Karen Bowdle, executive director of the Good Samaritan of Loudon County, plans to ride into Tellico Village at 8 p.m. June 29 singing “Mustang Sally” for attendants of the 2014 Patriotic Celebration, which will be hosted by First Baptist Church of Tellico Village.
The former community celebration was put on hold until a larger venue was acquired, but the Rev. Charlie Barnard said he was feeling too patriotic to not have a party.
“I started it as a community event seven years ago, eight years ago, and the community has decided that they’re going to wait till they have a bigger place to do it because we don’t have really a big outdoor arena-type situation in Tellico Village,” Barnard said. “They’re sort of backing up and waiting as a community event, but I thought, ‘You know, I’m patriotic anyway. I’d like to do something.’”
The church will be providing free ice cream and water for the event, which is at no cost to attendees. Classic cars will be shown, and the Tellico Riders Motorcycle Club plans to attend.
The festivities are in honor of the United States and armed forces. Barnard arranged to have the veteran’s color guard at the celebration. The only necessity for the patriotic party is a lawn chair for what Barnard called the “big bang surprise.”
“We’re going to have some good singing,” Barnard said. “We’ll have a patriotic program. We actually have a flag that flew over the White House that we’re going to give away to somebody.”
Barnard and his wife plan to set up a booth with a map and their motorcycles on display. Attendees may donate for the annual bike rally held during the summer in support of the Good Samaritan Center. Those who pledge may also receive a T-shirt and prayer bracelet to remind them to pray for the Barnard’s during the long journey.
Barnard said the church plans to have some local dignitaries attend as well. While the celebration is held primarily for those who reside in Tellico Village, anyone who wants to attend from surrounding communities is more than welcome. No one will be turned away.
“It’s really just to celebrate the birth of our nation,” Barnard said. “It gives us an opportunity to be patriotic, and everything’s free. It’s our gift to the community.”
