Welcome to hometown USA. Powell celebrated the Fourth of July with a parade down Emory Road (middle school to high school) and a picnic in the park.
It was hot for sure, but no one seemed to mind. Kids danced on the splash pad to the rhythm of the disc jockey’s boom box. Politicians visited the tables where businesses and churches gave away free food and drinks.
We spotted Randy Boyd, campaigning for governor, and Jimmy Matlock, running for Congress. Sheriff-elect Tom Spangler was there, assisted by a bevy of retired officers – the folks who helped him win an upset in May. State Rep. Bill Dunn had a booth. He flooded the park with orange-clad family members and friends.
Charlie Susano, Republican nominee for Circuit Court Clerk, was campaigning, as was candidate Larsen Jay (who gave away lemonade at his booth). And the reliable Charles Busler also had a table. Charlie walked the parade route as is his custom. Try that at noon!
Laura Bailey and volunteers from the Powell Business & Professional Association organized and funded the picnic.
Update: A reader notes our omission of some candidates at Powell’s Fourth of July event:
“I noticed a couple of omissions to your story on the Powell Independence Day Parade and Picnic that I think are worth sharing. Also walking in the parade were Kate Trudell and Edward Nelson, candidates for State Representative in District 16 and District 19, respectively. Kate will be remembered for handing out 400 popsicles. Kate and Edward also shared a booth with hot dog condiments – located between the hot dogs and the Spangler booth.
“And also working the crowd were candidate for County Mayor Linda Haney and candidate for U.S. House of Representatives District 2 Josh Williams, both fresh from the Farragut parade.”
Bells Camp Ground Baptist Church promotes its upcoming Vacation Bible School.
Powell Lions Club sponsors the annual parade. Here the lead car carries two pageant titleholders: Kylee Maupin and Kendal Patty