More than 350 people spent an idyllic evening at Lakeshore Park’s HGTV Overlook last Saturday at one of the most relaxing, low-key fundraisers the town has ever seen.
Can you think of a better picnic venue? Or more cooperative weather?
About 135 pre-packed picnic baskets filled with the delicious wares of 15 different vendors were sold (each basket fed two) and another 100 general admission passes admitted those who wanted to bring their own dinners.
“This far exceeded our goal for attendance,” said Julieanne Foy, executive director of Lakeshore Park Conservancy. “It was so great seeing folks enjoying a great meal with good friends in the spectacular setting of the Park.”
This was the second Lakeshore Park Picnic, as the event is cleverly called. (Ha.) It was supposed to be an annual event, but was put on hold by COVID after its inaugural in 2019. The local band “The Vibraslaps” played three fun-filled sets.
Foy credits the picnic committee for the success. Members were Michelle Albritton, Cardin Bradley, Pat Bright, Samma Bromley, Joann Coakley, Lindsey Collins, Meg Counts, Rhonda Gray, Mary Ellen Kilburn, Julie McClellan, Erika Nadaud, Judith Rosenberg, Jennifer Ross and Chelsea Spradling. Great job, folks.
Our fantastic vantage point.
Some friends had come early to claim a good spot! We nudged our blankets and chairs near theirs!
From left, Allen Tate, John Oliver, Stephanie Oliver, John McDonald and Susan Tate.
From left, Julie McClellan, Martha McClellan and Annette Brun.
From left, Sasha Ragsdale, Betsy Ewart and Susan Brown. Old friends from ImagePoint days.
Ned and Virginia Babb.
Left to right, Bob McClellan, Dane Brashear, Mark Broussard, Kirk Anderson, Steve Brewington and Mickey Johnson.
Hard-working but happy. Julieanne Foy, executive director of Lakeshore Park Conservancy, sells drink tickets while she has dinner!
Emily and Ross Dempster.
Mary Ellen Brewington, left, and Susan Bush.
From left, Margie Nichols with Christy and Jeff Lee.
From left, Craig Shelton, Mark Grayson, Steve Frampton and Katie Kline.
Jerry Kruse, left, of The Pour Guys, ran the drink concessions. Steve Bailey was a customer.
Whitfield and Ann Bailey.
Very well-behaved dog with doting dog parents.
From left, Jennifer Smith, Doc Claussen, Thad Cox, Tom and Pat Bright.
Susan Hawthorne, left, and Barbara Apking. Their group brought their own food.
Like this delicious raspberry tart Barbara made!
Bob Hawthorne, left, and Jon Agazzi.
Sheena McCall and Steve Apking.
We were happy with the yummy tomato pie and other delicacies we got from Goodness to Go, one of the picnic basket vendors.
From left, John Gill, Jeff Lee and Alan Carmichael.
Russ and Holly Watkins.
David and Sandy Martin.
Loved the vibe.
From left, Laurens Tullock, Susan Brown and Alan Carmichael.
Mark Grayson, left, and Scott Brun.
Allison Cruze and Steve Frampton.
Carol Coode, left, and Teresa Scott, who was covering the event for VIP Knoxville magazine.
Folks could pay extra and get a table!
As it got later, the mountains became clearer.
Here’s a sample of the Vibraslaps:
The Vibraslaps, clockwise from upper right, Chuck Watt, Eric Nowinski, Jim Rivers and Paul Noe.
And, finally, fireworks!
A perfect summer Saturday in Knoxville.
This looks like so much fun. We need to go next year. Can’t beat a good time with a good crowd for a good cause.
Sorry I missed this one. Looks like the Perfect Park Picnic to me.
Gay: Let’s go together next year. We can carpool!
Rusha: You would love!
What a delightful evening!
Congratulations to the organizers for a job well done.
Thanks for capturing it so well, Cynthia.
Sheena: Fun seeing you all! Can’t wait for the next one!
This was an outstanding event! Lakeshore is so easy to celebrate as we all love the beauty. Julieanne and her band of volunteers did a fantastic job– the flowers, the food, the libations, music, the guests and of course the sponsors. It brings out all the good feels of our strong community. Thank you for sharing the pictures— I missed seeing so many of these folks that evening. I will blame it on the boogie! Couldn’t stop dancing. xoxo
Mary Ellen: Agree all the way around! It was great!
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