Month: June 2018

Sevierville Commons Farmers Market and Movie Night Downtown: June 15th, 2018

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I rushed up Court Avenue and then to the gazebo area in order to connect with the farmers market last Friday.  On my way home from a HIIT class, there were only a few minutes to spend there, but fresh produce was calling my name. As it turned out, I would return downtown at dusk to see what was going on with the Sevierville Commons sponsored movie. It was a busy day in downtown Sevierville so follow along to see what was bringing people downtown from morning to evening.

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Tomatoes are in! Love the summertime for this reason. Hendersons always has good ones.

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Danish and bagels for the sweet tooth. She often sells out by noon so get there early.

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This cute little game on sale by one vendor was a bargain! I will get some next week —if there are any left.

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We were able to sample one of the small Cherokee Purple tomatoes from this vendor; consequently, I took several home. Lots of flavor in a small package.

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This is on my dining room table right now. Hard to pass up a bouquet from Sevier Blumen.

Around 8:30 p.m. it was almost dusk so I decided to go by and see the crowd for the outdoor movie. The selection for the evening was the “Lion King.”

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We have no drive-in movie theaters in the county, but this was  almost the next best thing. What a nice evening to sit outside to watch a movie with family and friends almost within the shadow of the courthouse.

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Snacks were available for sale from the Relay For Life of Sevier County group. They said that they had sold out of certain things by the time that I got there so get there early next time!

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There was a very good turnout for this movie. Thanks to Sevierville Commons for the opportunity to enjoy something free downtown with families.

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I found some precious, hand-made items for sale at this table sponsored the Orbit Village Project. The figures of zebras, giraffes, and other African animals fit perfectly into the “Lion King” theme. I bought a giraffe figure that will sit on my desk to collect mail.

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I have heard of the Orbit Village Project before and enjoyed looking at the information boards. What a wonderful work it is for everyone involved.

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Finally, darkness settled and it was time for the show. Everyone seemed to settle in.

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And then the magic began…

First Visit to Downtown Sevierville Farmers Market 2018 (and a sneak peek at Rocking the Commons)

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It was my first visit to the Farmers Market in downtown Sevierville this year.  I was running late so it was a quick tour around for me this time. Many of your favorite vendors were there. Follow me to take a quick tour here.

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The first reason I go to the market is for fresh produce so Henderson’s is hard to beat.

IMG_3378 2The lady who sells bread and fresh bagels is back. These are amazing!

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One of my favorite vendors is back with the handmade figurines. Remember last year when she designed some cat and dog figurines for me to give as gifts? She has a few new things for the holidays, so check them out next week.

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I am avoiding sugar right now, but imagine these products are wonderful on a morning biscuit. She also does the T-shirt quilts so ask her about them if you are interested.

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This lady is one of the friendliest vendors on Friday so go say “hello.” She had some ‘special helpers’ too. Everyone needs soaps and scrubs and hers are so reasonably priced.

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I asked about the charcoal ingredient and she replied that it was good for problem skin and complexions. It helps remove toxins too.

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These little cakes were so light. The sweet potato butter adds the moisture. Sounds so good!

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I got close to the end of the market time so I didn’t really run into a lot of people. Will try to be earlier next week. Next, I crossed the street to see a sneak peek of the Rocking the Commons event, sponsored by the Sevierville Arts Commons.

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These rockers are gorgeous! They will be auctioned off today at 4:00.

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Go Vols !

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Each rocker is one of a kind. Collector’s item!

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Some lucky people will have a one of a kind rocking chair to enjoy on the porch this summer. See you downtown and out and about in Sevierville. 

 

Some Warriors Don’t Carry Weapons: Relay For Life of Sevier County Celebrates 20 Years of Hope

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There are many groups here, but I am sure none work harder than Relay for Life of Sevier County. Relay For Life is an organization with the mission to raise money for cancer research and programming. The Sevier County Relay For Life group has raised over $3.8 million dollars for the American Cancer Society. Last Saturday was a 20 Year Celebration for the local organization—and it was a big one. Follow me downtown Sevierville to see activities during the 12 hour event.

First, I am going to share some of my favorite things for the general public. Then, I will share some things that I saw that will hit close to home for cancer survivors and caregivers. There is something for everyone at a Relay For Life event.

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I was happy to see plenty of parking and chairs, many in the shade. There was a schedule of events posted on Facebook and in the Mountain Press featuring free music and non-stop entertainment. Anyone can come down and enjoy the outdoors with the courthouse and Dolly statue in the backdrop.

 

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Citizens National Bank offered treats and the thrill of a dunking booth. This lady said that the water was a little chilly at the beginning of the day. What a good sport and supporter of Relay For Life.

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There were games and prizes. Surely, this team had the best smiles!

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Sophia and I had lunch from the Norma Dan Monkees team menu. Grilled right there! They chose ‘monkees’ as a name mascot because it is upbeat …and they are just fun!

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Serving burgers to benefit Relay For Life of Sevier County. They were great!

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More games from Tennessee State Bank. The candy pull game looked fun. Popcorn too.

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The crowds were huge at Dollywood so this family stopped by downtown and took advantage of some of the activities. Face painting was very popular.

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More games!

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Inflatables were a big draw for families.

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Low carb snacks. A huge plate for $2 !

There was a large selection of silent auction items. I am bringing more $ next year to do some birthday and Christmas shopping.

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There are only a few Smoky Mountain-Opoly games left. Sheriff Seals supported the Relay For Life event in person, and as a sponsor.

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Author, Missy Barrett, speaking with Tennessee Representative Dale Carr.

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I heard really good music all day. The band pictured above was quite popular. “Priscilla and Little Rickee” came from Chattanooga to play for the Relay For Life event.

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Late in the afternoon, past event Chairs and members of the first steering committee were recognized. These leaders have championed the fight against cancer to help others in Sevier County live better lives.

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With the courthouse in the background, Relay For Life of Sevier County teams receive a check $15,000  from the Smoky Mountain Wine Trail from the Pink Wines and Stomp Out Breast Cancer Walk. An amazing donation!

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I enjoyed the live auction under the direction of Dale Carr. He skillfully guided the bidding until the highest dollar was found.

To see a live auction is truly an amazing thing.

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As the sun set, I was waiting for the Luminaria ceremony to begin. One could donate a luminaria in memory of a loved one or to honor one who had battled cancer. I bought one for a sweet lady who had passed last year.

IMG_3226 Luminarias lined the street and served as a visual reminder of the terrible reach of cancer.

During the luminaria ceremony, each person was given a small candle.  The candle would be lit as they called out categories of loved ones affected by cancer. Then, there was a quiet memory walk around the courthouse to reflect on these loved ones.

The moment that the Boyd’s Creek Church of God choir began to sing “Amazing Grace” was somber and touching. I almost did not video this moment because it was so solemn, but I felt that it was important for people to see the beauty and dignity of the remembrance walk. As the choir sang, people took their candles and walked along the luminarias that lined the courthouse.

The Relay For Life of Sevier County teams worked hard for 12 hours to celebrate 20 years of important work that impacts our citizens. This group truly brings hope to those in our county who face the fear of cancer. Many thanks to Emily Kile who stepped out to create the group here 20 years ago when it was relatively unheard of. Thanks to other leaders and committee members who have worked on Relay events over the years. Thanks to the teams who worked so hard last Saturday. Finally, thanks to my friend Sophia Conerly, who has taught me more about this hard working group of people. I have seen them…and they are warriors.

I’ll end this article with some of the sponsors of this event—it would be difficult without their partnership and support.

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