Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, left, and Anderson County Sheriff Russell Barker had front row seats. (But I never saw them dancing!)
The annual Barn Dance fundraiser for the Museum of Appalachia was an early sellout last weekend and I’ve never seen so many items in a silent auction in my life! Organizers wisely kept the live auction to a manageable six items, but my husband, Alan, and I still couldn’t resist blowing past the limit we had earlier agreed upon and purchasing a private four-course dinner for eight by chef and restaurateur Jeffrey DeAlejandro. (But we’re glad we did!)
This is one of those events at which you can’t keep from smiling. There’s Appalachian musical performances, clogging, wagon rides, and some of the most interesting animals outside the zoo!
And with museum founder John Rice Irwin’s daughter at the same table as us and his grandchildren running the program (and the museum), you felt like you had a private invitation to a close-knit family’s picnic!
The Museum of Appalachia is located in Norris, an easy 23-minute drive from downtown Knoxville. Its mission is to instill in the community— regionally, nationally, and internationally—a greater knowledge of and appreciation for the history and culture of the people of Southern Appalachia.
Near the check-in table, this cute arch was set up for photos. Here’s Alan Carmichael, left, with a friend of ours, David Balloff, and his wife, Judy.
From the minute we set foot on the grounds, there was music. The first band: The Missing Goats.
The Hon. Gary and Sandy Wade. A retired chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court and former mayor of Sevierville, he is the chairman of the board of the Museum of Appalachia.
Great seeing Megan Venable of “VIP Knoxville” magazine and Benny Smith of WDVX radio.
There were tables and tables of silent auction items to bid on!
The items ranged from artwork. . .
To toys and books.
I was tempted by these cute handmade egg holders!
But here’s what I went home with! Can’t wait to use it!
Our friend Steve Dean, right, also a museum board member, introduced us to basket maker Billy Ray Sims. Sims, a Tennessee native who now lives in Maine, has had work in the Smithsonian American Art Museum and has been featured in magazines including “Garden & Gun” and “Country Living.” He donated a beautiful basket which was sold in the live auction.
Auctioneer Bear Stephenson and Shirley Elder. He’s also on the museum’s board of directors.
I thought this was a clever way to serve the appetizers!
Carolyn Fellhoelter was “live painting” some donkeys. Her finished product would then go into the silent auction.
Her subject matter!
We saw our friend John Niceley giving wagon rides (and talking on the phone)!
John’s wife, our friend Martha Kern, chatting with Bulleit, their horse who was pulling the wagon.
We hitched a ride with them and they took us on a quick tour. That’s when we saw this stunning peacock.
The Museum of Appalachia, founded in 1969 by John Rice Irwin, portrays an authentic mountain farm and pioneer village, with some three dozen historic log structures and several exhibit buildings filled with more than 250,000 authentic Appalachian artifacts.
The museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate property, covers 63 acres of picturesque pastures and fields.
I’m a city girl. I have no earthly idea what this piece of farm machinery is! But it looked interesting with all those gears. If anybody knows what it might be, please put answer in the comments.
Not your average pig!
They are huge!
From left, Kinan Bezem, Stuart Cassell, and Martha Kern back at the party tent.
Where things were getting crowded!
The extremely efficient buffet line featured a menu from Copper Cellar Catering. Something for everyone!
See what I mean? Alan went for the brisket, left plate, while the shrimp and grits called my name!
Time for the Museum of Appalachia Band to take the stage.
And cloggers!
And dancers. Here are Randy Kurth and Barbara Nicodemus.
More dancers!
Cute centerpieces on all the tables. And candles to take home as party favors.
At our table, David Balloff and Elaine Meyer, John Rice Irwin’s daughter, current board member, and the former museum president. (She’s also a lot of fun!)
Tom Beehan, left, and Bear Stephenson. Beehan is the former mayor of Oak Ridge and, prior to that, Covington, Kentucky. He describes himself as “a serial mayor!” Ha.
Ronnie McKenzie and Dixie Barker.
Steve and Nancy Dean were at the same table as we were. Love them.
From left, Logan and Johnnie Hickman with Martha Hill.
When it came time for the program, the master of ceremonies was Will Meyer, John Rice Irwin’s grandson and the vice president of the museum.
Museum president is Lindsey Gallaher, Irwin’s granddaughter.
John Alvis, left, helped Bear Stephenson with the live auction. At right is Will Meyer.
Bear Stephenson selling it!
Great seeing Melissa and Richard Snead.
And Mary Knepper, left, and Nancy Hickman.
Fun times for a good cause!
I love that John is talking on the phone!!! That makes us all know for sure it’s really him., not AI
Oh, Martha! That’s hilarious! We always have so much fun when we are with you all!