From left, Jacque Hawks, Janet Testerman, and Dino Cartwright set up the picnic table. That’s Joey Creswell crouching down in the rear taking more goodies out of the cooler.
Due to the crazy weather — and constantly changing forecasts — the annual fundraiser that is the Lakeshore Park Picnic drew a smaller than usual crowd this year. But it still exceeded its $70,000 fundraising goal and the park’s executive director, Julieanne Foy, said it was a success.
And, guess what. It didn’t rain at all! “The weather couldn’t have been better!” Foy said.
Plans were in flux until last Saturday, the day of the event, with the Lakeshore Conservancy sending out notices that said it might be canceled. Picnickers were given the opportunity to pick up and take home the boxed dinners they had ordered from a variety of local eateries.
But, in the end, the live music was moved under cover — into Marble Hall from its usually beautiful outdoor spot at the HGTV Overlook — and attendees crowded around the venue instead of spreading out onto the larger lawn.
But it still was a fun time. Our little group grabbed a spot under what we call, “The Picnic Tree,” which is a short distance from Marble Hall. We could still hear the music and avail ourselves of the restrooms, but we weren’t really in the thick of things.
Since we had purchased general admission tickets and opted to bring our own food, it worked out great. Foy said the staff actually liked the setup this year better than in previous years because it was easier to distribute the food to those who purchased it.
In any event, we’ll be there again next year because we think this is a perfect fundraiser for the 200-acre jewel that is Lakeshore Park.
This is Marble Hall. A beautiful covered spot.
A special VIP area was set up inside Marble Hall.
That’s where the band, Chuckwagon, performed.
Everyone else spread out around the building.
Bob Marquis and Townes Osborn.
Martha and Matthew McClellan.
From left, Amy Jackson, Sarah Roberto, Knoxville City Councilman Andrew Roberto, and Knox County Commissioner Shane Jackson.
Here’s one of the hardest working non-profit executives in town — Julieanne Foy.
Artist Robin Moore Rohwer was in the middle of painting nearby Marble Pavilion. The finished piece would later be sold in a silent auction along with a gift card from Bennett for framing.
Meanwhile, back under the “Picnic Tree,” some folks were considering their food options. From left, Mitchell Moseley, Dino Cartwright, Alan Carmichael, and Bill Lyons.
We had, clockwise from top left, Parisian tuna salad, chicken with tatziki sauce, deviled eggs, broccoli salad, assorted cookies, watermelon, and beef tenderloin, among other things.
Here’s Joey Creswell helping load up the table.
Alan Carmichael, left, and Cliff Hawks. They were likely discussing politics or travel!
Now, that’s what I call a picnic! From left, Mitchell Moseley, Joey Creswell, Janet Testerman, Jacque and Cliff Hawks.
From left, Mitchell Moseley, Bill and Gay Lyons. It was a very laid-back evening.
I believe Dino Cartwright was relaxed.
These folks headed our way for a visit. From left, Bill Lyons, who welcomed them on our behalf, John and Margie Nichols Gill, and Jeff Lee.
Then we saw Andrew and Sarah Roberto approaching. See what a pretty day it turned out to be?
He snagged a cookie!
We always tease our friend Mitchell about looking like Burt Reynolds. So he decided to strike Reynolds’ famous Cosmopolitan magazine pose!
Who remembers this from 1972? (I was in high school. Mitchell wasn’t even born yet!)
And, there you have it, folks! Until next year!
missed being with you all this year! beautiful evening!
Love the Burt Reynolds pose! He was at Florida State when I attended so I’ve followed him through the years.
Judith: Missed you, too! We’ll have to make Mitchell pose again when you are with us!
Georgiana: Seriously? I never knew that! Lucky you!!
After some angst earlier in the day, it turned out to be an absolutely beautiful evening. Good food, good friends, good times–and all for a good cause. Count us in for next year!
Gay: We really got lucky! Sure was fun. Glad you all could join us.
About the Author
What You’re Saying
What’s Hot
My Favorite Blogs
Archives