Honor Fountain City revives community spirit
By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
After a four-year pause following the Covid pandemic, the celebration of Honor Fountain City Day returned last week with hundreds of people gathering following two days of rains and storms. Fountain City Town Hall sponsored the event, traditionally held at Fountain City Park, which proved festive despite stray muddy spots.
Local political candidates were there promoting their causes, and greeting visitors and supporters. All three candidates for school board District 2 were present along with candidates for Knox County Commission and Property Assessor. Various city and county officials were also present along with former elected officeholders.
The day wasn’t focused on politics but on community, veterans and reviving the spirit of a neighborhood that had been dormant for a few years.
Fountain City Town Hall chairwoman Jamie Rowe greeted the crowd and served as master of ceremonies. The event began at 10 a.m. and went until 4 p.m. with live entertainment, children’s games and the Plant Trolley, exhibits by various groups, a silent auction, food vendors, and a booth that sold Fountain City tee shirts.
Rowe introduced former Knoxville Vice Mayor and City Councilman Nick Pavlis, a Fountain City native. Ashley Adams, host of the B97.5 “B” Morning Show, spoke about vital public servants, and Rowe presented community awards.
Fountain City Man of the Year went to Dr. Kent Page and Kim Day was chosen as FC Woman of the Year. The Commercial Beautification and Restoration Award went to Sweet P’s Uptown Corner Restaurant and Residential Restoration honors went to Reese and Retha Cloar. The Residential Garden and Landscaping honors went to Timothy and Stephanie Ogden. The Friend of Fountain City was awarded to J. D. Lambert and the Chairwoman’s Award was presented to Charles Harrington.
WBIR’s John Becker spoke about “Service and Sacrifice” and Jacquie Brecheen sang patriotic songs. ROTC cadets presented the American flag and Cadet Noah Keesee read a poem. The East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard fired a 21-gun salute and played “Taps.”
The devotional was delivered by retired Rev. Jim Whedbee to close another successful celebration in the park.
