Knox Heritage Executive Director Christine Cloninger and Steve Drevik, vice president of the organization’s board of directors, visit in the beverage tent.
The preservation organization Knox Heritage held its annual Patrons’ Party recently on a beautiful spring afternoon on the lawn and inside its headquarters, Historic Westwood, the mansion built in 1890 behind the serpentine wall at 3425 Kingston Pike.
This is the event our friends and we eagerly anticipated each year because it was when you could sign up for Knox Heritage’s famed “Summer Suppers,” a series of dozens of small fundraising gatherings held throughout the warm season in various private and public East Tennessee locations. The organization discontinued those a couple of years ago in favor of three larger gatherings called “Suppers and Such.” The previous setup just got to be too labor intensive for the return on investment, according to one board member.
So the Patrons’ Party these days lacks the competitive adrenaline rush of trying to sign up for the events before they are snapped up by other supporters. But it’s got its own charm now of a relaxed and low-key social hour or so of nibbles, libations, and camaraderie in a lovely setting.
Heads up. Two of the three “Suppers and Such” events have sold out already. But you still can get tickets for a fun one in North Knoxville on July 22. Just head to the website.
The setting was beautiful earlier this month for the Knox Heritage Patrons’ Party.
This cultural and architectural treasure was acquired by the non-profit Aslan Foundation and donated to Knox Heritage in 2013 for use as its headquarters. It was originally built as the home and studio of Knoxville artist Adelia Lutz.
David McKay and Angelyn Campell were smart. They stationed themselves on the porch and could see and visit with everyone who entered the house!
That’s where we saw Vick Dyer and Gracie Huggler as they entered.
And Melissa and Chad Tindell.
Sisters Gloria Cottrell, left, and Carol White were there.
Yummy appetizers, clockwise from top left: three-cheese stuffed mushrooms, Caprese picks, smoked chicken quesadillas, and bacon-wrapped cheese-stuffed dates.
The beautiful dessert table.
And beautiful desserts!
Back on the lawn, the beverage tent was attracting a crowd. From left: Rick and Jenny Blackburn, Ellen Bebb, and Finbarr Saunders.
Pamela Treacy, left, with Mary Pom Claiborne and John Bradley.
Ruth and Don Horton.
Judy Pyne, left, with Betty Sue and Doug Sparks.
Jerry and Emily Lenn. (“You should see the other guy,” Jerry quipped! Ha. Actually, his doctor had removed a cancerous spot on this nose.)
Jane George looked dapper!
Heather Seiber, left, with Susan and Kent Farris.
Gina and Richard Bass.
From left, Gary Williford, Dwane Dishner, and Sandy Martin.
Erin O’Connell, left, and her mom, Betsy O’Connell.
David Butler and Courtney Bergmeier.
A relaxing time during a hectic season. What a good idea!
