By Pete Gawda

Since the eagle is the mascot of the new Gibbs Middle School, it was only appropriate that a real, live eagle be the featured guest at Eagle Fest, the grand opening celebration of the newly constructed school.

Mr. Lincoln, a bald eagle, was the star of the event which was held on Friday, August 3. The new school is located at 7625 Tazewell Pike, near Gibbs High School. Eagle Fest was a fun occasion because, in addition to Mr. Lincoln, there was music, food trucks, and booths representing various campus organizations and  local businesses and churches, as well as tours of the new school.

Clear Springs Baptist Church gave away hot dogs served on Frisbees. The youth group from Fairview Baptist Church had a booth with games for children. There was a raffle to benefit the girls’ soccer team, and folks could buy Gibbs T-shirts and other Gibbs merchandise to show their school spirit. The brand new school, which opens for classes on Wednesday, August 8 has a among other amenities, a well-appointed band practice room, art rooms, well furnished classrooms,  a modern media center, an attractive cafeteria, and an impressive gymnasium and theater.

Everyone wanted to have their picture taken with Mr. Lincoln who was hatched at the American Eagle Foundation’s Eagle Mountain Sanctuary in Pigeon Forge.