Farragut Life Summer 2026 by Bingham Group

A NEW GATEWAY TO THE LOST SEA:

The renovation of the entrance facility at the The Lost Sea ensures that this fascinating site, home to the largest underground lake in America, will continue to captivate and educate visitors. Visitors are now greeted by a new entry building with updated amenities including a modern ticket center and gift shop filled with unique souvenirs. The improvements to this popular destination will elevate the overall experience, making it even more enjoyable for our guests. Additionally, the adjacent Lost Sea Village has undergone numerous enhancements, that contribute to its unique charm.

Before or after your tour, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and activities in the Lost Sea Village. The shaded, wooded village boasts a General Store, Ice Cream Bar, and a Glass Blowing Gallery, all surrounded by ample picnic facilities including a covered pavilion. Family oriented activities include a Gem Mine Attraction and a Nature Trail. We look forward to seeing you.

The Lost Sea Village operates seasonally, with shops open during select times of the year. To ensure a great visit, we recommend calling 423-337-6616 to confirm the current hours of operation. Typical hours during the summer are 9am - 7 pm.

LOST SEA VILLAGE

FromThe Publisher

There’s something special about summer in East Tennessee. The longer evenings. The sound of fireworks in the distance. Front porch conversations that somehow last a little later. Road trips through the mountains, hidden treasures waiting in small towns, and the kind of beauty that reminds you to slow down and appreciate where you are.

One of my greatest joys has always been traveling - whether it’s discovering a charming little town tucked into the hills of Tennessee or finding inspiration in places far beyond our county lines. Yet no matter where I go, there’s something about coming home that always grounds me. The people here, the stories here, and the sense of community we share are truly something special.

This summer feels especially emotional for our family as my youngest daughter, Alyssa, graduates from high school. It’s one of those moments as a mother that feels both incredibly joyful and unbelievably bittersweet. It honestly feels impossible that enough time has passed for this chapter to arrive. In many ways, Farragut Life Magazine has grown right alongside my children, and Alyssa has been such a meaningful part of this publication throughout the years. From helping behind the scenes to growing up surrounded by the heart of this community, this magazine has been woven into our family’s story for as long as she has been alive.

As I reflect on that, I’m also reminded how grateful I am for all of you who continue to support Farragut Life. To our advertisers, contributors, photographers, community leaders, and readers, thank you for making this publication possible year after year. And thank you for taking the time to read the stories of the people, businesses, events, and traditions that make living in Knox County such a blessing.

As we celebrate summer and gather with family and friends this Fourth of July, I’m reminded how thankful I am to live in this country and this community.

Happy Fourth of July, and thank you for allowing us to continue telling the stories that make Farragut, Tennessee feel like home.

With gratitude,

Lisa Atkins Bingham

Mother of Kathryn, Kelsey and Alyssa Publisher of Monroe, Farragut & McMinn Life Magazine President of The Bingham Group

To the casual observer, this photo may appear to be just a beautiful golf course. But if you’re planning a business meeting or event and considering a hotel to host it, Fairfield Glade Resort with our five championship golf courses is a far more exciting course of action. Just bring a mission statement and an agenda. We’ll supply everything else. Including some of Tennessee’s best golf to stimulate and excite your attendees. So says Golf Digest, Golfweek and Golf Magazine.

And if you’re on a collision course with boredom at work, we offer numerous highly enjoyable ways to reverse course, in addition to golf. Miles of trails for hiking. Pristine lakes for boating and fishing. A world class Racquet Center. And an equestrian facility for horseback riding and hayrides of course.

I-40 from Knoxville is an easy course to Fairfield Glade. We’re less than 70 miles away. Stay & Play Golf Packages available. Whether it’s business or pleasure. Here It’s pleasure. Of course.

Now the fun begins. For information or reservations, call 888-334-5233

www.fairfieldgladeresort.com

Located between Knoxville and Nashville, just a few miles from I-40 (Exit 322)

FAITH, FAMILY, AND FOLLOWING THE CALL

On top of a mountain in beautiful Monroe County, there’s a farm where mornings start early, boots stay dusty, and life revolves around faith, family, and a flock of sheep with fluffy legs groomed to perfection.

Welcome to Angel Mountain Farm. For the Moser family, this life isn’t about convenience. It’s about calling.

Pete and Heather Moser, along with their children Anna Lynn, Christine, Elizabeth Paige, and little Pete Moser III, better known as “Bubba”, have built a life deeply rooted in togetherness, hard work, and learning to trust God one season at a time. From homeschooling and homesteading to showing sheep across the region through 4-H, their days are full, messy, meaningful, and beautifully their own.

“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.” – Isaiah 40:11

That verse feels fitting for a family like the Mosers, because everything they do seems centered around care. Caring for their animals. Caring for each other. Caring for the life they believe God led them toward.

Heather and Pete settled down in his hometown, planting roots high above the valleys below on the mountaintop property that would later inspire the name Angel Mountain Farm.

And while they may describe themselves as “just getting started,” their story already feels rich with purpose.

Their farm is alive with gardens, canned goods lining shelves, freeze-dried foods being prepared for market, sheep moving through the barn, and children learning lessons many adults never experience. The family homeschools together, works together, travels together, and shows sheep together. And they absolutely love it.

Halters, Haircuts, and Hard Work

What began with just two sheep has quickly grown into something much bigger at Angel Mountain Farm. Today, Anna and Christine are showing ten sheep between them, traveling across the region during show season and immersing themselves in a world

that most people never fully realize exists. Because showing sheep is far more than simply walking an animal around a ring.

“There’s way more to learn than people think,” the family noted. The process begins long before the first competition. When a new lamb arrives at the farm, it usually has never worn a halter, walked in a show ring, or learned how to stand properly for a judge. The sheep don’t automatically know what to do, and neither do the kids at first. They learn together.

Every animal has a completely different personality. Some are stubborn and strongwilled. Some are nervous. Some naturally carry themselves like champions from day one. Others require weeks and weeks of patience and repetition.

That means early mornings, evening practices, and countless laps around the barn learning how to walk correctly beside the sheep while gently guiding them, eventually without a halter. The kids teach the lambs to brace their legs properly, hold their heads correctly, and remain calm in loud, busy show environments filled with people, lights, noise, and pressure.

And somewhere along the way, those lambs stop feeling like livestock and start feeling like teammates. Then comes the grooming process, an art form entirely its own.

At sheep shows, presentation matters. The family carefully washes, trims, and shears each animal with incredible attention to detail. The fluffy hair left on the legs, called shag, must be sculpted just right, especially for the curly-headed Hampshire and Southdown breeds the family loves to show.

“It’s kind of like a beauty contest for sheep,” they joked. But behind the polished appearance is hours of work most people never see.

The family studies bloodlines, structure, movement, muscle tone, feeding programs, and daily care routines. They monitor how each sheep grows and develops, adjusting feed and conditioning along the way. And because the animals depend entirely on them, the responsibility never pauses.

“You wake up in the morning and you have to go feed,” Bubba explained. “You have to make sure they are taken care of 24/7.”

By the time show day finally arrives, emotions run high. The mornings start early with final grooming, touch-ups, loading trailers, gathering supplies, and making sure every sheep is ready for the ring. Then comes the anticipation waiting outside the arena gates, the nervous energy, the excitement, the adrenaline, and the quiet pep talks between family members.

Anna has won too many awards to list here - for a full list with additional photos go to our website:www.monroe life.com

2025 Grand Champion Registered Ewe, Grand Champion Market Lamb, Reserve Champion Reserve Ewe, Champion Market Lamb

2024 Tennessee Valley Fair, 3rd Place Showmanship, 3rd Place Blackface Class, 2nd Place Hampshire Class

2024 Eastern Region Sheep Show, Gray, Tennessee 1st Tennessee Breed Hampshire, 2nd Hampshire Class, 3rd Place Showmanship, .4th Hampshire Class

2025 State Show

And once the kids step into the ring, it’s all on them. The judges watch everything. How the sheep walks. How it stands. How the child handles pressure. How confidently they present themselves and their animal.

For Anna, now entering her third year showing sheep, that experience has transformed her confidence completely.

“I love being with my family doing sheep shows,” she shared. “It has built my confidence. I have overcome stage fright.”

and continued showing, ultimately earning third place.

Moments like that become bigger than ribbons. They become life lessons.

For the girls, those lessons have been life changing. And Heather hopes more families realize opportunities like this exist. Whether it’s livestock projects, judging competitions, classroom presentations, or creative projects, she believes 4-H helps shape children long after the ribbons are packed away.

Christine is now stepping into her own 4-H journey as well. Although she has previously participated in state fairs, this will be her first official year showing sheep through 4-H competition.

At first, entering the ring felt intimidating. “This is easier than I thought,” she said with a smile. “I just imagine the judge is someone I know.”

But even experienced showmen have difficult moments. “Sometimes the animals don’t want to do what I want it to do,” Anna explained, “but I just have to take a deep breath and go with it.” That lesson proved especially true during the Anderson County Fair last year when one of Christine’s sheep broke loose during competition. Instead of panicking, she stayed calm, regained control,

More Than Livestock: The Gift of 4-H

For the Moser family, 4-H has become about far more than sheep. It has become a classroom, a community, and a place where their children are learning skills that will carry far beyond the show ring.

Everyone contributes. Everyone helps. Everyone learns. While sheep showing may have first drawn them in, the lessons have reached far beyond the barn. Through 4-H, the kids are learning responsibility, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, public speaking, and confidence in ways that feel natural and hands-on.

That includes livestock judging, something Anna and Christine have also begun pursuing. Twice a week, they practice evaluating animals and preparing verbal reasoning for why one animal should place over another in competition. It’s not just about agriculture, it’s about learning how to think critically, communicate clearly, and make confident decisions under pressure.

“I am so excited to be able to show this year,” she shared, “and look forward to earning a buckle of my own.” And there are already plenty of banners hanging around the barn and buckles on the shelves.

Taken in 2000, this photo shows brothers Elden, Pete, and Elisha Moser at one of their very first sheep shows - where the family’s love for sheep showing truly began. Pete, pictured here as a young boy, now carries that tradition forward with his own family and co-owns Green Pete’s Lawn Service alongside his father, Pete Sr.

Peter and Scarlett Moser are longtime members of the Monroe County community and owners of A & W and Green Pete’s Lawn Service. Known for their strong family values and heart for the community, they have spent years investing in both local families and the next generation of agricultural youth.

The family has earned multiple first-place ribbons, championship buckles, and regional honors through their sheep projects and 4-H involvement, including Monroe County Grand Champion Market Lamb and Grand Champion Registered Ewe in 2025, Reserve Champion Hampshire at the Anderson County Fair, Monroe County Outstanding Junior 4-H’er 2024, and acceptance into the 2026 4-H Academic Conference.

But while many of the awards officially belong to Anna, the family sees every ribbon, buckle, and banner as something earned together.

Because on Angel Mountain Farm, no one succeeds alone. Behind every sheep stands an entire family working side-by-side, feeding, grooming, encouraging, practicing, loading trailers, cheering each other on, and building memories together one show at a time.

Planting Seeds for the Future

And perhaps what makes Angel Mountain Farm so special is that they are still at the beginning. The family is beginning to focus on breeding their own sheep, Because in the livestock world, the cycle never really stops. Wethers, or castrated males, can only be shown for one year, while ewes can typically be shown for two years before becoming mothers themselves, creating a constant rotation of sheep on the farm.

Alongside the sheep, the family continues building a life centered around faith, learning, and self-sufficiency. Gardens are planted and harvested together. Foods are canned and preserved. New freeze-dried products are beginning to make their way into local markets. And while no one knows exactly where those ventures may lead, the family is excited to see what doors God may open next. Heather, especially, feels called to help others along the way.

Through her homeschooling and 4-H outreach, Heather encourages mothers who may feel overwhelmed or intimidated by taking an unconventional path. Through her Facebook page, she has created a welcoming community space where families can ask questions, learn more about homeschooling and 4-H opportunities, and feel supported as they begin their own journeys. She understands what it feels like to step into something unfamiliar, and she hopes Angel

Mountain Farm can serve as proof that families do not have to have everything figured out to begin.

Sometimes faith simply looks like taking the next step. For the Mosers, this life is not about perfection. It is about purpose.

It is about raising children who know how to work hard, care deeply, trust God, and stay connected to one another. And somewhere between the halters, haircuts, early mornings, and long show days, they are building something far more meaningful than a collection of ribbons.

They are building a life their children will remember forever.

One sheep. One show. One season.

One faithful step at a time.

Anna was the Monroe County Outstanding Junior 4H-er in 2024

The 4-H Animal Science Program offers Tennessee youth valuable educational opportunities through raising, exhibiting, and judging livestock and horses. 4-H Animal Science The 4-H Sheep Program offers Tennessee youth valuable educational opportunities through raising, exhibiting, and judging sheep. Participants in the program are challenged with real-life experiences as they learn responsibility and develop essential skills in animal care, breeding, and management. Youth gain hands-on experience by raising, showing, and judging sheep, preparing them for success in local, regional, and state-level events. Whether you’re interested in meat or wool production, the 4-H Sheep Program provides a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

Are you interested in learning more about 4-H, livestock projects, or opportunities available for local youth? Contact your County Extension Office.

Written by Kristin West

FAITH, FREEDOM & THE STORY STILL BEING WRITTEN

Before fireworks ever light the sky, America begins in quieter places.

In folding chairs lining small-town parade routes.

In porch flags swaying gently through the July breeze. In veterans standing a little taller when the National Anthem begins to play. In children waving sparklers they do not yet fully understand, but someday will. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

For generations, that belief helped shape the heart of America. Long before this nation became powerful, Americans placed their hope in something greater than themselves. The founders were imperfect men, yet many openly recognized the guiding hand of God throughout the birth of the nation. They believed freedom itself was not granted by government, but by the Creator.

George Washington once wrote, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God.”

John Adams and John Hancock declared, “We recognize no sovereign but God, and no king but Jesus.”

Those words still echo through the American story. Two hundred and fifty years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, people around the world still dream of becoming Americans. They dream of freedom, opportunity, and openly worshipping Jesus without fear. They dream of raising families beneath skies where liberty still lives.

Above: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps in the Annual National Independence Day Parade.

Below: Bristol, Rhode Island 4th of July Parade. The oldest July 4th parade in the United States.

In the earliest days of the nation, churches stood at the center of communities, prayers were offered before battles, and faith shaped much of the moral foundation that guided the country forward. The Declaration of Independence boldly proclaimed that all men are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” forever placing God at the center of the American story.

The question is no longer only how America was founded - but whether we still remember the values that built her.

Before there were fireworks and parades, there were battlefields and prayer meetings. Before America became prosperous, it was a fragile idea carried by ordinary people willing to sacrifice comfort, safety, and even their lives for the hope of liberty.

And against impossible odds, the nation endured.

Today, America remains one of the greatest stories ever told—not because it has been flawless, but because generation after generation has continued fighting to preserve the freedoms first imagined in those earliest days of independence.

Gatlinburg’s Annual Fourth of July Midnight Parade is the very first Independence Day Parade In The Nation. It has been named a Top Ten Parade to See in the US by National Geographic Traveler Magazine.

And perhaps now more than ever, Americans are being asked an important question:

Who are we becoming? As a nation.

And as citizens entrusted with the blessings of freedom.

What Still Holds America Together

Somewhere along the way, parts of America’s original spirit grew quieter. Faith, family, and community—once the foundation of American life—now compete against distraction, division, and endless noise.

Our founders crossed icy rivers, endured brutal winters, and marched into uncertainty for the sake of freedom, yet today many of us grow impatient when life becomes slightly

inconvenient. It sounds humorous until we realize how easily comfort can make people forget the cost of liberty.

And yet, despite everything, something remarkable still remains.

The spirit of America still lives in small towns. In churches filled on Sunday mornings. In neighbors who show up during hard seasons. In parents teaching their children to place their hands over their hearts during the anthem.

And every Fourth of July, that spirit rises again beneath fireworks and summer skies. Because patriotism was never supposed to live only in politics. It was meant to live in people.

The Land That Holds the Story

Part of what makes America so extraordinary is that its story was never written in just one place. It was written across mountains and harbors, winding rivers and open farmland, courthouse squares and quiet backroads beneath endless skies.

While patriotism still runs deeply through East Tennessee- through church cookouts, baseball games, lake weekends, and fireworks over small towns- there are places throughout the country where America’s story feels almost sacred.

In Washington, D.C., monuments rise above the National Mall as reminders of sacrifice, leadership, freedom, and faith. Designed in 1791 by Pierre Charles L’Enfant,

many historians have noted how the Capitol, White House, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial appear to form the shape of a cross across the city itself- a quiet symbol connecting faith, sacrifice, and liberty at the heart of America’s story.

Standing beneath the Lincoln Memorial while fireworks bloom across the summer sky, visitors cannot help but feel the weight of the generations who built and defended this nation.

Further north, Boston, Philadelphia, and Colonial Williamsburg still carry the spirit of the Revolution through cobblestone streets, historic churches, and colonial roads where freedom was once debated by candlelight.

Then there are places where America feels softer and more nostalgic.

On Mackinac Island, bicycles drift beneath towering trees while porch lights glow along the waterfront. In Galena, Illinois, American flags sway above historic storefronts where time seems to slow down. In Charleston, church steeples rise beneath coastal skies painted in pink and gold sunsets.

And perhaps that is what makes America unlike anywhere else in the world.

America is mountain mornings in East Tennessee where fog rolls through the valleys, sailboats drifting across quiet New

Equestrian Team Carries American Flags in Provo’s July 4th Freedom Festival Grand Parade in Provo, Utah.

England harbors, golden wheat fields beneath Midwestern sunsets, and church bells echoing across small-town squares while children run barefoot through the summer grass waiting for fireworks after dark.

From the Great Smoky Mountains to the rocky coastlines of Maine, America carries a beauty that feels both vast and deeply personal at the same time.

The kind of beauty that reminds us how small we truly are beneath God’s creation. And through every mountain, harbor, and wide-open sky, the glory belongs to God— the Creator who shaped this land.

A Prayer for America

No matter where Americans stand politically, perhaps one thing still remains true:

This country needs prayer. Prayer for wisdom and healing. Prayer for unity and humility. Prayer for families, communities, and future generations. Prayer for veterans carrying sacrifices most will never fully understand. Prayer for leaders, because Scripture reminds us to pray for those entrusted with authority.

America has never needed perfect people to survive. But it has always needed people willing to seek God, pursue truth, and care for one another.

Perhaps real patriotism is not found in outrage or division, but in remembering we are still neighbors before anything else.

Still human. Still connected. Still responsible for how we treat one another.

The Story We Leave Behind America’s 250th birthday is not simply about looking backward. It is about deciding what kind of nation we will continue becoming.

One of the most emotional moments for me every Fourth of July is hearing “God Bless the U.S.A.” begin to play.,“I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free…” Those words still stop me in my tracks every single time. Growing up, some of my favorite memories were spending the Fourth of July at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia, watching the laser show beneath the summer sky surrounded by thousands of people wrapped in red, white, and blue. Even as a little girl, I remember feeling proud to belong to a country built on faith, freedom, sacrifice, and hope.

And now, raising my own family, those feelings somehow run even deeper. Because freedom does not come free. Every flag waving in the summer breeze and every veteran standing quietly in the crowd represents sacrifices most of us will never fully understand.

Despite the imperfections of this world, I still feel incredibly blessed to call America home—and even more grateful to raise my children in a small town where faith, family, and community still matter. We are blessed

to worship freely, gather around supper tables in peaceful homes, and raise our families beneath these wide-open skies.

Maybe that is why songs like “God Bless the U.S.A.” still move people to tears. Because deep down, they remind us America is more than politics or headlines.

And perhaps the greatest way to honor America this Independence Day is not simply by celebrating the past, but by living in a way worthy of the sacrifices that built it.

Maybe the American dream was never meant to live only in Washington. Maybe it still lives where it always has—around dinner tables, inside churches, beneath fireworks, and in small towns filled with people still willing to believe this country is worth loving.

For 250 years, the American story has endured. And now, the next chapter belongs to us.

Left: The Lincoln Memorial with July 4th Fireworks. Right: Mackinaw Island host a beautiful July 4th Parade with Horse Drawn Carriages.

Kristin West and her family, Brandon, Riley, Carver and Colton.

Left: The Lincoln Memorial with July 4th Fireworks. Right: Mackinaw Island host a beautiful July 4th Parade with Horse Drawn Carriages.

Kristin West and her family, Brandon, Riley, Carver and Colton.

Queen Anne's Lace

Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota) can be seen along the back roads and highways here in Tennessee. She may have originated in Europe but obviously likes it on this side of the pond, especially in the South. Queen Anne’s lace has delicate fernlike foliage and dancing umbels of crisp white flowers. An umbel is a cluster of flowers with stalks of nearly equal length, which spring from about the same point, like the ribs of an umbrella. She also has a tiny little red floret in the center of the bloom. In many ways it is the ideal garden flower. This beautiful flower selfsows and needs no care. I know some of you consider this plant a weed, but it is a versatile long-stemmed flower to me.

The root is edible if you like carrots, but I don’t grow Queen Anne’s lace to eat; it makes a great cut flower. The tiny white cluster blooms blend with almost any flower. I especially like the contrast of Queen Anne’s lace arranged with roses. It’s pollen sheds like crazy on the dining room table. Spraying them with hairspray before arranging can slow this shedding. I have also put food coloring in the water and the Queen Ann’s lace will pick up the coloring and change from a creamy white to tints of blue, red, green or the color of your choice.

This plant cannot be found in seed catalogs. Queen Anne’s lace seeds are everywhere free

for the taking. Seeds can be collected in late summer or fall as soon as they have dried completely. If you don’t have a friend growing this graceful plant just look for it along the roadside. Cut off the dried seed heads and sprinkle wherever you want this prolific plant next year. You can sow them directly in the garden or any sunny spot. These plants are tough and will survive in poor soil, but they prosper where the earth is loose, fertile, and well drained. Seeds can be planted in either fall or spring. When they first sprout, the new plants look like parsley. They can be either annual (blooming the first year) or biennial (coming up one year then blooming the next). They grow up to 4 feet tall.

All types of insects pollinate the flowers, which may be the reason I remember this regal plant being called ‘chigger weed’ as a child. In fact, I tried to avoid standing by them when out picking blackberries. My brother has a strong aversion to this plant so you can imagine his dismay when arriving for a visit to find Queen Anne’s lace blooming along my driveway. When entering my house, he spotted a large arrangement using its creamy white flowers on the kitchen table. He politely asked me to please take the arrangement outside that “he was itching just looking at them.” I immediately removed the Queen to the outdoors; she looked especially happy sitting on the porch.

Gayle Fisher MASTER GARDENER

KNIT THROUGH TIME

A STORY STILL BEING TOLD IN NIOTA

TJULY 4th, 1908

here’s something powerful about time.

This year, as America approaches its 250th anniversary, we pause to reflect on the people, the places, and the quiet legacies that helped build this country. The stories that didn’t just witness history, but became part of it.

And in a small town with one traffic light and a population of only a few hundred, one of those stories is still being written.

For 124 years, nearly half the life of this nation, Crescent Sock Company has stood its ground. Not in a bustling city. Not backed by corporate giants. But rooted firmly in a place where everyone knows your name, where families grow together, and where work still means something.

As America prepares to celebrate 250 years, it’s worth pausing to recognize what it truly means to endure. Through wars. Through

economic change. Through the rise and fall of industries.

The Burn family didn’t just survive it. They worked through it. They built through it. They stayed. And in doing so, they became something rare, a living example of what American resilience truly looks like.

It didn’t start as a grand vision. It started like many American stories do, with grit, belief, and a willingness to build something that lasts.

AMERICA’S OLDEST OPERATING HOSIERY MILL . . .

YEARS

James Lafayette “Jim” Burn, Jams Lane “Jack” Burn and William H. “Bill” Burn

A Legacy of Courage and Commitment

The year was 1902, and America was moving forward in bold, inventive ways. Pepsi-Cola opened its doors. Crayola crayons made their way into homes for the very first time. Nabisco introduced Animal Crackers. Even the gas-powered lawn mower was changing everyday life.

Progress was everywhere. But in Niota, Tennessee, progress looked a little different. It looked like a group of local men gathering at a train depot, led by James L. Burn, the depot stationmaster, asking a simple question: How do we create opportunity here. They weren’t chasing headlines. They were building livelihoods.

Inspired by the Crescent train route that passed through Niota, destined for New Orleans, they named their new venture Crescent Hosiery Mills, known today as Crescent Sock Company, a business rooted in purpose from the very beginning.

What started as a way to provide jobs would become something far greater. A legacy. Not every company can say its story helped shape a nation. But Crescent can.

The 19th Amendment

Craft You Can Feel

There’s a difference between making a product and standing behind it. Crescent has built its name on that difference.

From the everyday comfort of the World’s Softest® Sock, to the heritage-driven design of Hiwassee Trading Company, to the high-performance precision of Omni-Wool Tactical, every product reflects something deeper than materials and machinery. It reflects care. Because for Crescent, it all begins at the fiber.

In 1920, as the United States stood on the edge of change, the vote to ratify the 19th Amendment came down to a single moment. A single decision.

Harry T. Burn, a young Tennessee legislator and part of the Crescent founding family, held that decision in his hands. In his pocket was a letter from his mother, Febb Ensminger Burn, urging him to stand for what was right. And he did.

With one vote, Tennessee became the deciding state to grant women the right to vote.

And what no one could have imagined in that moment – what couldn’t have been written into history – is that a century later, the company his family helped build would be led by the great-granddaughters of Febb Burn herself.

Today, Crescent Sock Company is led by President and CEO Cathy Allen, a fourth-generation member of the founding Burn family, alongside her sisters, Sandra Boyd (Executive Vice President) and Pat Cotton (Majority Stockholder and founding family member), as they continue the family legacy in Niota, Tennessee. It now stands as a woman-owned business, guided by the same strength, courage, and conviction that Harry’s mother so boldly embodied.

The words of Febb Burn didn’t just change history. They shaped a future. That legacy lives on through Febb’s Boutique, a collection designed to honor her courage and inspire the next

For their Omni-Wool Tactical line, that means looking beyond convenience and sourcing materials with intention – partnering with American sheep farmers in Montana for premium wool fibers, while sourcing additional materials from Texas, where the land and climate help produce fibers known for both resilience and performance. Fibers are chosen not just for softness, but for durability, moisture control, and the ability to perform in the toughest conditions.

That same respect for fiber carries across every brand they create.

With Hiwassee Trading Company, the focus shifts to nature’s original performance material, Merino wool. These socks are built for those who live and work outdoors, where comfort isn’t about luxury, it’s about reliability. Naturally moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and even antimicrobial, the fibers work with the body, keeping feet warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and dry through it all. It’s not synthetic comfort. It’s natural function, refined through generations of craftsmanship.

And then there’s the product that made people stop and say, “How is that even possible?” The World’s Softest® Sock. What sets it apart isn’t just a name, it’s the way it’s made. Crescent uses denser, ultra-soft yarns engineered to feel almost weightless, while still holding their shape and durability over time.

The result is a sock that doesn’t just feel soft the first time you wear it, but stays that way, wash after wash, wear after wear. Softness with substance. Comfort you can trust.

Across every brand, every pair, and every purpose, Crescent builds with the same philosophy: start with the best materials available, refine them, respect the process, and never lower the standard. Because for Crescent, excellence isn’t accidental, it’s intentional.

As President and CEO Cathy Allen shares, “Quality checks and a quality-first product are at the heart of everything we do.” It’s not just a standard, it’s a promise. One she carries with pride, knowing each pair of socks represents more than comfort, it represents craftsmanship.

The Choice to Stay –and What It Built

Time has not been easy on American manufacturing. Across decades, mills closed. Jobs disappeared. Communities like Niota felt the weight of an industry slowly fading away. Crescent had a choice. Leave… or stay. But staying meant more than keeping the lights on. It meant fighting for something that couldn’t be replaced, people, purpose, and place.

So they stayed.

They stayed for the families who depended on those jobs. They stayed for the employees who had given years, sometimes lifetimes, to the company. They stayed because they believed what they were building still mattered.

And over time, that decision became something more than survival – it became identity.

Because at the heart of Crescent Sock Company is something you can’t manufacture. Family.

For more than 100 years, the Burn family has led with a simple but powerful belief, that business isn’t just about what you produce, but who you take care of along the way. Employees. Their families. The community. That belief has never changed.

Even as the company has grown, reaching beyond Niota, building a reputation that stretches far beyond its small-town roots, Crescent has never tried to become something different. Growth didn’t pull them away from who they were. It anchored them deeper into it.

Stronger. Steadier. More Rooted.

They haven’t chased trends. They’ve stayed true to tradition, while still finding ways to move forward, one intentional step at a time.

Inside the mill today, that choice is still alive. You can hear it in the hum of machines and feel it in the rhythm of the work. You can see it in the faces of those who have spent decades there, people who didn’t just build a career, but a life.

And then there’s Jack Ewing, more than 60 years with Crescent, still showing up, still giving back, even standing behind the grill at employee cookouts, serving the very people he’s worked beside for half a century.

That’s more than loyalty, it’s what happens when a company chooses people, again

Today, Crescent carries that same foundation forward with strength and intention. The leadership may look different than it did in 1902, but what it stands for remains unchanged.

“We at Crescent are all working hard, but having a good time,” Cathy says with a smile.

Because when people enjoy what they do, and who they do it with, it shows in the final product. That sense of family isn’t something written on a wall. It’s something lived out daily.

Executive Vice President Sandra Burn Boyd describes it simply:

“Here at Crescent, we love each other. We cry together, pray together, and celebrate together.”

It’s a rare kind of workplace, one where people aren’t just coworkers, but part of each other’s lives. And maybe that’s the real reason they stayed.

Crescent isn’t just honoring where they’ve been, they’re building for what comes next. They’re growing. They’re hiring. They’re continuing a story that began more than a century ago, and they’re inviting others to step into it.

Not just for a job. But for something meaningful. A place where your work matters. Where your effort becomes part of something bigger than yourself. Where what you do each day connects back to a legacy that has stood the test of time, and will continue long after.

A place where you’re not just an employee. You’re part of the story.

The Final Thread

You can buy socks anywhere. But you can’t buy 124 years of commitment.

You can’t buy a family that chose to stay. You can’t buy a story woven through nearly half the life of America.

But you can choose to support it. You can choose to wear it. You can choose to be part of it. And in doing so, you carry forward something bigger than a product, a legacy, still being written, one stitch at a time.

“Cathy Burn Allen, CEO, Sandra Burn Boyd, EVP, and Pat Burn Cotton, majority stockholder like her sisters, are the fourth-generation members of the founding Burn family who are continuing the legacy.”

AT TAMMY’S TOUCH

Behind the Chair with Tammy Cowan

There are still places in the South where the beauty shop is more than a place for hair appointments.

It is where stories are shared, prayers are whispered, tears are wiped away, and laughter echoes louder than the dryers in the back room.

For more than 33 years, that has been exactly what Tammy's Touch at Tranquility has become for so many women.

Located on East Broadway Street in Lenoir City and owned by Tammy Cowan, the salon feels less like a business and more like something straight out of Steel Magnolias - warm, welcoming, faith-filled, and deeply rooted in friendship. Customers often walk in as clients, but somewhere between the conversations, coffee, laughter, and life updates, they become family.

Tammy believes the Lord gave her both the talent and the space to serve others, and over the years, her chair has quietly become a ministry of its own.

“Behind the chair” is where she has listened to heartbreak, celebrated milestones,

prayed with women during difficult seasons, and watched generations of families grow up inside her salon. Mothers bring daughters. Friends bring friends. Grandchildren now sit in the same chairs their grandmothers once did.

“It’s family here,” Tammy says simply. “That’s why I love what I do so much.”

Alongside Tammy is Jessi Younger, who has worked with her for more than 11 years, helping continue the welcoming atmosphere that has become part of the salon’s identity.

While Tammy’s Touch specializes in hair care, cuts, styling, and color services, the experience extends far beyond a traditional salon.

Connected with Tranquility Spa and Wellness, guests can also enjoy a full array of spa services including massages, facials, esthetic services, IV hydration, Botox, and luxurious head spa treatments - creating what many describe as a one-stop destination for beauty, wellness, and restoration.

But even with the modern spa services, the heart of the business remains beautifully Southern.

It is women gathering together. It is real conversations. It is faith woven into everyday life.

And at the center of it all is Tammy - a wife, mother, grandmother, traveler, and business owner whose greatest joy comes from caring for people well.

Because at Tammy’s Touch, beauty has never only been about hair.

It has always been about making people feel loved when they walk through the door - and beautiful when they walk out.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS & SOUTHERN GRACE

Red, White & Blue

SUMMER POPSICLES

Fresh, Wholesome, And Made with Ingredients You Can Actually Feel Good About

There is just something magical about summertime in the South- these naturally colored Red, White & Blue Popsicles are the perfect patriotic treat for all those sunny Fourth of July celebrations, while still being simple enough to enjoy all summer long.

Made without artificial dyes, food coloring, or overly processed ingredients, these popsicles get their bright patriotic colors straight from fruit and natural ingredients. They are cool, refreshing, lightly sweet, and incredibly kid-friendly- the kind of treat moms feel good about serving and kids get excited to eat.

Makes: 6 popsicles

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Freeze Time: 4–6 hours

INGREDIENTS

Red Layer

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

2 tablespoons white grape juice or pure maple syrup

White Layer

1 1/2cups white grape juice

2 tablespoons coconut milk

1/2 ripe banana

Blue Layer

Remaining white mixture

1/4 teaspoon blue spirulina powder

DIRECTIONS

To make the red layer, blend the strawberries and white grape juice until smooth. Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons into the bottom of each popsicle mold. Place in the freezer for about 1 hour, or until partially set.

For the white layer, blend together the white grape juice, coconut milk, and banana until creamy and smooth. Carefully spoon about 2 tablespoons over the frozen strawberry layer in each mold. Since the red layer is partially frozen, the colors should stay separated beautifully. Return the molds to the freezer for another hour.

Reserve any leftover white mixture in the refrigerator while the popsicles chill.

Once the white layer has partially frozen, stir the blue spirulina powder into the remaining white mixture and blend briefly until evenly combined. Pour the blue layer gently over

the white layer and insert popsicle sticks into the center of each mold.

Freeze for 4–6 hours, or overnight for best results.

To remove the popsicles from the molds, dip the outside of the mold into warm water for about 10 seconds. The popsicles should slide out easily and be ready to enjoy.

A FEW SWEET NOTES

These popsicles are naturally colored with fruit and spirulina instead of artificial dyes.

Store tightly covered in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Perfect for Fourth of July parties, pool days, lake weekends, or simply cooling off on a hot Southern afternoon.

Beyond The Adjustment Table

A New Era of Wellness at Smiley Family Chiropractic & Wellness Center

There was a time when most people only visited a doctors office when something hurt – a stiff back, a lingering injury, or a moment when the body finally demanded attention.

But healthcare is shifting. More individuals and families are realizing wellness is not simply about reacting to illness – it is about caring for the body before breakdown happens. It is about recovery, restoration, stress support, nervous system regulation, and creating a healthier foundation for everyday life.

At Smiley Family Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Madisonville, that philosophy has become part of the wellness center’s heartbeat – a calling Dr. Jessica Smiley continues to live out as she celebrates her 24th anniversary in practice this June.

While many know Dr. Jessica Smiley for chiropractic care, what many may not realize is that the practice has evolved into a full wellness destination designed to support the body naturally through every stage of life. And perhaps most importantly, patients do not have to be chiropractic patients to experience many of these restorative therapies.

A New Kind of Wellness Experience

The experience begins the moment the doors open – a slower pace, a calm and welcoming atmosphere, and a feeling that healing is approached differently here. Patients are encouraged to slow down, breathe deeply, and begin listening to what their bodies may have been trying to say for years.

Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, the wellness center supports the body as a whole – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It is an approach rooted in the belief that the body was designed to heal when properly supported.

That mindset is especially important in today’s world, where chronic stress, burnout, inflammation, poor sleep, and nervous system overload have become part of everyday life.

Many people are not necessarily “sick,” but they also do not feel well. And that is where restorative wellness therapies can make a meaningful difference.

Supporting the Nervous System & Whole Body

Supporting the nervous system remains one of the practice’s central priorities, as it

influences everything from stress response and sleep to digestion, recovery, energy, and emotional wellbeing.

When the nervous system stays in a constant state of stress, the body often struggles to fully rest and recover, leading to increased fatigue, disrupted sleep, and rising inflammation.

Dr. Smiley and her team believe wellness should involve more than masking symptoms. Their goal is to help patients create an environment within the body where restoration can naturally occur.

Advanced Wellness Therapies Designed for Restoration

The therapies offered at the practice are designed not only to support physical recovery, but to create moments of restoration in the middle of busy, overstimulated lives.

The hyperbaric oxygen chamber supports cellular repair and recovery by increasing oxygen delivery throughout the body, while the HOCATT ozone sauna combines heat, ozone, detoxification, and circulation support into one deeply restorative experience

Another patient favorite is Hugo, a Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy

With these advanced therapies Dr. Smiley can help patients create an environment within the body where restoration can naturally occur.

designed to calm the nervous system, improve circulation, and support emotional and physical recovery. Many patients report feeling more relaxed, balanced, and rested following sessions.

The practice also offers Zerona laser therapy, a non-invasive treatment supporting gut health, fat loss goals, metabolic health, circulation, and overall wellness. Patients are often surprised by the additional benefits they experience beyond body contouring alone.

Massage therapy provides another layer of restoration, helping release tension while supporting relaxation and recovery.

Together, these therapies reflect the practice’s mission: helping people care for their bodies proactively instead of waiting until exhaustion, illness, or pain become unavoidable.

Wellness for Everyday Life

One of the biggest misconceptions about wellness therapies is the belief that someone must already be sick or injured to benefit from them. Many patients come to the practice simply because they want to feel better, manage stress naturally, recover more fully, or support long-term wellness before larger health concerns arise.

Some are busy parents balancing full schedules. Others are athletes, business

owners carrying constant stress, or individuals who simply want to age well and remain active for years to come.

The practice encourages patients to view wellness not as a luxury, but as stewardship – caring intentionally for the bodies God entrusted to us. For many families, restorative therapies have become part of their regular routines through wellness memberships, helping prioritize recovery, detoxification, nervous system support, and preventative wellness throughout the year.

Because sometimes wellness is not about fixing something broken. Sometimes it is about protecting peace, preserving health, and building a stronger foundation for the life still ahead.

Stories of Hope & Restoration

For Mandy N., the difference became undeniable after an injury.

“Honestly, I can’t even remember life before coming to see Dr. Smiley,” she shares. “I’ll never forget when I fell and hurt my ankle. I spent time in the HOCATT and Hugo, and just two days later I was walking on the beach with no pain. That’s when I realized how different this place is.”

She says what stands out most is the wellness center’s focus on addressing root causes rather than simply masking

symptoms. “I’m just so thankful for Dr. Jess and everyone here.”

For Nichole L., the journey was equally emotional.

“Before my first visit, I felt bad most of the time,” she explains. “There were moments when things honestly felt hopeless.” After several weeks of care, something began to shift. “I started feeling less anxious and realized my quality of life was getting better.” What impacted her most was the personalized care and kindness she experienced throughout the office. “Everyone is so friendly and takes such good care of you. You can actually feel the difference.”

Imagine waking up feeling healthier, more vibrant, more rested, and more like yourself again. To learn more about restorative wellness therapies, wellness memberships, and the healing experiences shared by patients throughout the community, visit www.smileyfamilychiro.com and discover a wellness approach rooted in restoration, compassion, and caring for the whole person.

The 250th anniversary of the United States, or Semiquincentennial, will be celebrated on July 4, 2026, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The nationwide commemoration, organized by America250, focuses on themes of reflection, honor, and looking forward. Celebrations across the nation aim to engage all 350 million Americans.

How is the State of Tennessee celebrating?

Tennessee America 250 celebrates and commemorates America’s 250th Anniversary by interpreting and preserving the unique Tennessee stories, objects, landmarks, and places that have defined who we are as Tennessee Americans. Events and exhibitions are taking place statewide.

How are Farragut and Knoxville celebrating?

Below is a select list of events that are scheduled in Farragut and Knoxville and the list is growing daily – please access this link for a growing list of 250-related events on www.VisitKnoxville.com

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, the City of Knoxville and Knox County stand as a vibrant reminder of the history, culture, and community spirit that define America.

KNOXVILLE

Festival on the Fourth July 4, 2026

World’s Fair Park

Knoxville’s signature Independence Day tradition at World’s Fair Park will take place on a monumental scale for 2026. This year’s festival serves as the official city-wide kickoff for the semiquincentennial, featuring a massive fireworks display, live symphonic music, and interactive history exhibits that honor East Tennessee’s unique role in the American story. The free festival begins at 5PM and ends at approximately 10PM at the conclusion of the fireworks display. FREE

Knox County Main Event

250th Celebration & Expo July 11, 2026

The Cove at Concord Park

Following the initial holiday excitement, Knox County will host a community celebration at The Cove. This event is designed to be a “living history” experience, blending a classic summer park outing

with a showcase of local history, community organizations, and familyfriendly activities right on the water. Celebrate from 11–5PM with an expo and community activation, followed by a Concert at the Cove from 7–9PM, and concluding with fireworks. FREE

FARRAGUT

Farragut Museum

History Hour Series

June 23, 2026 at 11AM

Renowned author/speaker/podcaster Dr. Tim Holder will present on “The First Six Presidents.” FREE

Red, White & Bluegrass

Summer Concert

June 13, 2026 from 6–9PM

Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza

Celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial with one of Tennessee’s oldest musical genres. FREE

Farragut Independence Day Parade

July 4, 2026 from 9:30AM–12PM

Kingston Pike/Stadium Dr to Boring Rd

Annual Independence Day Parade with floats, dancers, bands, antique cars, and more, all to the America 250 theme of “Americana.” FREE

Admiral Farragut Birthday Party

July 8, 2026 at 6PM Farragut Town Hall

Celebrate Farragut’s favorite admiral and listen to the national reading of the Declaration of Independence. FREE

Yacht Rock Concert

August 15, 2026 from 6–9PM

Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza

Visit Farragut hosts this end-of-summer bash with live music and food trucks. FREE

Farragut History Tour

August 20, 2026 from 9AM–1PM Farragut Town Hall

Local historians offer perspectives on historic Farragut sites. This event includes a light lunch; pre-registration is required. Ticketed event

Our American Stories:

Voices from Tennessee

Tues–Sat, Sept 9 thru Oct 15, 2026 from 11AM–2PM Farragut Museum

This traveling exhibit from the Tennessee State Museum shares the stories of remarkable Tennesseans from throughout the state’s history. FREE

Art Fest

September 12, 2026 from 9-11AM Farragut Community Center

Families enjoy outdoor art activities with an America 250 theme of “A Tribute to America.” FREE

STANDALONE EVENTS

Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park

Presented by Home Federal Bank

June 24, 2026 from 10AM–1PM Hill Ave between Hall of Fame and State St

Event series for children age 2–12 offering hands-on crafts and activities provided by City of Knoxville departments and entities at a different park each week. For June 24, Kid A’Riffic will be partnering with Blount Mansion, James White’s Fort, and East Tennessee History Center for some historic fun including some living history booths,

games, and stories. Also, each will offer free admission to their museums as well as Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Enjoy themed crafts and activities and some extra patriotic fun. FREE America’s 250th Ice Cream Party

July 3, 2026 from 3-4PM West Town Mall

A patriotic Ice Cream Party celebrating 250 years of the United States of America with festive activities, community fun, exciting giveaways, and complimentary HäagenDazs ice cream. FREE

4th of July Celebration

July 4, 2026 at 10AM James White’s Fort

The Knoxville Chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Children of the Revolution honor the signers of the Declaration of Independence. FREE

Mighty Musical Monday

July 6, 2026 at 12PM Tennessee Theatre

Noon organ concert featuring a patriotic theme with House Organist Freddie Brabson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, joined by Tipton Station. FREE

Declaration: I Am Tennessee Launch & Reception

July 15, 2026 from 6:30–8:30PM East Tennessee History Center

This TN 250 project is a partnership between Knoxville’s poet laureate, Linda Parsons, the Knoxville Writers Guild, and the East Tennessee Historical Society. Thirty Knox County writers share how Tennessee has shaped them in the document being produced. Grant funding is provided by an agreement with the State of Tennessee administered by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. FREE

East Tennessee History Fair

August 15, 2026 from 9AM–4PM East Tennessee History Center

Join us for the return of the East Tennessee History Fair to celebrate the Semiquincentennial. This day-long celebration will take place in and around the East Tennessee History Center and will include living history demonstrations, live music, crafts, film screenings, children’s activities, and more. FREE

Knox Writers Guild

Monthly Meeting

September 3, 2026 at 7PM Addison’s Bookstore

Monthly meeting where at least six readers/performers will present. FREE

WHERE SOUTHERN CHARM MET ISLAND TIME ON THE SHORES OF JAMAICA.

The Gibsons

There are weddings that feel perfectly curated… and then there are weddings that feel completely alive.

For Savannah Swanson and Cody Gibson, their April 2026 destination wedding at Excellence Oyster Bay was never about creating something overly formal or pictureperfect. It was about creating a feeling. And somehow, beneath swaying palms and watercolor Caribbean skies, they created what guests would later call over and over again: “The best weekend ever.”

Their love story had already stood the test of time. After years of dating and a long engagement, Savannah knew exactly what she wanted when it came time to say “I do.” She wanted calm. Peace. Joy. Sand on her feet. Most of all, she wanted a wedding that felt like them.

Savannah and Cody have always shared a love for travel, water, and making memories with the people they love most, so a destination wedding felt natural from the beginning. Jamaica gave them more than a beautiful backdrop. It gave them time to slow down, celebrate with family and friends, and turn their wedding into a shared adventure. In many ways, the trip reflected exactly who they are as a couple - easygoing, joy-filled, and happiest when surrounded by the people who make life feel full.

The result was a Tennessee fairytale softened by ocean breezes, island sunsets, and carefree celebration.

The design embraced effortless coastal elegance. White florals mixed with lush greenery and tropical palms while soft blue bridesmaid dresses mirrored the ocean itself. Pearls, seashell textures, warm sand tones, and airy fabrics created a timeless island aesthetic that felt light, organic, and intentionally relaxed.

Savannah’s bridal style embodied that same energy perfectly. Her gown was simple, chic, and impossibly elegant against the bright Caribbean coastline. Flowing fabric moved effortlessly with the ocean breeze while her cathedral veil drifted behind her in the sand.

Delicate pearls and diamonds added a classic touch without overpowering the laid-back atmosphere surrounding her.

And then there were her eyes. Blue as the ocean behind her. In every photograph, the palette of the weekend seemed to come alive through her—soft ivory, sea glass blue, warm sunlight, and the greens of the tropical landscape wrapped into one breathtaking coastal vision. The details never screamed for attention, but quietly told the story instead. Hydrangeas and eucalyptus gathered loosely in hand-tied bouquets. White draping danced beneath the ceremony arbor. Nothing felt stiff. Nothing felt forced. Even the candid moments felt cinematic.

Mermaids & Matrimony

Themed events became part of the magic as the celebration unfolded over several days.

Their welcome cocktail hour, Mermaids & Matrimony, introduced the week with tropical drinks and carefree energy. One of the most talked-about events was the Tequila Sunrise Pool Party, filled with bright neon colors and bold island vibes.

Something Blue Before “I Do”, turned into the perfect pre-wedding pool party, bringing everyone together for an afternoon of sunshine, laughter, and island-style celebration.

And somehow, through all the celebration, the weekend never lost its sense of intimacy.

Before the ceremony, Savannah and Cody privately exchanged handwritten vows during their first look—just the two of them, taking in the weight of the moment before stepping into forever together.

Tequila Sunrise Pool Party

The ceremony itself took place just before sunset, when the sky softened into pale blues, peach tones, and gold light reflecting across the water. Guests sat oceanside as warm breezes moved through flowing white drapery and waves crashed softly behind them.

Then came the rooftop reception at sunset— elegant, joyful, and wildly fun all at once. Exactly as Savannah had envisioned. Exactly as Cody hoped too.

Because while Savannah carefully dreamed through every detail, Cody simply showed up ready to celebrate, laugh, and enjoy every second of it. That carefree spirit became part of the entire atmosphere of the wedding itself.

No stress. No pressure. Just good times, beautiful people, and a love story worth traveling for.This wasn’t a cookie-cutter destination wedding.

It was a Tennessee love story rewritten along the coast of Jamaica, full of pearls, seashells, ocean air, tequila sunrises, barefoot dancing, and memories that will live on far beyond the photographs.

The Gibsons truly know how to create moments that will feel just as alive years from now as they did beneath the Jamaican sun.

Something Blue Before I Do The Reception

ABUNDANT PHOTOGRAPHY

Halea Lingerfelt Gibby of Abundant

Photography captured the celebration with an intimacy only a lifelong friend could, having known Savannah since preschool.

www.abundantphoto.co

Just minutes from our mill in Niota, where many of our socks are crafted, The Sock Shop brings together World's Softest Socks, boutique finds, unique gifts, and everyday favorites like Simply Southern, Duke Cannon, Myra Handbags, Warmies and more. All the favorites you didn’t know you needed!

EBy Ray Hill

Senator Estes Kefauver

stes Kefauver had quite nearly managed the impossible by getting himself elected to the United States Senate in 1948. Kefauver took advantage of E. H. Crump’s mistake in refusing to back Senator Tom Stewart for reelection.

The state of the national Democratic Party that year was divided beyond all hope. President Harry Truman had been opposed by many Democrats for renomination and virtually nobody believed he could win the general election. Florida U. S. Senator Claude Pepper urged fellow Democrats to reject Truman and draft General Dwight D. Eisenhower as the nominee. Truman did receive the Democratic presidential nomination, but unhappy Southern Democrats bolted the convention. Southern Democrats, bitter about the civil rights plank adopted at the convention, rallied around South Carolina Governor Strom Thurmond. The far left of the Democratic Party was already supporting the presidential candidacy of yet another candidate, former Vice President Henry A. Wallace who was the nominee of the Progressive Party. Harry Truman would have to face not only the Republican candidate, New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey, but also Strom Thurmond and Henry Wallace in the general election.

In Tennessee, Henry Wallace would not be a factor, but E. H. Crump, leader of the Shelby County machine, was preparing to compound his previous political mistakes. Once having been notorious for not only allowing black folks to vote inside Democratic primaries, but actually encouraging them to do so, Crump was preparing to support the ‘Dixiecrats’. For years, the Shelby County organization had extended government services to the black community and the machine paid the poll taxes for those African-Americans who wished to vote. Of

course they were expected to vote the Crump ticket and they did.

Crump, a millionaire businessman, liked the way things were and felt threatened by the civil rights plank in the Democratic Party platform. E. H. Crump was not interested in changing the fundamentals of the Southern way of life. The Memphis Boss announced he would support Strom Thurmond and the Dixiecrats.

Tennessee Republicans believed the split in the Democratic Party might well pay dividends for them and they nominated serious candidates for both governor and the United States Senate. Legendary country music star Roy Acuff was the GOP nominee for governor and B. Carroll Reece was the nominee for the Senate.

Reece had been the Congressman from Tennessee’s highly Republican First District off and on since 1922. In 1946, Reece retired from Congress as he had been elected as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Reece presided over the election that returned Republicans to power, albeit briefly. The GOP took control of both houses of Congress in 1946 with a slogan that resonated with voters weary of sacrifice and deprivations relating to the recent world war, “Had Enough?”

Reece was quite wealthy and began touring the state in a shiny new Cadillac, leaving his campaign advisers horrified. They quickly changed vehicles to give Reece the appearance of a man of the people.

Tennessee Democrats were nervous, not only because the party was divided, but Roy Acuff was drawing enormous crowds. The gubernatorial candidate and his Smoky Mountain boys would entertain the audiences

with music while Carroll Reece usually made the speeches. Reece, like Crump in the recent Democratic primary, charged that Congressman Kefauver was too sympathetic to Communism. Kefauver hit back that Reece, who had served in Congress for twenty-six years, had never given the Tennessee Valley Authority the support it deserved; in fact, Kefauver told Tennesseans, Reece had been opposed to the TVA.

Some believed that Crump might be induced to support the Republican ticket, such was the Memphis Boss’s antipathy for Gordon Browning and Estes Kefauver. Crump’s personal friend and political partner, Senator K. D. McKellar, had already endorsed the Democratic ticket, including President Truman, as well as Browning and Kefauver. McKellar was a loyal Democrat and refused to budge regardless of what Crump himself did. McKellar even made a personal financial contribution to the state campaign fund. Senator McKellar also raised some $30,000 for the Democratic campaign. E. H. Crump never gave the Republicans any help in the general election and 1948 proved to be a terrible year for Republicans. Harry Truman beat Thomas E. Dewey and the Republicans lost control of the Congress. The Republican ticket fared no better in Tennessee. Estes Kefauver defeated Carroll Reece for the United States Senate by almost two hundred thousand votes. Gordon Browning returned to the governor’s mansion after beating Roy Acuff by a margin of two to one.

The biggest loser in the 1948 was E. H. Crump who had lost not only both the gubernatorial and senatorial elections, but had alienated himself from the national Democratic Party by backing the Dixiecrats. Crump’s only tie to the national party was his old friend McKellar. Of course Crump still ruled in Memphis and Shelby County. Hopeful opponents, thinking Crump’s power and influence had seriously diminished, fielded a slate of candidates

against the Crump ticket in the next election. To their surprise, the Crump ticket won easily.

Evidently one of Kefauver’s supporters and friends approached the old senator and suggested that he and Kefauver would take care of some of the political patronage, if McKellar didn’t mind. McKellar did mind and the famous McKellar temper erupted. The gentlemen left in quick retreat and Senator McKellar sent a blistering seven-page letter to Kefauver accusing the Congressman of dishonesty. McKellar pointed out Kefauver had assured him that the Congressman wanted to “cooperate” with him. Senator McKellar sarcastically noted that Kefauver’s idea of cooperation was to do all the operating and leave the “co” to McKellar.

Estes Kefauver had not yet taken the oath of office before running afoul of his powerful senior colleague, Senator Kenneth D. McKellar. McKellar had been dining at the elegant Mayflower Hotel, where he lived while in Washington. Evidently one of Kefauver’s supporters and friends approached the old senator and suggested that he and Kefauver would take care of some of the political patronage, if McKellar didn’t mind. McKellar did mind and the famous McKellar temper erupted. The gentlemen left in quick retreat and Senator McKellar sent a blistering seven-page letter to Kefauver accusing the Congressman of dishonesty. McKellar pointed out Kefauver had assured him that the Congressman wanted to “cooperate” with him. Senator McKellar sarcastically noted that Kefauver’s idea of cooperation was to do all the operating and leave the “co” to McKellar.

McKellar also likely embarrassed Kefauver by noting that the Congressman had campaigned in the general election without supporting the candidacy of Harry Truman and had anticipated Truman’s defeat by having recommended a Republican for an important federal appointment.

Kefauver, apparently sensing trouble with the irascible McKellar, had sent word that he wished to come by McKellar’s office and the old senator closed his letter saying he was still welcome to come. McKellar, once retired from the Senate, related the spat with Kefauver and claimed to have chased the surprised Kefauver out of his office while brandishing his cane. It was certainly in character for the old senator.

Evidently Kefauver somehow managed to placate McKellar, if only briefly, as McKellar observed Senate decorum and escorted his new colleague down the aisle to be sworn into office. Kefauver was the eighth senator from Tennessee to serve with K. D. McKellar.

The personal relations between the two men did not remain cordial for long. The two constantly bickered over patronage and McKellar was infuriated by one of the few instances when Kefauver got his way. McKellar was backing the reappointment of Reed Sharp as U. S. Marshal for Middle Tennessee, while Kefauver supported another individual. Kefauver claimed Sharp had supported Strom Thurmond and the Dixiecrats, which was apparently enough for Harry Truman to refuse to reappoint him.

Kefauver also managed to thwart McKellar’s desire to give former senator Tom Stewart a plum in the form of an appointment as attorney for the Reconstruction Finance Corporation in Nashville. Senator Kefauver wasn’t keen on giving any kind of position to his former opponent and the appointment never came through.

McKellar demonstrated his power inside the Senate when the two disagreed over judgeships in Tennessee. McKellar had introduced a bill to provide Tennessee with a fourth federal judge. Kefauver wanted the new judge to be a “roving” judge and hear cases in different parts of the state, a notion which displeased McKellar. Despite being a member of the Senate’s Judiciary Committee, Kefauver found himself routed by McKellar, who took the dispute to the floor of the United States Senate.

Although aging and increasingly more often ill, Senator McKellar had lost none of his shrewdness in managing a bill inside the Senate and his disdain for his younger colleague was plain for all to see.

According to Kefauver’s biographer, Charles Fontenay, Kefauver’s Administrative Assistant, Charles Neese, believed the dislike of Senator McKellar helped to isolate Estes Kefauver in the Senate. Kefauver would never be personally popular with his colleagues; quite to the contrary in fact. Kefauver’s reputation as a loner and a maverick was, according to Neese, largely

due to the dislike of the powerful McKellar during the four years to two served together.

The Southerners were especially powerful inside the United States Senate and most of the powerful committee chairmanships were held by Southerners. Southern senators tended to be reelected by their respective states and in a body where seniority brought increased power and influence, the Southerners occupied positions of real power. By and large, Estes Kefauver was detested by his fellow Southern senators.

Having the luxury of running once every six-years rather than every two-years as he had to do while in the House of Representatives, Kefauver invested in a home for his family.

Having the luxury of running once every six-years rather than every two-years as he had to do while in the House of Representatives, Kefauver invested in a home for his family. New Mexico senator Carl A. Hatch (author of the famous Hatch Act) was returning home after having retired to accept a federal judgeship and Kefauver bought the Hatch house. It was a comfortable home, one which the Kefauver children enjoyed tremendously. The Kefauver household was an informal one and the Kefauver children’s friends came and went as they pleased, which apparently never bothered either senator or Mrs. Kefauver. The house was chock full of happy children and pets.

New Mexico senator Carl A. Hatch (author of the famous Hatch Act) was returning home after having retired to accept a federal judgeship and Kefauver bought the Hatch house. It was a comfortable home, one which the Kefauver children enjoyed tremendously. The Kefauver household was an informal one and the Kefauver children’s friends came and went as they pleased, which apparently never bothered either senator or Mrs. Kefauver. The house was chock full of happy children and pets.

The Kefauvers enjoyed a pleasant life in the nation’s Capitol and Estes bought himself a new Packard sedan, although he rarely ever drove himself, save for when he led family excursions. The senator also bought his wife Nancy a sporty new Studebaker convertible.

Life in Washington was good for Estes Kefauver and his family.

Join in on all the Fun

at Our Upcoming Events

Party on the Plaza

at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Party on the Plaza at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies every Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm in June & July! Enjoy music, dancing, games, bubbles, animal encounters, and more!

Reality Remix

at Ripley’s Illusion Lab

Kick off your weekends with Reality Remix at Ripley’s Illusion Lab every Friday from 11 am to 3 pm May 29th through July 31st! Step into a world where perspective flips, reality bends, and every corner is photo-worthy. It’s a fun, fresh way to start your Friday with friends, family, or anyone who loves a good “wait…how is that possible?!” moment.

Fun-O-Rama

at Ripley’s Super Fun Park

Saturdays are for full-throttle fun at Fun-O-Rama at Ripley’s Super Fun Park every Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm May 30th through July 25th! Whether you’re planning a family day out or a competitive hang with friends, this is your weekly invitation to play bigger, laugh louder, and make summer weekends count.

Unique Summmer Fun

at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Make your summer uniquely fun at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies all June and July! Enjoy seeing Mermaids swimming, have Breakfast or a photo taken with a Mermaid! See the Penguin Parade, Splash with a Stingray or attend Summer Camps at the Aquarium! Visit ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com for more information!

2026:FARRAGUT CELEBRATES 18 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS!

A Roundtable With Five Of Farragut High School’s National

At Farragut High School, achievement is not just measured by test scores, AP classes, or college acceptance letters. Sometimes, it sounds more like laughter around a table.

This year, Farragut celebrated 18 National Merit Finalists, an extraordinary accomplishment recognizing some of the highest-achieving students in the country. Five of those students - Jessie An, Alexander Lin, Leyton Lu, Adithya Sastry, and Yunpeng “Ding Ding” Tan - gathered for a conversation that felt less like an interview and more like a glimpse into the future.

The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students with exceptional academic performance, leadership, and achievement. But what made these students memorable was not simply intelligence. It was perspective.

Merit Finalists

In a generation shaped by comparison culture, endless scrolling, AI overload, and pressure to constantly perform, these students spoke about balance, healthy friendships, authenticity, and learning to compete only with the person you were yesterday.

“At Farragut, it’s more about competing with yourself,” they explained. “Not trying to beat everyone else.”

Again and again, they described a culture at Farragut High filled with driven students, supportive teachers, and friendships that pushed them to grow without becoming toxic or cutthroat. Science Club, Math Club, and challenging classrooms became more than extracurriculars. They became a community. And behind every student was someone who helped shape them along the way.

There is something beautifully balanced about Jessie An.

One moment, she is discussing biomedical engineering at Yale University and her hopes of designing affordable prosthetics that could help change lives. Next, she is talking about dance rehearsals, figure skating, and the importance of having an outlet outside of academics.

For Jessie, creativity became essential. Dance and skating gave her space away from pressure and expectations, reminding her that life cannot revolve around achievement alone.

JESSIE AN Creativity, Compassion & Learning to Breathe

“Having something outside of academics that makes you happy is huge,” she shared.

Jessie also spoke warmly about the mentors who shaped her journey, including Mrs. Kersey, whose Latin classroom became a calming and welcoming space, and Mr. Arthur, who became both mentor and trusted confidant.

But perhaps the person who shaped Jessie most was her older sister. Growing up, Jessie admitted she wanted to be just like her. More than a sibling, her sister became her role model and biggest inspiration, quietly shaping her confidence, goals, and identity.

As she heads to Yale this fall, Jessie seems determined to blend intelligence, compassion, and creativity in ways that genuinely help others.

ALEX LIN

Physics & the Pursuit of Wonder

Alex Lin speaks about physics the way some people talk about art.

This fall, he will attend Cornell University to study physics, possibly pursuing a Ph.D. one day. But what stood out most was not simply his intelligence - it was his curiosity.

Alex credited much of that passion to Mr. Milligan, a teacher students described as both “friendly and intimidating at the same time,” whose presence and unmistakable “aura” reflected his love for teaching and naturally inspired respect.

Like many high-achieving students, Alexander admitted there is a stereotype that students like him have everything perfectly planned out.

“The truth? We don’t. We just work really well under pressure,” they joked.

That honesty made the conversation feel refreshingly human.

Years from now, Alex may contribute to discoveries none of us can imagine yet. But for now, he is still a teenager standing at the edge of the unknown, carrying curiosity into whatever comes next.

Adithya Sastry dreams about the future in ways most of us cannot fully comprehend, but are fascinated by all the same.

At Duke University, he plans to study electrical and computer engineering with hopes of working in robotics, particularly innovative technology that could help during environmental disasters and emergencies. But what made Adithya memorable was not simply ambition. It was thoughtfulness.

Again and again, he returned to people. One of the biggest influences in his life has been Mr. Gulledge, whose calculus classroom

Curiosity,

ADITHYA SASTRY Robotics, Purpose & Listening to People

became more than a place for equations and homework. Students gathered around his famous couch to decompress, laugh, vent, and talk about life. Adithya described him as one of those rare people who truly listens.

Maybe that mindset will shape the kind of engineer he becomes someday too - not someone who simply builds technology, but someone who builds things that genuinely help people.

LEYTON LU

Humor, Friendship & Learning What Really Matters

Every friend group has that one person who somehow keeps everyone laughing and makes stressful moments feel lighter.

For this group, that person is Leyton Lu.

Headed to Vanderbilt University, Leyton plans to explore pre-med while remaining open to wherever life eventually takes him. At one point, he dreamed of playing collegiate tennis before reaching a crossroads between sports and academics - a decision that shaped him in lasting ways. It taught him that life does not always follow the path you once imagined, and that growth sometimes comes from learning when to pivot while still holding onto the passions that shaped you along the way.

Asked what he hoped people remembered most about him, his immediate answer was, “How handsome I am.” The table erupted in laughter. But seconds later, he followed it with something much more meaningful: “That I was a good friend.”

And maybe that answer said everything. Leyton spoke warmly about close friendships, mentors, and classroom moments that became lasting life lessons. What makes him memorable is not just his humor, though

there is plenty of it. It is the way he naturally brings joy into a room.

Years from now, people may not remember every award, grade, or achievement from high school. They will remember the people who made hard days lighter.

Leyton already seems to embody that in a rare way. His humor, kindness, and ability to bring good vibes into a room leave a lasting impact on the people around him. Something tells me Leyton will move mountains one day, making the world better simply by being himself.

YUNPENG “DING DING” TAN

Gratitude, Opportunity & Quiet Determination

There is a quiet steadiness about Yunpeng “Ding Ding” Tan.

This fall, he will attend University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study electrical engineering while pursuing research and industry opportunities.

But underneath all the academic success is a deep sense of gratitude. Yunpeng reflected often on the teachers who shaped him - especially Mr. Gulledge, Mr. Milligan, Mrs. Loveday, and Mrs. Brimer - educators whose passion and encouragement genuinely impacted students. He described Mrs. Loveday simply as “chill to talk to,” a compliment that says everything about the kind of connection students remember most.

But perhaps his greatest inspiration is his father, a man who once worked as a farmer in China before studying tirelessly to create new opportunities for their family in America.

You could hear the admiration in Yunpeng’s voice as he talked about him - the

understanding that sacrifice often lives quietly behind success.

Yunpeng said he hopes people remember him as someone who positively impacted others.

A good friend.Someone who mattered in people’s lives. And in many ways, that quiet humility may be what makes him so memorable in the first place.

THE NEXT CHAPTER Right Now, These Students Are Living In That Strange In-Between Season Of Life.

Graduation parties. Summer trips. Coffee runs. Late-night gaming. Catching up with old friends before everyone scatters across the country carrying pieces of one another into completely different futures.

Like every graduating class before them, they are excited and terrified all at once. Because the unknown is scary. But maybe the unknown is also where people finally become who they are meant to be.

If this conversation proved anything, it is this: these students already understand something many people spend years trying to learn.

Success is not about becoming a perfect version of someone else. It is about becoming the truest version of yourself. Work hard. Stay curious. Find good people. Be kind. Laugh often. Leave room for change. And do not lose yourself trying to keep up with the world around you.

These students are already bright lights in the world. And something tells me this is only the beginning.

Pinks and Sweet William

BY GAYLE FISHER

Currently blooming for a limited time here in Tennessee are two showy plants from the same family, Pinks and Sweet Williams. Dianthus is a large genus with over 300 species and literally thousands of cultivars. “Pinks” are hardy perennials that are easy to grow in full sun with well-drained soil. I have had them growing in a formal bed for years but in the last three years they have been shaded by a holly and are not getting enough sunlight. My Pinks are dianthus gratianopolitanus, they come in all shades of pink but they do not get their name from the color. The name comes from the fringed or ragged edge of the petals, which appears to have been trimmed with pinking shears.

Blooms can also be white, maroon, and red. They can be single, semi double, or fully double. These plants are generally low growing and mound shaped. The foliage is evergreen with grass like blades of blue, or gray-green color. Bloom time is late April into summer.

They make an attractive edging plant for beds and borders. If you need a specific color for your garden, it is best to buy plants that have been propagated by division, cuttings or layering. Dianthus tends to die out in the center and need dividing every 2 to 3 years to keep them attractive and vigorous.

This is a spicy scented flower and in a large grouping it provides for a sweet-smelling garden in late afternoon and early morning. You should remove spent blooms or shear

back plants after the main flush of flowers to encourage continued blooming. These beautiful mounds need little care to look their best. They would like a spring feeding high in phosphorus (bone meal) or an annual dose of wood ashes helps to keep the soil slightly acid (ph 6.5). With the way this year has started we are lucky that this plant is heat tolerant.

Sweet William is a sister plant, Dianthus barbatus, it is another old-fashioned flower. Popular in cottage gardens for hundreds of years this short-lived perennial is commonly grown as a biennial. Biennial means that they set plants one year and bloom the next. These plants are prolific self-sowers. I have had a spot of Sweet Williams in my bed for 10 years and have always had plenty of blooms in May. This species of dianthus aren’t fragrant at all. They have strong stout stems with glossy, dark green leaves. The flowers are showy flat-topped clusters and can grow two-feet-tall. Colors are red, pink, white, multi-color, and fuchsia. They make excellent cut flowers.

My sister-in-law who lives in Kahite has Sweet William growing in a wooden barrel. The deer in her neighborhood think they taste delicious. This forced her to jail her Sweet Williams on her deck. This year she said they had never been prettier. Her mother gave her the starter plants 15 years ago. Even though they have sissy little names Pinks and Sweet Williams are tough plants.

played mountain golf, you’re missing out on one of the game’s most exciting Championship Golf Courses with dramatic mountain vistas, colorful blooming running water hazards. Plus challenging elevation shifts and unforgiving woods hooks and slices.

perfect time to experience Fairfield Glade Resort. Everything is in bloom. Deer and encounters are not uncommon. And temperatures and humidity are mild. clubs, hiking boots, your tennis and pickleball racquets and your fishing gear. Glade for a day, for a week or more. There’s more fun here than most anywhere shining sea.

drive from Knoxville and Chattanooga or anywhere in east Tennessee. www.fairfieldglade.com/golf-packages for details on booking. Or call us at (888) 334-5233.

Now the fun begins.

WHERE THE GAME COMES TO LIFE

PICKLEBALL

FROM BEGINNER LESSONS TO COMPETITIVE LEAGUES, THE COURTS AT FAIRFIELD GLADE ARE ALIVE WITH ENERGY ALL SUMMER LONG.

There’s something happening in Fairfield Glade, and you can feel it the moment you arrive. Maybe it’s the sound. Not the kind that fades into the background, but the rhythmic pop of a pickleball echoing across the courts… the steady rally of tennis… the laughter between points… the kind of energy that draws you in before you even pick up a paddle. But if you stay a little longer, you realize, it’s not just the sound. It’s the people behind it. This isn’t just recreation. This is connection.

And in Fairfield Glade, it’s becoming something people are willing to travel for, and once they arrive, they don’t want to leave.

A Racquet Facility Built For The Moment - And The Future

At the heart of it all is Fairfield Glade’s expanding racquet sports scene, led by Director of Recreation William Taylor, a Crossville native whose roots in the game run deep. From five years of collegiate tennis at UT Martin to coaching and club experience, Taylor isn’t just overseeing growth, he’s lived it.

And that same passion is shared by the entire racquet sports team. Here, the professionals are more than instructors, they are the heartbeat of the facility. Talented and knowledgeable, yes, but what truly sets them apart is how

deeply they care. Every new player who walks onto the court is seen, welcomed, and encouraged. Whether it’s your first swing or your hundredth match, you’re met with the same level of attention, patience, and belief. And that’s where the difference begins.

Because the growth here isn’t just in numbers, it’s in relationships. With over 700 pickleball players and 300 tennis players in a community of just under 11,000, Fairfield Glade has become a destination for racquet sports enthusiasts of every level. Families, retirees, beginners, and competitors all find their place here, not just because of the facilities, but because of how they’re made to feel when they arrive.

What Makes It Different? It’s Open.

Anyone can come play. Whether you’re visiting for the day, joining friends for a weekend getaway, or simply stopping by to experience the courts for yourself, Fairfield Glade offers a welcoming atmosphere that makes newcomers feel right at home.

And now, the next chapter is underway.

A new, fully enclosed indoor pickleball facility, set to open in 2027, will feature 10 cushioned courts to support your joints, climate control for year-round play, and dedicated spectator space for tournaments and events. It’s a

thoughtful response to the sport’s explosive growth, and a signal that Fairfield Glade is not just keeping up, but continuing to invest in the people who make it so special.

More Than a GameIt’s a Gateway

Pickleball may be the fastest-growing sport in the country, but here, it’s something more personal. It’s the entry point. The introduction. The beginning of something new. Because in Fairfield Glade, it’s not just about learning a sport, it’s about finding your people.

The apprentice classes, offered 8-10 times per year, sell out quickly, and for good reason. They’re more than lessons. They’re where friendships begin. Where nervous first-timers become confident players. Where laughter is just as common as learning.

From there, players move into leagues, groups, and ambassador programs, never alone, always supported. There’s a natural rhythm to it. You learn, you grow, you connect. And before long, you’re not just playing. You belong.

Some who once stepped onto the court unsure are now tournament champions. Others simply found a place they look forward to showing up to each week. Because here, no one plays alone.

Play Through Every Season

Fairfield Glade’s racquet facilities are designed for real life, not perfect weather. With indoor tennis courts, outdoor clay courts, and a growing pickleball complex, play doesn’t stop when the forecast changes. Events like the Tellico Tennis Challenge, held twice a year, rain or shine, bring friendly competition and tradition together in a way that keeps players coming back, not just for the game, but for the people they’ve met along the way

SUMMER BRINGS ITS OWN KIND OF ENERGY:

Dogs & Drinks – July 4th Round Robin

Fairfield Glade Pickleball Classic – Late July

USTA-sanctioned tennis events each spring

Moments that feel just as much like gatherings as they do competitions. And with the integration of systems like DUPR ratings, players can track their growth and compete at levels that match their skill, while still holding onto the spirit that makes the game so special.

It’s structured, but never rigid. Competitive, but always welcoming. And above all, it’s a place where people come to play… and stay for something more.

Players of all ages and skill levels gather at Fairfield Glade to enjoy tennis, pickleball, and the friendships built along the way.

William Taylor, Director of Recreation, and Racquet Sports Pro Dylan Nelson are helping lead Fairfield Glade’s growing tennis and pickleball community with passion, experience, and a welcoming spirit.

Indoor and outdoor courts allow Fairfield Glade members and guests to enjoy year-round play in every season.

Where Championship Moments Meet Community Spirit

Just beyond the courts, another kind of excitement unfolds.

Fairfield Glade continues to host two of Tennessee’s most celebrated golf events, the Tennessee Women’s Open and the Tennessee Senior State Open, both returning for 2026 at Stonehenge Golf Club for the third year of partnership.

JUNE 15 -16

The Tennessee Senior State draws some of the state’s most respected players and legends of the game.

JULY 23 - 25

Then, just a few weeks later, the Tennessee Women’s Open takes center stage as one of the longest-running tournaments of its kind in the country, attracting elite professionals and amateurs from across the globe.

Heatherhurst Golf Club The Crag The Crag course is player-friendly with tee locations ranging from the most forward Green tees at 3,600 yards to the Blue tees at 6,200. Bentgrass tees and greens, wide fairways—great for short hitters—and strategically placed bunkers add to the fun. The 17th is the Crag’s signature hole. The teeing areas sit on an overlook that will have you pausing to take in the view. Although the 17th is a short hole, driving accuracy is important. A favorite among our furry and feathered friends, don’t be surprised to see deer, turkey, squirrels or other passersby on the Crag course.

421 STONEHENGE DRIVE (931) 484-3799

IThe Golf Capital Of Tennessee

three par 5’s with undulating fairways and encroaching bunkers. Number 10 is a par 5 that moves downhill to a green overlooking Lake Dartmoor. The Brae is the only course in the area with Zoysia grass fairways.

STONEHENGE DRIVE (931) 484-3799

The Golf Capital Of Tennessee

But what sets these tournaments apart isn’t just the talent. It’s the atmosphere.

Crowds gather along the iconic 18th green. Volunteers show up year after year. Players consistently say it’s one of their favorite stops, not because of the course alone, but because of the people who make it feel like home.

The Bear Trace at Cumberland

And for those watching from the sidelines, it’s more than just spectating, it’s an experience.

An invitation to spend the day outdoors, to walk the course, to take in the competition up close… and maybe even be inspired to tee it up yourself.

Because here’s the beauty of Fairfield Glade, you don’t have to be in the tournament to enjoy the game.

Visitors are always welcome to book a round, creating the perfect opportunity to turn a day of spectating into a full golf getaway. Come for the championship moments… and stay to create a few of your own.

707-1640

Close to Home, Far From Ordinary

Located on the Cumberland Plateau, just a short drive from Knoxville, Nashville, and Chattanooga, Fairfield Glade offers something rare. It feels like an escape, without requiring one. Miles of hiking trails. Springfed lakes. Championship golf. Racquet sports. Wellness facilities. Dining. Events.

You can come for a weekend… And find yourself planning the next one before you leave.

The Invitation

Fairfield Glade isn’t just growing, it’s evolving. Into a place where sport meets community. Where beginners become competitors. Where weekends turn into traditions.

And whether you come for the sound of the paddle, the thrill of competition, or simply the chance to try something new, you’ll find more than a game waiting for you here… you’ll find a place to belong.

Heatherhurst The The Crag course locations ranging Green tees at 3,600 at 6,200. Bentgrass fairways—great strategically placed

The 17th is the teeing areas sit you pausing to

The at Cumberland State

1999, the Bear Mountain State Top Ten You

f you enjoy golfing, consider driving to Crossville, the Golf Capital of Tennessee. Crossville has many championship courses, and people play more than half a million rounds there each year.

Heatherhurst Golf Club The Brae

Heatherhurst Brae Course was named in the top 5 courses you can play in Tennessee by Golfweek Magazine!

Heatherhurst

Steve Kraft, PGA

mulligans before you even tee up your first ball.

FARRAGUT MUSEUM OPENS NEW TEMPORARY EXHIBIT

The Farragut Museum opened a new temporary exhibit, “Cornerstones of Community: Churches of Farragut,” on Thursday, May 7. The exhibit details the history of churches in Farragut.

“Churches play a vital role in any community, and we wanted to focus on Farragut’s churches, how they were established, and how they made an impact in our Town. We asked our local churches to participate in the exhibit by loaning us items such as hymnals, old bulletins, special cups, vases, etc., and we’d share the stories,” said Kristi Vining, Historic Resources Coordinator for the Town of Farragut.

There are approximately 20 churches in the town limits of Farragut, from Concord Baptist Church, which was received into the Tennessee Baptist Association in 1891, to the under construction Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which, when completed, will be one of only three temples in Tennessee.

Included in the exhibit will be the original pulpit, used 1887-1964, from Virtue Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Bulletins and photos from Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church, established in 1860, will be displayed. St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, founded in 1984, loaned a beautiful banner. Faith Lutheran Church’s original charter, signed in 1977, is available to read. Concord Methodist Church, established in 1865, shared a Bible dated 1877.

“Cornerstones of Community: Churches of Farragut” will be open through Sept. 8. Farragut Museum hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday, and admission is free.

Grandma Gatewood: The First Woman to Solo Hike the Entire Appalachian Trail

In 1955, Emma “Grandma” Gatewood told her children that she was “going for a hike in the woods” – little did they know that this hike would be the entire 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail (A.T.), the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. Though hiking the entire A.T. is already an impressive feat, Gatewood’s trip was even more remarkable for a number of reasons; she was 67 years old at the time, a mother of 11, a grandmother of 23, and a survivor of more than 30 years of domestic abuse. When she summited Katahdin on September 25, 1955, she became the first woman ever to complete the entire A.T. alone in one season. A pioneer in long-distance hiking and a portrait of resilience, Gatewood broke barriers in the outdoors, sending the message that “if those men can do it, I can do it.”

Emma Rowena Caldwell was born on October 25, 1887 on a farm in Gallia County, Ohio. She had always lived a rather difficult life. Her father, Hugh Caldwell, a Civil War veteran, who had lost his leg after being wounded, was a heavy drinker and an avid gambler. As a child, she was often called on to do the strenuous manual labor that the farm required, and she shared just four beds with her 14 siblings in the family’s log cabin. At the age of 19, Emma married Perry Clayton Gatewood, a 26-year-old farmer who put her to work building fences and mixing cement. Sadly, he also physically abused her for more than 30 years.

Despite extensive media coverage of her A.T. hike in 1955, the story of Gatewood’s abuse wasn’t revealed until a newspaper reporter, Ben Montgomery, published her story in his book Grandma Gatewood’s Walk in 2014. Montgomery is Gatewood’s great-great-grandnephew and a journalist for the Tampa Bay Times. He spoke with Gatewood’s surviving children who shared with him journals and letters detailing Gatewood’s abuse.

As Montgomery writes, Gatewood and her husband were married just three months before “he drew blood.” He beat her throughout their marriage, nearly pummeling her to death several times. During one beating, she wrote that her husband had broken a broom over her head. These beatings continued until one day in 1939 when he broke her teeth, cracked one of her ribs, and nearly killed her. In response to this beating, Gatewood threw a sack of flour at him. When law-enforcement officials arrived, they arrested Emma instead of her husband. She spent a night in jail until the mayor of the small West Virginia town where they lived saw her battered face and took her to his home, under his protection. In 1940, after 33 years together, Gatewood managed to get a divorce from her husband – which was almost unheard of for women at the time. She raised the remaining three of her eleven children on her own.

In the 1950s, when all of her children were out of the house, Gatewood read a National Geographic article about Earl Shaffer, the first man to thru-hike the A.T. The fact that no woman had solo hiked the A.T. presented a challenge to her. In an obituary, Gatewood’s

daughter stated that her mother had said: “If those men can do it, I can do it.” As someone who often sought refuge in the outdoors (she would frequently take walks in the woods behind her house when she was married to her abusive husband), it’s theorized that Gatewood sought out the Appalachian Trail, in part, as a sort of sanctuary. Montgomery writes: “I’m not sure she was walking toward something so much as she was walking away.”

Her first attempt at the A.T. happened in 1953. She started in Maine, but it was a complete failure. She broke her glasses, got lost, and was rescued by a few rangers who told her to go home. Two years later, Gatewood made the trek again, but this time, she started in Georgia to avoid the rangers who had discouraged her on her first trip. In neither instance did she tell her children where she was going – she just told them that she was going for a hike. According to Montgomery, she was worried that her kids would try to stop her.

When Gatewood set out, she brought with her just a homemade denim bag with a blanket, a shower curtain, a cup, a canteen and bottle for water, a small pot, a spoon, a Swiss Army knife, a first-aid kit, pins, a flashlight, a piece of rope, a raincoat, a warm coat, a change of clothes, and her trusty Keds sneakers. She wore out seven pairs of Keds during the entirety of her trip. Remarkably, Gatewood did not bring a sleeping bag, a tent, a compass, or a map. Instead, she relied on the hospitality and kindness of strangers who lived along the trail for food and shelter.

Emma Gatewood at Lonesome Lake on her second A.T. trip in 1957. Photo by Peter Brandt, courtesy of AMC Library & Archives

This was rather easy to do, because Gatewood became something of a local celebrity in the neighboring towns.

Media coverage of her trip was extensive with local reporters stopping to interview her. Her own children found out about her trip because a newspaper clipping had made its way to her hometown in Ohio. Despite this hospitality, the trip was not entirely comfortable. Gatewood often slept on front porch swings, under picnic benches, or on a bed of leaves. She ate canned Vienna sausages, raisins, nuts, chicken bouillon cubes, or greens she found on the trail. Gatewood was particularly resourceful and had learned which plants were edible before her trip.

The day before she climbed Katahdin to complete her hike, Gatewood fell and broke her glasses again, just as she had on her first attempt. She also bruised her face and sprained her ankle. In spite of this, on September 25, 1955 after 146 days of hiking, she persevered to complete the one last stretch and summited Katahdin, making history as the first woman to solo hike the A.T. in one season. Upon reaching the summit of Katahdin on that cold and windy day, she sang “America the Beautiful.”

Given her age, limited gear, and the condition of the trail, the pace with which she hiked was noteworthy. She averaged 14 miles a day, often hiking from sunrise until she was absolutely spent. The members of at least one Boy Scout troop and their leaders reported that they were unable to keep up with her.

But Gatewood didn’t stop there. Two years

later, she returned to thru-hike the trail again, making her the first person to hike the full Appalachian Trail twice. In 1964, she hiked it a third time, but this time in sections. Gatewood left a remarkable legacy on the Appalachian Trail.

As a woman over 60, she introduced a new demographic to the sport of thruhiking. Many women, after hearing about Gatewood’s trek, convinced themselves that if Grandma Gatewood could hike the Appalachian Trail, so could they. In the

years since Gatewood’saccomplishment, the A.T. has increasingly become more inclusive of women. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, in the trail’s first several decades, women represented only about 15% of those who completed the entire A.T. However, by 2018, women represented a third of all thru-hikers. For Gatewood, the decision to hike the A.T. was rather simple – she ignored any barriers and anyone who told her she wouldn’t be able to do it. When one reporter asked why she wanted to hike the A.T., Gatewood stated: “Because I wanted to.”

Emma Gatewood signed the Lonesome Lake Hut logbook on her second A.T. trip in 1957.

Emma Gatewood signed the Carter Notch Hut logbook on her second A.T. trip in 1957.

Summer HAPPENINGS

FARRAGUT

SCIENCE FAIR

May 22, 2026

4-6 p.m. Friday – Ages 8-13; $10

Show off your scientific knowledge at our Science Fair! Kids can submit one project on a scientific topic of their choice. There will be age categories according to the ages of those who apply. View more information at our website.

www.visitfarragut.org/

FARRAGUT’S KID TRY-ATHLON

Saturday, June 13, 2026

8 to 10 a.m. – Ages 4-6, 7-10; $20 per child

Registration deadline: May 7

Bike, run and splash your way to the finish line! This non-competitive event allows young athletes to experience aspects of

a triathlon. No swimming takes place, but participants will encounter water obstacles as they head towards the finish line. A parent/guardian must accompany participants in the 4-6 age group on the course. Participants will receive a t-shirt and medal. Registration is required; the deadline to register is Thursday, May 7.

www.visitfarragut.org/

RED, WHITE AND BLUEGRASS CONCERT

June 13, 2026 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza 101 N. Campbell Station Rd, Farragut

To join in on the America 250 celebrations we will be hosting Red, White & Bluegrass at McGill Plaza just outside the Campbell Station Inn. Celebrate the United States Semi-quincentennial with one of Tennessee’s oldest musical genres! Variety of food trucks onsite, serving up delicious bites so you can focus on the music and fun. More details announced soon!

www.visitfarragut.org/event/red-whiteand-bluegras/

YOUTH DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT

June 16, 2026

Tuesday, 4-6 p.m. – Ages 8-12 $10 per team (5 players per team)

Duck, dodge, and dive into the action! This youth dodgeball tournament is open to youth of all skill levels. Teams compete in a double elimination format, giving everyone multiple chances to play and advance. Register for the Youth Dodgeball Tournament.

www.visitfarragut.org/

INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

Saturday, July 4

9:30 a.m. til 12:00 noon Kingston Pike/Stadium Dr to Boring Road

Join us at our annual Independence Day Parade! Enjoy floats, dancers, bands, antique cars and more as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday!

www.visitfarragut.org/

FUN WITH FARRAGUT’S FLEET

Sunday, August 23, 2026

9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Mayor Bob Leonard Park, 301 Watt Road, Farragut, TN 37934

Kids have the opportunity to see, touch and climb on big trucks and equipment at Farragut’s Mayor Bob Leonard Park. This family-friendly free event in East Tennessee brings out the kid in all of us!

visitfarragut.org/event/fun-with-the-fleet/

GATLINBURG

BREAKFAST WITH A MERMAID

5 Thursdays this Summer 8:00 a.m., Ripley’s Aquarium

Have you ever wanted to meet a mermaid? Now is your chanxce! Join us for Breakfast with a Mermaid at Ripley’s Aquarium in

Gatlinburg. Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits, potatoes, juices and coffee. After breakfast snap a shell-fie with our mermaid. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. for a hot breakfast and coffee in Feeding Frenzy. Kids can take pictures and talk with a Mermaid. After you are free to enjoy the Aquarium. Your ticket purchase also includes admission to the Aquarium. Dates: June 4, 18; July 2, 16; and Aug 6. www.ripleys.com

JULY 4 PARADE

Sunday, July 4, 2026

12:01 Midnight (Saturday night)

Gatlinburg has the First Independence Day Parade in the Nation. Starting just a minute past midnight on Sunday, July 4th. For more than 40 years, the parade has honored our nation’s veterans & other U.S. military heroes with this classic, small town American parade. Then join us all day July 4 for events throughout the city and don’t miss the Fireworks finale show at 11:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg! This 20 minute fireworks show earns rave reviews and it’s a great way to finish a perfect 4th of July in the Smokies. Be sure to arrive early to find parking and get a great spot for viewing this popular nighttime celebration.

www.pigeonforge.com/july-4th-events

RIVER RAFT REGATTA

July 4, 2026 1:00 p.m.

The Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta race starts at 1:00 pm at the old Christ in the Smokies bridge and ends at Ripley’s Aquarium. In addition to the two classic categories, Trash (not hand-made) and Treasure (handmade), this year offers a new Duck category. You can bring your own rubber ducky or purchase one for $2 onsite. Awards will go to the top 3 in each category.

www.pigeonforgepatriotfestival.com

PIGEON FORGE

PATRIOT FEST 2026

July 3-4, 2026

Patriot Park

Celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary at Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Festival, now expanded to a two-day event on July 3 and 4. This free, family-friendly celebration kicks off the holiday weekend with live entertainment, food, and a festive atmosphere leading up to the Fourth of July. Fireworks will be at 9:50 p.m. on July 4th. Check our website for the schedule. www.pigeonforgepatriotfestival.com

MOOFEST

Saturday, June 6, 2026

Downtown Athens

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Free Admission

Live Entertainment all day on the Market Pavilion stage and the Courthouse steps and many food trucks, vendors and events for the kids.

www.friendlycityfestivals.com

SOUNDS OF SUMMER

Every Other Saturday, June thru August Market Park Pavilion Athens, TN

7 p.m. – Free Admission

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the Sounds of Summer in Athens every other Saturday, presented by Friendly City Fesitvals. Jun 6, Cole Sitzlar; Jun 13, September Song; July 4, Mendingwall; July 18, Dexter Thomas Band; Aug 8, Scenic City Sound; Aug 15, Confederate Railroad.

www.friendlycityfestivals.com

OTN AMERICA 250

June 18 thru July 28, 2026

Nancy Cantrell Dender Art Gallery next to Gem Theater Downtown Etowah

The Etowah Historical Commission and Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association will Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our nation by presenting “Our American Story: Voices from Tennessee” – a Tennessee State Museum traveling exhibit that highlights the lives and legacies of remarkable Tennesseans whose stories connect with and contribute to the nation’s history. Free of charge – the exhibit invites visitors to explore how individual actions have helped shape the nation.

www.TennesseeOverhill.com

n July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past and honor the contributions of all Americans. Our goal is to engage all 350 million Americans by our nation’s 250th Anniversary. Join us in celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial by sharing your story through “Our American Story or America’s Invitation,” inviting students to describe what America means to them as part of America’s Field Trip, or helping make 2026 a record setting year for volunteer service through America Gives. For a schedule of Special Events throughout the country check out the website – www.America250.org.

McMINN

2026 ENGLEWOOD CELEBRATES

Saturday, June 27, 2026 beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Downtown Englewood

Join us at 7:30 a.m. for the Boy Scouts pancake breakfast and stay with us all day as we celebrate our 40th Annual June Days in Englewood with games, entertainment, vendors and food trucks. The evening ends with a concert on the Main Street stage.

ETOWAH’S OLD FASHIONED JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

Saturday, July 4, 2026 beginning at 7 a.m.

Downtown Etowah Depot

Join us at 7 a.m. for the Boy Scouts pancake breakfast and stay with us all day as we celebrate our nation’s birthday with games, entertainment, vendors and food trucks. Fireworks will be at 10 p.m. including a laser light show and Skynfolks, a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band will keep us rocking.

Facebook: Etowah 4th of July

5K INDEPENDENCE DASH

Saturday, July 4, 2026 beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Downtown Etowah Depot

Start off our nation’s birthday with a 5K road race or 1 mile fun run/walk held annually in Etowah before our Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration begins. Meet at the Etowah Depot for Registration at 7:30 a.m.

Facebook: Etowah 4th of July

ATHENS JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

Regional Park

Join us as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday with a better than ever Fireworks show at the Regional Park in Athens. We are planning a 600 unit drone show along with our fireworks this year. You will also be able to see the show at nearby shopping centers as well as at the Regional Park.

ATHENS SOAP BOX DERBY

Saturday, May 30, 2026

7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Keith Lane, Athens

The Athens race is a qualifier for the All American Soap Box Derby World Championship, which will be July 11-18, 2026 in Ohio. We have a stock division and a super-stock division. Go to our website below to register.

www.secure.rec1.com/TN/athens-tn/catalog

LIVING LEGACY TRADE FAIR

August 21-22, 2026

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Living Heritage Museum, Athens, TN

The McMinn Co. Living Heritage Museum celebrates the trades and handmade skills. Experience blacksmithing, basket weaving, leather work, loom demonstrations, live music, handcrafted goods, and artisans sharing skills.

www.livingheritagemuseum.org

MONROE COUNTY

PINTS WITH PATRIOTS VETERANS SOCIAL

Wed, June 3, 2026

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

700 N. Main St, Sweetwater, TN

Sweetwater Taps. Join us for another Pints with Patriots Veterans Social. Veterans will be treated to a delicious dinner from the Aiza Kusina Food Truck! Invite your friends, family and of course Veteran friends!

www.visitmonroetn.com

CHEROHALA CHALLENGE

June 6, 2026

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Charles Hall Museum, Tellico Plains, TN

The event offers three distinctive bicycle rides that almost anyone can find a ride that will fit their skill level with rides of 35, 62, and 115 miles. Presented by The Smoky Mountain Wheelmen. For more information see our website.

www.smwbikeclub.org

POP-UP MARKET AT THE NOTCH

Saturday, June 13, 2026

12 p.m. to 3 p.m. 162 Harrison Rd, Madisonville, TN

Join us Saturday, June 13th from 12pm-3pm for Tsali Notch Vineyard’s Pop-Up Market! Shop with local crafters & artisans at this quaint “farmer’s market style” pop-up event. So grab some friends and family and join us for a fun day at The Notch.

www.visitmonroetn.com

FATHER’S DAY MURDER MYSTERY LUNCH

Saturday, June 20, 2026

1 p.m.

Whistlestop Manor, 134 Head of Creek Rd, Sweetwater, TN

Whistleshop Manor. Murder Mystery Lunch for fathers! Tickets include appetizers, lunch, dessert, beverages, costumes and a 2.5 hour highly interactive experience.

www.visitmonroetn.com

TELLICO TROUT FESTIVAL

Saturday, June 13, 2026

10 a.m. til 5 p.m.

Downtown Tellico Plains

Come enjoy your love of trout fishing with us in Tellico Plains, TN! We will have fishing vendors, trout sandwiches, craft vendors, an art show, a kids zone, and more! Friday, June 12th join us for Live Music and Beer Garden at the Gazebo from 6 p.m. til 9:30 p.m. – bring your lawn chair!

www.visitmonroetn.com

GREAT TELLICO HISTORY

Saturday, June 20, 2026

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Charles Hall Museum, Tellico Plains, TN

Experience 18th century life in Tellico Plains from the Revolutionary era through the foreced Cherokee Removal of 1838. America 250. www.visitmonroetn.com

“RED, WHITE & BOOM” TELLICO PLAINS

Saturday, June 27, 2026

6 to 10 p.m.

Historic Town Square, Tellico Plains

A fun, filled family festival with free admission and parking. Fireworks, Live Music, Axe Throw, Kids Zone with bounce house, waterslide and carousel rides, Food Trucks and lots of arts/craft Vendors. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a fun, filled night. Contact: Joyce McDaniel, 615-3470086, jamcdaniel@tds.net.

JULY 4 CELEBRATION MADISONVILLE

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Begins at 6 p.m.

Houston Park, Madisonville, TN

Bring the family to Houston Park in downtown Madisonville, TN on July 4th, at 6 p.m. to enjoy an evening of food, entertainment, activities and fun as the City of Madisonville gets ready to light up the sky in celebration of Independence Day. Fireworks will be at Dusk. www.visitmonroetn.com

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Race Begins at 7 a.m.

Kefauver Park, Madisonville, TN

Welcome back to the 1776 Merica run! New and exciting things are coming back for 2026! This is the official 5th year unofficial 6th year of the 17.76 Merica run. Pick up info packet from 5:30-6:45 a.m. There will be a hot dog cookout post event.

www.runeastcoastadventures.com/

Saturday, August 8, 2026

3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

338 Fort Loudoun Rd, Vonore, TN

Fort Loudoun State Historic Park. Discover what life was like at Fort Loudoun, the western most point of the British Empire during the French and Indian War, as reenactors bring the fort back to life www.visitmonroetn.com

August 27, 2026

5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

400 Kahite Trail, Vonore, TN

Kahite Community Center. Enjoy an evening of food, wine, and fun, and support the arts! Check back for details.

www.visitmonroetn.com

September 11-12, 2026

8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

170 Rarity Bay Parkway, Vonore, TN

Bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, great music in the VIP Lounge, delicious food. Family-friendly fun for all ages This isn’t just a rodeo — it’s a celebration with a purpose. Every ticket sold supports CASA Monroe’s mission to advocate for abused and neglected children right here in our community. When you show up, you’re making a difference in the life of a child.

www.casamonroe.org/casa-monroe-rodeo

CASA MONROE RODEO

MACA WORLD OF WINE

SIEGE GARRISON

17.76 MERICA RUN