Lyle Irish and Margie Nichols were among our little band of buddies who set up our blankets and chairs together.
Lord, this town loves a picnic. And I have to admit that I do, as well.
One of the best picnics every year is the annual fundraiser held each June as a benefit for Lakeshore Park. The view from the HGTV Overlook at Lakeshore just can’t be beat, although this year the mountains were obscured by the lingering smoke that hung in the air from Canadian wildfires. Still, it was beautiful.
I love that attendees are given the option of ordering their meals in advance from one of 11 participating restaurants and having them delivered straight to the picnic. Or they can opt to bring their own victuals. We have taken advantage of both options and they both worked out great. We had delicious tomato pie from Goodness to Go last year. This year, we brought our own Parisian tuna salad (we got the recipe from a bistro we visited in France several years ago) and enjoyed that, as well.
About 350 folks attended. All proceeds went directly to pay for maintenance and operations of Lakeshore Park.
Members of the venerable Coffee Club and their spouses claimed space together at the Lakeshore Park Picnic. From left, David and Sandy Martin, Cynthia Moxley and Alan Carmichael, Jerry and Ann Bodie, Bruce and Tami Hartmann, John and Margie Nichols Gill, and Jeff Lee. Notice the haziness caused by the Canadian fires.
Here’s the view when we arrived. You usually can see the Smoky Mountains in the distance.
The fun cover band BBS performed.
Such a relaxed vibe.
John Gill, left, and Alan Carmichael were chatting. Not sure where Jeff Lee was rushing off to!
Jake Faris, center, with Tami and Bruce Hartmann.
Virginia and Ned Babb were there in a chill mood.
Brilliant! Ann Bodie brought a battery-powered fan!
Great seeing Steve Brewington, center, with Richard and Linda Willey.
Maria and Kevin McHale arrived with their two daughters and lots of playthings!
From left, siblings Stephanie Bean and Craig Shelton with Madge Cleveland. Stephanie’s husband plays in the BBS band.
More relaxed picnickers.
Ann Pierce, left, and Mary Ellen Brewington.
Mark Grayson, left, and Steve Frampton.
Margie Nichols and John Gill.
Lyle and Trish Irish got there early and staked out space for other folks from East Tennessee Realtors where Lyle serves as CEO.
Kristin Grove, left, with Julieanne Foy, executive director of Lakeshore Park Conservancy.
Jeff Lee and Margie Nichols sharing a chat.
Kids had plenty of play space.
Kelly Lenz, left, and Martha Buchanan.
Holly Warlick, left, and Margie Nichols.
Knoxville City Council Member Janet Testerman and Dino Cartwright.
From left, Judith Foltz, Janet Testerman Crossley and Joey Creswell.
James Holden, left, chief operating officer of East Tennessee Realtors, with John Alzona.
David Collins and Kirby Bell, left, with their friends Susan and David Forsberg.
Annette and Scott Brun.
Ann and Jerry Bodie.
Dino Cartwright, rear, and Mitchell Moseley.
Judith and Michael Foltz.
That’s Jeff Lee, left, and Alan Carmichael.
Julieanne Foy and her husband, Michael.
How’s this for a stroke of genius?
A big screen was set up so folks could watch UT play LSU in College World Series.
But, I was more interested in this!
All in all, a fun, fun event. Can’t wait until next year!
Sounds like a wonderful event. All supporting fun, friendship, and a meaningful cause.
Terry: It was a ton of fun! You should go next year!