I’ve written before about the day the pandemic shut down the Farragut Parks & Rec Department. In March 2020, I had just sent four pages of material for the spring edition of “Talk of the Town” to the Farragutpress for publication when I was called into a meeting announcing that our community center would close for three weeks because of a new virus. That edition of our quarterly newsletter was ultimately scaled back to one page, and as many planned events were removed from the 2020 schedule, we kept the one-page format through January 2021.
I am ridiculously excited that the spring 2021 edition of “Talk of the Town” has returned to four pages! It doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods in regard to Covid-19, but it does mean that that Parks & Rec staff have become experts at safe programming and we are guardedly optimistic that numbers will continue to drop. While we’ll continue to have the caveat that events are subject to change based on current health regulations, I’m happy to share a preview of what you’ll find in this week’s “Talk of the Town.” New programs start April 1; here’s what we’re looking forward to:
New classes, including a few freebies. Pick Your Own Open Gym has returned, and free recreational classes include Family Yoga and a beginning running class for women over 50. If your mental health has suffered during quarantine, you may benefit from free classes Attitudes of Gratitude or Relax and Breathe. See the entire list here.
Farragut History Walk. History is kind of a big deal in Farragut. The beautiful new Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza with four interpretive signs brought the number of historical sites within a 1.7-mile stretch to four, so the town has put together an attractive map and info about the plaza, the Heritage Trail with interpretive signage at Founders Park, the Farragut Museum/Admiral Farragut Plaza and Pleasant Forest Cemetery. Start the walk at Founders Park; history walk maps are available at the Heritage Trail sign at the turnaround or online here.
Wildflower walks. In conjunction with Dogwood Arts, the town will host wildflower walks at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 3, at Founders Park. They are free and will be led by a naturalist from Ijams Nature Center. Pre-registration is required and space is limited, so sign up today here.
The McFee Park Splash Pad. The wait will soon end; the Splash Pad opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 24! Details here.
May Day Picnic. We were sad to cancel the 2021 Shamrock Ball, but we are just as excited to offer an alternative outdoor event! The May Day Picnic will be held Saturday, May 1, from 6-8 p.m. at Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza. Tickets go on sale in April; follow town of Farragut on social media for more information.
The Bob Watt Youth Fishing Rodeo. Last year’s rodeo was moved to July, but since it was one of just a few events held last year, it was a huge hit. This year, the rodeo is on Saturday, May 15, with two sessions of fishing, 8-9 a.m. and 10-11 a.m. Again, pre-reregistration is required and space is limited, so sign up early here.
The Farragut Independence Day Parade. I expect this to be one of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations ever, except for that first one. Please note that this year’s parade is at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 3. Registration forms will be available Thursday, April 1, here or at the Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd. Slots fill quickly!
Town of Farragut marketing and public relations coordinator Wendy Smith is your reliable Farragut insider.