Legacy Parks Foundation board member Nicki Collett, left, and Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon.
Talk about a full tent! The Legacy Parks Foundation‘s “Legacy Luncheon for the Parks” held recently at Johnson University was a sellout with 1,000 attendees! Wow!
Guest speaker was Conor Knighton, a CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and author of the new book, “Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park.” In it, he documents the year he spent visiting every national park in the country.
He referred to the experience as “the road trip of a lifetime.”
“What ties parks together is what ties us to them,” Knighton said. “They are places of connection. Parks get you out of your comfort zone.”
After visiting all the parks, the author said he has no favorite because they are all so different from each other.
It was a perfect day to be on the Johnson University campus in southeast Knox County about 10 miles from downtown Knoxville. The huge tent was set up on the banks of the French Broad River, which several people described as “the third oldest river in the world.” Who knew?
Carol Evans, executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation, and Johnson University President Daniel Overdorf.
From left, state Rep. Dave Wright, Knox County Mayor Betsy Henderson, and Knox County School Board member Travis Wright.
From left, Lacey Mellott, Erin Donovan, and state Sen. Becky Massey.
David Martin and Knox County Commissioner Courtney Durrett.
Knoxville City Council member Denzel Grant.
From left, Knox County Commissioner Adam Thompson, Kristen Bright, Martha Kern, and John Niceley.
Sandy Martin, left, with Cindy and Chris Whaley. He’s president of Roane State Community College.
From left, Nada Kuchinic, Alan Carmichael, Ghada and Faris Eid.
Kathy and Dan Hamilton.
From left, Pam Fansler, David Martin, and Butch Peccolo.
An amazing crowd on a stunningly beautiful day.
A selection of sandwiches, pasta salad, chips, fruit and dessert bars were the efficient lunch from Gourmet’s Market.
Rose Hammond and Stuart Cassell.
From left, Brandi Cox, Lavonda Cantrell, and Lori Humphreys.
Barry Davis, left, and Doug Bryant of Hillcrest Healthcare.
Duane and Marsha Grieve.
Some folks took a short walk to the river.
Or a nearby field.
Scott Busby, left, and Wayne Blasius.
CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and author Conor Knighton.
Legacy Parks Board Chair Don Parnell.
It was a perfect setting for the cause of parks!
It was fun running into Jenny Hines, left, and Madge Cleveland on the way out.
Alan Carmichael, left, with Rachel Ford and Jeff Lee.
Carol Evans and state Rep. Dave Wright.
From left, Jerry Askew, Greg Gheen, and Courtney Durrett.
We bought one of the pretty centerpieces!
Great event, as always!
Debbie: It really was! The scenery was perfect for the situation!