Guest Tom Dice won a case of wine for having the best decorated umbrella!
Let the good times roll — every year! The Mardi Gras themed Summer Supper fundraiser benefiting Knox Heritage last Friday was such a rousing success that the non-profit preservation group has decided to make it an annual event.
Here’s what happened. About 80 guests and 40 host committee members gathered in the courtyard of Kendrick Place (that’s the condo development beside Chesapeake’s restaurant) for wine, beer, Hurricanes and “muffulettas on a stick.” That’s a deconstructed muffuletta, a signature New Orleans sandwich made of various meats, cheeses, roasted peppers and olives. Only these were skewers filled with all the component parts — much easier to eat as appetizers while standing and sipping.
After an appropriate time, members of the Down Under Dixieland Band showed up and led the assemblage through downtown in a Mardi Gras style parade to the sweet strains of When the Saints Go Marching In and other Dixieland greats. We marched east on Union Avenue, through Market Square, across the stage of the William Lyons Pavilion (William Lyons was actually with us, by the way!), east on Wall Avenue, and then north on Gay Street to the courtyard at The Emporium. A fabulous shrimp boil from The Shrimp Dock was served there along with red beans and rice, jambalaya, pastries from The French Market and much more Dixieland jazz.
Speaking only for myself, it was a great way to end a very hectic work week. You didn’t feel so guilty indulging in all the eating and drinking because you also got to burn off at least some of those calories marching across downtown Knoxville!
A prize was given to the best decorated umbrella. Tom Dice won it. And in true New Orleans style, the prize was a case of wine!
The Summer Suppers have ended for this year, but they sure were fun — and successful. Here’s a secret: If you join Knox Heritage at a giving level of $1,000, you become a member of the 1791 Society — that’s the year Knoxville was founded. As such, you will get advance notice of the Summer Supper schedule and a chance to buy your tickets first. This is important because many of the offerings sell out quickly. Just a little word to the wise — thank me later! I hope to see you next year at some of these festive and unique events.
First things first! Upon arrival at Kendrick Place, everyone was given a LOT of beads! Jennifer Bruner was handing them out.
Scott Bird and Shaun Fulco of Moxley Carmichael were early arrivals. She's actually from New Orleans, so we tried to emulate her!
Bill Lyons and Mickey Mallonee were two of the hosts.
Hahaha! Amanda Messer, left, and Katy Harp
Gay Lyons offering "muffulettas on a stick." Clever.
Chad and Robin Tindell
Regina Dean, the executive director of WUOT-FM.
Kendrick Place even looked like New Orleans, didn't it?
Knoxville Police Department's Officer Whillock was in charge of getting us safely from one side of downtown to another, bless him. When I asked him his name, he said, "Here's how you can remember it. It's Whillock. As in, 'I WILL LOCK you up!'" Love a cop with a sense of humor!
Knox Heritage Executive Director Kim Trent (I only recognized her by her voice!) rallied the troops to start the parade.
And off we go!
Down Under Dixieland Band leading the way.
Liz Lyons came up with this incredible Mummer outfit!
Market Square patrons got in the spirit as the parade passed through.
The Mummer on the stage of the William Lyons Pavilion
These folks, from left, Travis Vickery, Kris Rhea, John Miller and Robin Hawn, were having a quiet evening at Preservation Pub -- until we passed by!
Just like in New Orleans, folks watched from balconies. This is P. Smith on the 100 block of Gay Street.
When we arrived at the Emporium, we looked down into the courtyard and saw the lovely setting where we would have dinner.
Wow!
Ed and Corrine Patrick about to enter the tunnel to the courtyard.
A cute sign welcomed us: "You are all our jazz"
An even more welcome sight: host Elaine Clark with pitchers of beer and wine.
Host Karen Kluge adjusting the balloons. They had flashing lights inside them!
At our table from left, Richard Ford, Rosa Mar, and Dawn Ford
The shrimp boil was served in a big blue boat.
My plate: yum!
Paula Clancy offering seconds on bread
Judith Foltz clearing Shelba Murphy's plate
Mary Ann Condry and Teresa Scott shared our table.
My photographer buddy Paul Efird of the News Sentinel with his sweet wife, Stephanie
Peter Acly in mid-bite! He's sitting with his wife, Ellen Robinson, of Moxley Carmichael and our other work friend, Scott Bird.
It was great to see our table mates from a previous Summer Supper, J.D. and Jo Lowe.
Pat and Morgan Fitch get chummy with WBIR's Erin Donovan, center.
Steve and Paula Clancy with Pamela Chips, right
The News Sentinel's Eric Vreeland and his wife, Emily Jones
Gay Lyons, left, with Sarah Seaton and her darling doggie, Tater Tot
From left, Ronnie McKenzie, Dixie Barker, Sam Maynard and Michael Croyle
From Scripps Networks, Annette Brun and Kent Takano
From left, John Kuykendall, Jenetta Dittrich, John Law and Willene Chalmers.
Peter Acly and Alan Carmichael wearing the crowns that were part of the centerpieces!
Mickey Mallonee has this cute jester that I call her "boyfriend." She brought him down from her condo to join the festivities. He fit right in!
Speaking of boyfriends! Alan really enjoyed this event! OK, time to go!
What a great night this was for me. Being a New Orleans native, I never imagined I would ever get the chance to second line through the streets of Knoxville. I can’t wait for next year. However, I warned the rest of the host committee this is how all Mardi Gras Krewes get started. It will grow and grow and grow!
Had a fun, fun time–Knox Heritage should do this event every year!!! I especially enjoyed my table mates and the chocolate eclairs!!!
Thanks again Cynthia for a great summary of a fun night.
I love, love, love the last photo of Alan! Classic!
Great job, Cynthia. You beat me by about ten hours on the post and about a million miles on the coverage. Great pictures and description. Tip of the hat and a raised Hurricane to you!
Shaun: thanks for the inspiration! Rosa and Bill: we agree about how much fun it was! Kim: Alan loved that last photo, too! I thought I’d never get him out of there! Urban Guy: thanks! I liked your post on the event, too! Everyone, check out Urban Guy’s blog. Click it on my favorites list on the right hand side above: Stuck Inside of Knoxville with the Urban Blues A’gin.
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Where did you get your boat to serve the seafood in
Karen: The guys from The Shrimp Dock did the seafood boil. They brought the boat.
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