Charities and Fundraisers – Page 3 – Out and About in Sevierville

Sevierville Commons Arts Council Launches ‘Blast Off’ Event

July 28, 2017July 28, 2017outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

19693597_376427846093209_7058123243321069825_o

There was a big crowd on Bruce Street this evening attending the Blast Off event for the Sevierville Commons Arts Council. People from all parts of the county came to support the arts in downtown Sevierville. There were refreshments, music, auction items, and demonstrations galore. Follow along as I take you on a tour of the event. It was the hottest ticket in town this evening!

First of all, I know it will be a fun time when I see Bruce Street blocked off!

It is fun to walk right down the middle of the street. But I wasn’t thinking and took the sidewalk instead. Oh well…

We were greeted at the door by Pat. He showed us where to check in and it went quickly.

There was a line out the door when I arrived so I sat on a bench outside and waited for Melinda. The line went through quite quickly as we entered the door. Above, Andrea Wilson and other volunteers process guest arrivals.

There was rain approaching so I liked how the dinner part was to be conducted, rather than have it out near the gazebo with downpours on the way. We drew a voucher from a bowl to determine the location of our dinner. The draw was Mom’s Vintage Kitchen. We love all those places listed above and were happy to go to Mom’s later. What a great idea for a dinner lottery. Fun!

Artist, David Freeman, was drawing profiles as we entered the door. I saw him do one on TV this week as a promotion for the event. A fun addition to the festivities.

Attendees pictured left to right: Michael Johnson, Sevier Commons member Austin Williams, and Katie Williams.

I expected a lot of art items for the silent auction and was not disappointed! Melinda told me that this artist is often featured at Arrowmont.

Al Schmutzer and Jim McGill attending the Blast Off for the Sevier Commons Arts Council.

Local artist, Charlotte Wear, pictured with friends Jayne Wise, Sonya Nave, and another local artist, Mary Phillips.

A popular silent auction item. The cups were beautiful and the Old Mill coffee is probably great. I am having auction regrets for not bidding on this, but I had to set a limit of 2 items.

Cheri Schmutzer and Leesa McGill enjoying the evening in the new Arts in Common Gallery on Bruce Street.

The Johnson family introduces a future art lover to the event. Pictured left to right are Stefanie, Sheena, and Alex Johnson with a sweet little attendee.

I was glad to see Chris Webb with his wife, Summer. I know Chris’ mom, Patt Webb, and send her greetings!

Gail Monson, Ken Greene, and Jill Greene enjoying the Blast Off event to benefit the Sevierville Commons Art Council. Proceeds from this event will help to purchase things needed for the gallery. Furthermore, the event will help us learn more about the new art space downtown.

Melinda Derrick and I were happy to see our friend, Joey Rose, pictured right. The space to his right in the picture above would be for his wife, Sheley, who was a little under the weather and couldn’t attend. I saved the space to his right for her. (Hi, Sheley!) Joey and Sheley are old friends of ours and support the local arts scene, as does Melinda.

Attendees pictured left to right: Justin Duncan, Jennifer Duncan, and Andrew Temple.

This silent auction item was quite interesting. I don’t need many things so ‘experiences’ are very interesting.

Crystal Sharp takes a moment to speak to the group and make announcements. There were over 159 attendees while I was there and over 62 items were donated for the silent auction. I bid on two. Will I get them? Stay tuned!

The music was excellent! Musicians Greg Fitch and Pat Corn were wonderful and added to the ambiance during the evening.

I remember when there was only 1 restaurant downtown. Now, we have so many more. Many thanks to these restaurants who added to a successful event.

Love the creative way to thank sponsors. So nice!

Jennifer Dyer, from Courthouse Donuts, looking at vintage pictures. We think that the upper right picture is the current location of her business. By the way, Courthouse Donuts just won third place for the best donuts in the state, the only one on the survey located in East Tennessee.

I was intrigued by the ‘fairy doors’ on a table by the Sevierville Senior Center. Very interesting creations! Google it or go to Pinterest to see more ideas.

As we left, there was more art and even demonstrations outside.

I love the food voucher drawing idea. We proceeded to Mom’s Vintage Kitchen for tomato basil soup and chicken salad sandwiches. So good!

Storms were headed our way so we hurried to our cars. The courthouse is pictured above under stormy skies.

The Sevierville Commons Arts Council is thinking of having this event every year to raise money for their Arts in Common Gallery and programming. I had a great time and will go every year. Consider going too if you couldn’t make it this year. The Blast Off event was a great way to get out and about in Sevierville.

See you on Bruce Street!

A Grand Event: Night at the Derby 2017

May 2, 2017May 3, 2017outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

There was a grand fete in town last Friday evening to benefit the United Way of Sevier County. After attending it last year, this has become one of my favorite events of the year. Come along as I show you why Night At the Derby has become a favorite with my friends and I.

First, the red carpet sets the tone for a special evening.

Upon arrival, you must first find a table on the patio. Then, start making plans for your wagers and races. I was too busy working on this report so I was only able to participate in the last race, putting all my funny money on three horses. I got a third place!

Next, you will see fun Derby hats and ensembles. Jennifer Dyer’s hat was a favorite!

Our first snack was the Tennessee Brown from Courthouse Donuts. So good!

Marcie Schrandt and Mike Comer, a board member of the United Way of Sevier County.

This cheesecake from the Diner is probably worth the ticket price itself!

Alison Ragsdale, a board member, and Amy Harper, Executive Director of the United Way of Sevier County.

Emily Whaley, event Chair; Jaclyn Kile, and Brenda McCroskey enjoying the festivities inDerby finery.

So many good things to eat!

The Shanton’s preparing to take a Derby photo at the photo booth. That was really fun because you could choose the background, preview it, and it was printed on the spot. The photo was included in the ticket price. So much fun!

I was so happy to meet Linda Ogle and her adorable friend! Both support the United Way.

One our favorites was there—-Healthy Balance. Sheeley Rose will be disappointed that she missed that.

The best chocolates that I have ever had in my life. You need to seek these out. However, you probably will not be able to share them at work.

Several Sevier County distilleries were present at the event and adding to the fun.

Jessy Hardy’s magnolia hat was one of my favorites!

The Wilderness gourmet crew was ready to impress—and they certainly did! Pictured from left to right: Michael Russo- Executive Chef, Ricardo Rojas- Director of Culinary Operations, Lishia Lira- Mountain Market Deli Manager, Penny Dixson- F&B Manager.

Sophia and Keith Connerly with Pinkie Mistry.

Ashley Burnette, Jennifer Dyer, and Angie Taylor wearing beautiful Derby hats while supporting the United Way.

Jane Howes, Senior Center Director, wins for pure creativity!

Cheri and Al Schmutzer enjoying the races while supporting the United Way of Sevier County.

Bryan and Anna McCarter in Derby attire!

Larry Sorrell and Todd Thompson. Thompson was the auctioneer and gave us some tips before the bidding began.

This whole look was just stunning. Jackie Thurman, dressed in Derby best, while supporting the United Way.

This trip looked amazing!

I have never seen Dale Carr in an auction—and it was fun to watch. I didn’t bid this year, but was tempted by several trips.

I loved my hat from Sassafras at the Old Mill!

The guy on the left is a Distiller at the Old Forge Distillery at the Old Mill. Isaac Lindsey also used to be in my class. I didn’t recognize him at first. You can run into lots of people at this event!

Pinkie Mistry, Sophia Connerly, and Michael Maddron.

My favorite restaurant presentation was this one by Bistro 109. The decorations by DGarden were exquisite. The food was divine! Chicken salad croissants, fruit salad, fruit kabobs, and pecan chicken. It was absolutely incredible! That is what I enjoyed for dinner at the Derby. Dustin Manning outdid himself for this event. Visit Bistro 109 downtown Sevierville soon.

In summary, it may have been my favorite Night at the Derby yet. There was a generous selection of food, treats, and beverages from which to choose so you may be overwhelmed, but will recover quickly. The races are exciting to watch. The auctions are tempting. Ultimately, ticket prices are affordable and you MORE than get your money’s worth, while helping one of the hardest working charities in town. Plan to attend next year! It is a fabulous way to get out and about in Sevierville.

See you at the races!

Derby Hat Social 2017: Hang onto your hat! It is almost Derby time!

April 10, 2017April 10, 2017outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

The United Way of Sevier County presented the Derby Ladies Hat Social on Thursday, April 6 at Courthouse Donuts for those who were interested in finding a beautiful ‘chapeau’ to wear at A Night at the Derby on April 28th. A ‘pop up’ hat shop was put into place for the hat social. Derby finger foods and beverages were ready to serve at the event. My friends and I dropped by last year and ended up having a grand time at the hat social. This is what we experienced this year.

Beautiful hats from Sassafras were on display ready to be tried on and admired. Sassafras is our favorite store in the Old Mill area in Pigeon Forge. In fact, we always go there after dining at the Old Mill Pottery House. Everyone needs to go there! Here is a link to the store. http://www.old-mill.com/info/sassafras

Refreshments!

My friends and I knew from last year the best things to do at the hat social. Here is what you need to know if you want the best selection of hats. These are our recommendations!

Arrive as soon as the event begins. Set your purses down on a table and go straight back to the hats. Wear a color that you may be wearing to the Derby event to help select the best hat.
When you find a hat that you fancy, do not put it down! Keep it in hand and use the other hand to try on a few more hats. Try on many hats. Ask Donna Roland which one looks best and you will be sure to look good.

Witness the ‘hat protection’ technique in this picture.

I didn’t select the hat I am wearing in this picture because it overpowered my features. I eventually selected the white one in my hand. Donna Roland, pictured left, assured me that it was the one for me. Learn more about Donna Roland from her website. She is an expert in Sevier County on fashion. Her website it beautiful!

Here is a link. http://www.donnaroland.com/site/

See, the photo above is blurry due to our speed at grabbing potential Derby hats!

I loved Joan Saas and her April themed hat. What a festive touch she brought to the event!

Our friend, Sophia Connerly, found her hat quite quickly. Love it!

I admired this hat and Pat Willoughby carries it with panache!

All these ladies looked smashing. Loved the little one so much! She was delightful.

Karen found the perfect hat for her immediately. She bought this one.

Our gracious hostesses, Emily Whaley and Jackie Leatherwood.

I enjoyed meeting Joan Saas, Jan Lapides, and Pat Willoughby. They are Derby ready!

These ladies were stunning in their hats and attire. Pictured are Stephanie Postlewaite and Jennifer Duerer. Stephanie’s grandfather started the Mountain Press newspaper in Sevier County decades ago. I’ll bet there are some amazing stories there.

Ashley Burnette and Janice Bettis enjoying the event and supporting the United Way of Sevier County.

Marvel Sewell, Laurie Faulkner, and Donna Huffaker manning the Sassafras table and supporting the United Way of Sevier County.

After shopping, time to chat!

Members of the United Way of Sevier County getting ready for A Night at the Derby on Friday, April 28th. Pictured left to right are Amy Harper, Executive Director; Emily Whaley, Chair for A Night at the Derby; Kat Ogle, board member; and Jackie Leatherwood, board member.

Executive Director, Amy Harper addresses attendees and explains how the April 28th event will benefit 15 agencies in Sevier County.

And finally, the hat for me. My Facebook friends helped me to select from two hats. This one was the winner 2 to 1 on my social media poll.

You can buy your tickets now for A Night at the Derby, sponsored by Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. Here is a link to the Facebook event page. https://www.facebook.com/NightattheDerby/

Here is a direct link to the webpage where you can buy tickets.

http://anightatthederby.com

We attended A Night at the Derby last year and were quite impressed. That event, and the Hat Social, were two of my favorite things last year. Check my blog archives here to read about the event last year. It is well worth the ticket price. In fact, you more than get your money’s worth—but, after all, it is a donation to the United Way of Sevier County. This organization helps over 15 organizations in our county, one of the most important charitable groups here.

See you at the Derby event on Friday, April 28th. It is a truly fun way to get out and about in Sevierville.

Shopping at Bloomingtails Boutique in downtown Sevierville

January 23, 2017January 23, 2017outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

fullsizerender4

After reading a recent article in the Mountain Press, I decided to check out the new space for Bloomingtails Boutique, a thrift store that supports Pets Without Parents animal shelter. It is located on the Parkway in Sevierville, across the street from the Sevierville Heritage Museum and Bruce Street. I went Saturday morning and was happy with what I found there. Here is how it went.

The space is located adjacent to back parking lot of the First United Methodist Church in Sevierville. I was impressed with so much parking and easy access to the back door, as seen in the picture above. Lots of parking! Looks very handicapped accessible.

To my delight, I walked in to see two volunteers that I know: Dennis and Becky Chambers. They were organizing merchandise and greeting shoppers. They gave me a great tour and told me more information about the thrift boutique. The Chambers also introduced me to Maddie, the cat.

My personal shopper, Maddie!

Of course, dishes and glassware are where I like to shop first. Here were some good things on the shelves.

A beautiful glass pineapple serving platter.

Loved these smaller salad/dessert plates!

They had several Duraclear items. I look for Duraclear glassware at Williams Sonoma stores because it looks like glass, but it is a clear, light plastic kind of material. You can find some here at Bloomingtails for a deal.

Maddie likes this large Margarita glass, only $2.

fullsizerender

Some nice jewelry, one of their best selling items according to the Chambers. I will go back in a week to look at the turquoise. I hope it is still there!

I found a small microwave and refrigerator. That is the perfect size for dorm rooms or assisted living places. You better get there soon because the store has only one each.

The new location allows Bloomingtails so much more space than before. Proceeds pay for animal care, not only shelter, but food, medicine, medical treatment, and spaying and neutering to decrease pet over population.

A juicer only used one time!

fullsizerender2

Nostalgic items.

fullsizerender3

Free pet food for those who need it. Simply walk in and ask. Share this detail with anyone who may need help feeding their pets. They are ready to help pet owners who are having a hard time making ends meet.

fullsizerender1

This Indian thing may be a car hood ornament or go on a motorcycle. It has a light and a small cable inside. Only $2 ! It was cool. Would it look good on a Toyota RAV-4 ?

This view is from the Sevier County Heritage Center across the street. You can see Bloomingtails with the large window visible under the tree. There is a front door, but parking in the back makes the back door the prime place to enter the store.

Pets Without Parents operates Bloomingtails to benefit the animal shelter. I was impressed with the merchandise and organization therein. If you would like to donate household items, jewelry, books, pictures, children’s items, and more, then drop by and talk with their volunteers from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Say hello to Maddie the cat when you visit!

fullsizerender5

I like this place and will frequent it often. The manager, Karen, is from Australia so you can have a nice chat when you visit Bloomingtails in Sevierville. This is a store that deserves your attention when you go out and about in Sevierville. See you there!

To see more pictures, and to shop at home, click my Facebook page for blog photos. Here is the link.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/

Candy Canes and Cocktails Reception For Boys and Girls Clubs of the Smoky Mountains: Prelude to the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees

November 24, 2016November 24, 2016outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

fullsizerender

There was a lot a lot of holiday cheer Tuesday evening at the W.L. Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg because the proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains. Christmas regalia was everywhere. Holiday treats were around. Here is what it was like at the event last night.

fullsizerender1

fullsizerender

Brooke and Kevin Ownby pose for a festive photo.

A special friend met us at the entrance for a special photo.

fullsizerender

Mignonne and Logan Coykendall have been planning for the event since last January. Well done!

Jay and Brenda Adams in festive holiday colors for the event.

Blake Maples, Anne Hewitt, Jody Ramsey, and David Moore from Citizens National Bank, a Silver Sponsor for the event.

Mark Ross, on the left. He is Chief Operating Officer for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Smoky Mountains.

This was my favorite tree. If you notice, it is upside down! Purple ornaments too.

My HIIT class friend is Anne Barry, on the left. On the right, Marci Claude, Public Relations Manager for the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.

fullsizerender

Corrine Hampton and Steve Hartford.

Becky Loomis and Lessie Koopman dressed in festive attire. Our group has known them for years. In addition, Lessie owns 3D Fitness in Sevierville.

An elf on the shelf got caught in this tree!

fullsizerender

I love this picture of Mignonne with her mother, Carol.

fullsizerender

Marguerite and Darren Schmidt. Pictured right, Chad Will.

The best little tree!

I wandered over and met Mrs. Lorraine Hendrix. We were having a wonderful chat when I noticed someone special nearby so I asked if I could get her picture with Santa. This one is my favorite photo of the evening! She is delightful and I can’t wait to meet her again.

This Santa was very special. He even had a little bear on his sleeve. It was almost a European kind of suit. He was witty and fun!

Take a close look at the ornaments on the Paula Deen tree. Very clever!

We ran into another S.C.H.S. alumni, Davy Thomas, now Chief Operating Officer for Hospitality Solutions.

fullsizerender2

Mixx 105.5 morning radio personalities Jay Adams and Steve Hartford hosting and encouraging the crowd to support the Boys and Girls Club during the evening.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2JRv_X7S60

https://youtu.be/_2JRv_X7S60

Introduction of Mike McCroskey, President of the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains.

Pretty things to buy or to bid on during the evening.

Mike McCroskey introducing Logan Coykendall and telling of his work for the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains.

https://youtu.be/YHW6pncAjHU

Logan Coykendall speaks about the Boys and Girls Club and the work to benefit the clubs. He and Mignonne were a driving force for this event last night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWi1JQwz6UA

This was a great event to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains, which serves over 1,600 children in our county. You could not ask for a better place to take pictures with a Christmas theme. I was excited to get to get a preview before it was open to the public. Bravo to the Coykendalls , Mary Ellen Rader, the Convention Center, and all the volunteers who made it happen.

My friends and I had a wonderful time and will go back again and again. The Festival of Trees is open from November 23-26 from 10:00-7:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 27 from 10:00- 5:00 p.m. Admission is free! There is an interactive Santa’s Workshop area for children too.

In conclusion, you can’t find a more festive way to get out and about in Sevier County than the Festival of Trees. Look for the donation box on the way in and if you feel so inclined, make a small donation to the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains.

To see more pictures of Candy Canes and Cocktails reception and more Festival of Trees, go to my Facebook page for blog pictures. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/

Sevierville 7 Day Planner: November 12 – 19, 2016

November 10, 2016outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

Things start getting busier in Sevierville next week, plus more things approaching the holidays. Here are some fun happenings coming up in Sevierville to mark on your calendar. I am going to use screen shots because the information is excellent.

First, this just popped up on my Facebook feed. Everyone loves the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge. While not in Sevierville, it is only minutes away with great food, shopping, and photo opportunities. My favorite store is Sassafras so this looks like a ‘must do’ on Saturday. Red Velvet Fudge? Oh my…

We are (finally) getting a new Dairy Queen across the street from Sevier County High School. Will you be in line early next Tuesday morning? Worth it!

There is a cooking demo at KaTom next Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. presented by the Executive Chef from Babalu Tapas and Tacos in downtown Knoxville. It is a fun place to eat so I can’t miss this class. Call KaTom at 865-225-1545 to RSVP. Save me a seat near the counter!

Here is a link to the website. https://eatbabalu.com

fullsizerender

This event is more than a week away, but you need time to register and, perhaps, train for it. Get ready for the Thanksgiving Day 5K at Sevier County High School. The race this year, if I remember correctly, stays on the high school campus rather than out on the streets. The campus is quite large and will easily accommodate a 5K. You walk it or you can run it. Proceeds benefit Dr. Suzanne South’s science lab.

Go to the Foundation Facebook page and scroll down to learn more about the race and to see pictures of the science lab. The upgrades from previous fundraising have really made a difference so come and support the school.

https://www.facebook.com/SevierCountyHighSchoolFoundation/

fullsizerender2

This is what it looks like when you open Eventbrite to register for the race. Run and be home by 9:30 a.m. to get ready for Thanksgiving dinner! Don’t worry about the buffet lunch after this race.

fullsizerender3

(If you have an event that you want for me to share then send me an invitation or announcement via email or Facebook two weeks before the date. A month in advance would be even better.)

I see several fun events coming up at the end of the month and into early December so get ready to get out and about in Sevierville for the holidays!

Relay For Life Night of Hope, October 2016

October 27, 2016October 27, 2016outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

Relay for For Life of Sevier County and Harpoon Harry’s Crab House presented the second annual Night of Hope on Tuesday evening, October 25, 2016. This was my first Relay for Life event and it won’t be my last. Volunteers work hard in the fight against cancer so it is one of the most important causes that one could join. Here is what it was like.

Janice and I arrived at little after the 6:30 start time and got all the information from our hostesses. The main thing for me to learn— the raffle tickets. There were both live and silent auctions which were easy and fun. In fact, Janice later won horse statuette for her granddaughter.

The upstairs part of Harpoon Harrys can be open air in good weather. It was a great place for an event!

A nice selection of gifts on the silent auction. I had my eye on the gift certificate from Oak Haven Resort, but let someone else get it (since I am already a monthly member there.) It was tempting!

We heard the music of Stephen Goff playing as we entered the room. I remembered him from the October Art Happening in Downtown Sevierville. Must see him again soon! Find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stephengoffmusic/

Let me say that I have never eaten at Harpoon Harry’s before, but it was pretty incredible. Consequently, my girlfriends and I will now go there for our Christmas get-together since Janice and I get two votes. I have not heard of a ‘welcome table’ but it is the best idea of the year. To start the evening, this was the menu:

Sushi platter- various rolls

Fruit, veggie, cheese, & cracker trays

Peel and eat shrimp

Crab legs

Cocktail crab claws

Cole slaw

Krab salad

Please know that this was the best spread of cuisine ever! The $50 ticket price stopped right here for me. There was a lot of seafood to enjoy!

Seasonal decorations and the ‘dry ice’ effect in the glasses. Festive!

fullsizerender

Kevin Ownby and his mother, Beverly Ownby, supporting Relay for Life.

Kevin’s wife, Brooke Ownby, and her mother Louise Presley supporting Relay for Life of Sevier County .

One of the auction items was a Palm Breeze Cruiser, donated by Cherokee Distributing Company. If there is another one next year then I must bid!

This is part of the ‘Tuesday Night Sushi Group’ that meets at Harpoon Harry’s on Tuesday evenings. I must investigate this further some day. Pictured left to right: Fane Fisher, Eddie Fisher, Matt Converse, and Chuck Ottolini. They say that some of the sushi chefs here came from the former Shonos Restaurant in downtown Knoxville. You know that will be good. Save a place for me!

Mayor Bryan Atchley gave a riveting talk about his experiences with cancer, both personally and with a loved one. It must have been harrowing. I can see where the Relay For Life group gives hope to those fighting the dreaded disease. We need to support them as much as possible.

We joined the Tuesday Sushi Group and enjoyed the rest of the evening. They know sushi!

The dinner buffet was ‘over the top.’

Tenderloin tips

Moonshine glazed salmon

Oven roasted chicken

Mashed potatoes

Rice

Baby Carrots

Corn

Green beans

Dessert: Ghirardelli Chocolate Brownie

In my opinion, the meal was worth double the ticket price that I paid. Unbelievable.

Chocolate, anyone?

Sophia Conerly, lead event Chair, making announcements. What a great job this team does. Their devotion to the fight against cancer is inspiring.

Margit and Earl Worsham, pictured here with Sophia Conerly, supporting Relay For Life.

Who wants to play corn hole? These sets auctioned well.

The drawings were fast paced and fun to watch.

If I owned a cabin then these would be on my walls right now.

Sevier County Bank supporting the Relay For Life Night of Hope. (My bank!)

My favorite surprise of the evening—meeting Jim Bates, pictured here with Mayor Bryan Atchley. Jim Bates is the father of James and Jeremy Bates, S.C.H.S. alumni. He is visiting from Tampa. I heard Mayor Atchley introducing Coach Bates and had to meet him at the end of the evening. As an intro, I asked,”Are you James Bates dad?” So nice to meet him!

Janice Sorrell and Jim Bates were teaching at S.C.H.S. at the same time. Janice said that she remembered that he was a young coach straight from U.T. (I won’t mention the year, but the school was very new then.)

It was soon time to go. I noticed that the weather was still warm for late October as we passed by the open windows at Harpoon Harry’s Crab House. It was such an easy, relaxing, enjoyable event. It is a must-do event each year for me from now on.

The Relay For Life Night of Hope completely exceeded all expectations and I look forward to attending next year. In addition, I hope to do more to help this group in their efforts to fight cancer. Ultimately, the theme of the evening was bravery, dignity, and survival. They deserve everything that we can give them.

You can’t do any better when you are out and about in Sevierville…

Smoky Mountain First Responders Challenge 2016: Champions All. (Part 1)

October 9, 2016October 9, 2016outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

I may have found the best event of the year. It is free, family friendly, involves athleticism, bravery, and obstacles. Welcome to the Smoky Mountain First Responders Challenge 2016, presented by the United Way of Sevier County.

The morning was fun, inspiring, and motivating to all ages. The Mountain Press covered the event well in today’s Sunday edition so I will it to them to tell the major details. Event pictures and video are abundant on the Facebook page for Smoky Mountain First Responders Challenge so make sure you go over there to see the competition. Here, I will act as a digital storyteller and share what I observed in my time at this event. This story is expansive so I must cover it in two parts. Here is what I saw at the beginning of the day…

First responders on location.

Helpers for the day.

Event coaches. Michael Maddron is ready.

I entered just as the event began. Plenty of parking and seats so bring the whole family next year.

The Smoky Mountain First Responders Challenge 2016 began with a tribute to two young people who were lost in the March 22 bombing in the Brussels airport. As we know, Justin Shults was from Gatlinburg. You can see the picture of Justin and Stephanie Shults in the photo above. Some of the proceeds at this event will fund a scholarship in their names for a student at Gatlinburg -Pittman High School. Applicants must write an essay on the topic of obstacles that they have overcome, like Justin Shults wrote about when he attended high school.

At the exact moment that the tribute to Justin and Stephanie Shults ended, I noticed two groups of Canadian geese flying overhead in a ‘V’ formation. The geese were loudly making noise, as if saluting as they flew. I don’t know if anyone else noticed this moment, but it seemed like a supernatural tribute from the sky, punctuating the one going on below on the football field. Time seemed to stand still for a moment.

fullsizerender

Singing of the National Anthem.

United Way of Sevier County Executive Director, Amy Harper, pictured on the right. Rhonda Bletner, from the Moutain Press, pictured center. Her article in today’s Sunday edition was very comprehensive. Buy one before they are gone!

Bryan McCarter was the announcer for the day. I have heard him announce many ballgames at Carson Newman University, but the humor really came out for this event. From the team introductions to the timed events, his comments had us chuckling all day. A really talented sports announcer!

Coaches for competitions. Michael Maddron, pictured right, is ready for the games to begin.

fullsizerender1

Teams lining up and listening to how the day will go. I know that adrenaline was pumping!

fullsizerender

Ready for Tug-o-War.

Obstacle course wall and tunnel. That wall was high!

Touring the course. Reviewing the rules.

Michael Maddron coaching teams for the obstacle course. (I wanted to sneak over to the stadium today to try to climb the big wall, but I think that they put it away. Maybe next year…)

And then the games were ready to begin at the Hardin-Robertson Field at Sevier County High School. A wonderful school and a great place to hold this event. (Go Bears!)

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this story. I should publish it later this evening. It will contain more pictures, stories, and a few videos of the event. It is just too big to cover in one story.

See more pictures on this blog’s Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/

The Smoky Mountain First Responders Challenge by the United Way of Sevier County was a super charged way to get out and about in Sevierville.

Be there next year!

A grand event: Night at the Derby

April 23, 2016March 8, 2017outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

The Night at the Derby benefit for the United Way of Sevier County was quite an event and a grand time for all! What a soiree! Probably the best time that I have had in Sevier County to date.

First, my evening started with a snafu on the drive to pick up Melinda. I heard a ‘bump’ sound from the back seat in my car. To my horror, I looked in the rear view mirror and saw that the back seat wasn’t latched and had fallen on my new Derby hat! It was getting smashed flat! The next red light gave me a chance to jump out of the car to rescue it. Yikes! It survived the trip and all was well.

Upon arrival at the event, attendees started the fun with a chance to walk down a red carpet and be photographed. Check-in, then another photo with more a formal background. You received ‘fun money’ and instructions on how it could be used.

The ticket price was a great value, in my opinion. A great value, indeed. It provided admittance, a free photo, play money for games, and all you cared to eat or drink. Honestly, this event could charge DOUBLE the ticket price for what we received at that event. I advise you to go next year in case the price should ever go up in the future. You have to experience it.

The building areas were well planned and made good use of space. The outdoor seating area was spacious, with plenty of tables and chairs for everyone. It was such a pleasant evening, talking with friends in the outdoors with the evening breeze and sunset. The music playing in the background was festive and upbeat.

Food was fabulous! My favorite treat was the sweet corn tamale cake from the Chop House. Also, the salted caramel cheesecake from the Diner was divine. There were many healthy and decadent options.

The organized games were entertaining and quite fun. My friends quickly helped me ‘get up to speed’ on how to play the games. The trip auctions were very exciting! Destinations were popular. Next year, I would really get excited to see another trip auction to California, Chicago, or Las Vegas. It will be fun to see what they offer next year.

I offer congratulations to those who worked on this wonderful event. The United Way helps so many people in our community. It was gratifying to see that they exceeded their goal this evening. Well done.

In summary, my friends and I had a grand time and will plan on attending the Night at the Derby again. We enjoyed three and a half hours of fun, food, drink, frivolity, and Derby fashion. My assessment is that Night at the Derby is the best event of the year in Sevierville. Don’t miss it next time!

Out and about in Sevierville…

	6 Tennessee Smokehou… on Barbecue in the Mountains: Pre…
	Daniel Driscoll on Lunch and a Treat at Red…
	Lunch and a Treat at… on Red’s Cafe: Second Mural…
	Caitlin Daniels on A Wild Wildlife Week
	Must-See Attractions… on First Mural in Downtown Sevier…