Bruce and Tami Hartmann enjoyed the picnic with their daughter, Melissa Cox, back, and grandchildren, Charlie and Clara.
Temperatures hovered in the low 90s, but the vibe was definitely cool at Lakeshore Park last Saturday for its annual picnic fundraiser. Officials said 370 people either brought their own picnic dinner fare or purchased it from one of a dozen local eateries who delivered the goods to the picnic area.
The cover band Smooth Sailor was perfect playing familiar music from the ’70s and ’80s non-stop for three hours at the HGTV Overlook. Adults wandered among the picnic blankets and portable tables chatting with friends while children busied themselves running around or playing games their parents had thoughtfully brought along.
The picnic raised more than $79,000, said Julieanne Foy, executive director of Lakeshore Park Conservancy. “We are thrilled with the success of the event,” she said. “The funds raised go directly toward the care of the park.”
I, personally, was a little disappointed that the night ended without the usual fireworks display. Foy explained the reasoning. “It became too expensive,” she said. “And spending money on something like that really doesn’t fall in line with our mission.” Fair enough. Maybe someone could underwrite the fireworks next year. Just a thought. It still was a wonderful evening.
Lakeshore Park, located in west Knoxville along the banks of the Tennessee River, is the most visited public park in Knoxville, hosting more than a million visitors each year. The 185-acre recreation area is jointly managed by the Lakeshore Park Conservancy and the city of Knoxville.
Hundreds of happy picnickers last Saturday.
Mayor Indya Kincannon, center, visiting with Bill Pittman and Tina Rolen.
Marsha and Duane Grieve had a good time!
The view of the Tennessee River and the Great Smoky Mountains from our picnic blanket.
Laurens and Polly Ailor Tullock.
From left, Jeff Lee, Margie Nichols, and John Gill.
Robin Irwin and Ron Watkins, standing, with Sharon Bailey, left, and Deborah Petrolina.
Haha! Martha and Matthew McClellan, center, with Tom (behind the paper plate!) and Melissa McAdams.
Julia Bentley, left, and Judith Foltz.
From left, Patti Whitcomb, Sasha Ragsdale, Marlene Yovino, Betsy Ewart, and Kim Warnick.
Kevin and Maria McHale always bring a ton of toys and games to occupy their two daughters, Avery and Renleigh!
Here’s the great picnic lunch we purchased from Redbud Kitchen: at top: chicken avocado sandwiches with applewood bacon and house-made potato chips; bottom, from left: damn good pimento cheese and black bean-corn salsa that came with fried flour tortillas for dipping, lemon blueberry cake, and banana pudding with whipped cream. Needless to say, we had leftovers!
Nancy Keith and Chuck Morris.
Michelle Hardin and Larry Kliman.
Margie Nichols after a visit to the drink tent!
Lila Honaker, left, and Deborah Franklin.
David and Kirby Collins.
Such a pretty night.
Jeanette Brewington, holding Sampson, poses with her great uncle, Alan Carmichael.
From left, Craig Shelton, Madge Cleveland, Mark Grayson, and Steven Frampton.
From left, Annette Brun, Bob McClellan, Tommy Siler, and Scott Brun.
Smooth Sailor.
Lead singer David Campbell.
Keyboardist Jason Day.
The moon was out when we left.
One of these days I’m going to make it to this event. It always looks like so much fun.
Gay: You absolutely should! It’s right up your alley — and so many of your friends are there!
Me, too, Gay!!
Allyn: You would love it, as well!
Looks fun
Monique: Next year, you and Bruce and Alan and I should ride together from downtown and put our picnic blankets, etc., together. We can see if other downtowners want to join us on our venture into the suburbs! Ha.
Thanks for covering another great Knoxville event!!!
You’re awesome!
Victoria: Thanks! Love seeing you at so many of them! Aren’t we lucky to live in such a happening place?
Wonderful event….and you caught Duane and me at the right moment actually sitting on a blanket on the ground! Great picture – thanks!
Marsha: Love that pic of you all! Had so much fun!
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