-time anglers the opportunity to learn more about fishing, conservation, and outdoor recreation in a welcoming community setting.
