TOP PHOTO: Three- hundred commemorative coins were made available for the celebration.

Lisa Perkins views an old picture of Downtown LaFollette.

 By Charlotte Underwood 

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Rain didn’t dampen the fun at the City of LaFollette’s 125th celebration held on Saturday. From carnival rides and classic car shows to tours of the historic LaFollette House, there was plenty of fun to be had by all who came out to the event.

According to LaFollette City Administrator Stan Foust, the celebration was a success and the event went well despite the weather.

Saturday was filled with activities.

“I feel even with some of the rain challenges, it didn’t keep the people from coming out and supporting our city celebrating it’s 125 years,” Foust said.  Opening ceremonies started at 10 am with sponsor recognition and a proclamation by LaFollette Mayor Phillip Farmer. The Campbell County Honor Guard presented the colors and Vanessa Dupuy performed the National Anthem. Dupuy said it was “always an honor” for her to sing. There was also a tribute to all veterans at the start of the event. The history of the City of LaFollette was presented by LaFollette Librarian Nancy Green.

The history of the area was on display at the Campbell County Historical Society museum, as well as at Postmark LaFollette with its exhibit “Footprints and Imprints.”

People enjoyed the opportunity to take a rare look inside one of the area’s most beautiful and historic homes, the LaFollette House (Glen Oaks). The house was open to the public from 1 pm to 5 pm for tours of the historic estate. The owner of the residence regaled tour goers with restoration stories, as well as tales of haunting experiences at the historic home.

The LaFollette House was open to the public from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for tours of the historic estate.

Donations from the Glen Oaks open house were collected for the LaFollette Police Department K-9’s to help with gear and veterinary care. Donations for the police department totaled $1,716.35. These funds will provide care for K-9s Morris and Diesel of the LaFollette Police Department.  LaFollette Police Chief Bill Roehl said the department was appreciative of these donations and all the support.    

Local music lineups provided entertainment throughout the day at the stage on East Central Avenue.  “We had new crowds coming out all through out the day and some staying the entire day, the celebration went great,” Foust said.

From food trucks, local vendors, art displays and carnival fun, there was plenty to do for the whole family.  Foust said he had received multiple calls and texts Sunday morning from people thanking the city for such a great celebration and saying what a great time they had.

Foust said it was a group effort that made it a successful day.

“You know we can’t thank all the sponsors, donors, veterans, vendors, candidates, performers, staff, and everyone else that participated in the celebration enough because they are the reason it was a huge success.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/11/2022-6AM)

Related