The Sevierville Commons Association knocked it out of the park with a fun event yesterday, a fundraiser that incorporated local food and spirits with the Cinco de Mayo date. It was a relaxed, comfortable and (at times) joyous event as patrons enjoyed food, refreshments, and music that made the day quite a pleasure. Follow along as we take you through the Shine and Dine Cinco in the City event.

This new event will take the place of the fall Art Walk. Although many of us loved that event, the Shine and Dine has a lot to offer and I think that it will continue to grow. So glad that I got to attend the first one!

I met Karen at the Sheriff’s Dept. parking lot and we walked up Bruce Street to find the party. The festive spirit began at the entrance. We checked in and selected a bead necklace. Sombreros were a popular item while they lasted.

The first vendor that we passed was the Old Forge Distillery. Old Forge offered two refreshments: a Margarita cocktail and a Sangria concoction that were both crowd pleasers. Their product is always excellent.

Our favorite barbecue place had good things to give away. We love Buddy’s bar-b-que!

Keeping true to the Cinco de Mayo theme, the Old Mill offered some outstanding, authentic guacamole, pico de gallo,  and steak tacos. This was the real thing and we really enjoyed it.

Bistro 109 prepared meatball appetizers and hummus with cucumbers. They always have a beautiful table display so it is easy to find them. Loved the food!

XXX Moonshine is always good to see at these events. Peaches and Cream and Coffee are the favorites.

Andrew Temple  and Keener Shanton observe the nice crowd attending the Sevierville Commons Shine and Dine event.

Healthy Balance served pico de gallo for a good food selection. This reminds me… I think that I need to go by there and pick up some good things for lunch at work next week.

Candace and Kevin Moon were enjoying the nice weather during Cinco in the City.

I have heard good things about this restaurant on Newport Highway and hope to visit in the coming weeks. The baked pasta and a sample of their cheesecake were fabulous.

Old Smoky never disappoints. From the creativity to the sample size of the refreshments, they really are a crowd pleaser at any event.

Sevierville Commons members enjoying the success of Shine and Dine Cinco in the City.

These were the cutest outfits!

I did a blog story a few months ago called “Lift Your Spirits” about a visit to Sevier Distilling Company. We are going for a return visit on a Thursday soon because they were out of Tenekeela in January.

I was quite impressed with this big stage! I wasn’t expecting it. In addition, I was impressed that the first act played a two hour set with little break. Here, Rossdafareye is in full sombrero mode and playing music that had a comfortable festival groove.

Love this title! A new genre of music that I need to learn more about.

Dogs seemed to be welcome to the event if they were on a leash.

My friend, Karen, and her neighbors.

This chef works out in my HIIT class. He will do two classes in a row, as you can tell. Good to see him there.

These guys came from Morristown and Memphis to the event. The guy from Memphis had come with his girlfriend, who must be local.

 

Chad and Cindy supporting the Sevierville Commons fundraiser. 

Having so much fun!

Now, the main act from Atlanta was ready to take the stage. We were ready to hear the Breakfast Club!

The guy in front of the stage must be a ‘super fan!’

A few moments later, I realized my friend Karen likes Van Halen. Who knew?

The band played all the 80s favorites and even came back for an encore.

The encore was “Don’t Stop Believing,” by Journey. We didn’t want to stop singing.

There were many vendors so I hope that I got a photo from each. These businesses  play a vital role in the success of these events. Here are some more that we enjoyed.

Union Steak and Lube ladies were so nice and having a good time as well.

Additional thanks to the  event sponsors pictured above. Thank you!

As the clock approached 8:00, it was time to go. We left with good memories of a new, enjoyable event in downtown Sevierville. Many of the people that I met were not from here. Some were from Knoxville, Morristown, and even Memphis. They all were having a great time and several said that they want to come back next year. Consequently, the Sevierville Commons Association hit a home run with this event.

It is one of our favorite new events this year. Well done!