Join us Tuesday for 2 birthday celebrations
From Staff ReportsOriginally published: September 21. 2008 3:01AM
Last modified: September 21. 2008 12:13AM
Over the past 125 years, The Daily Times has celebrated thousands of birthdays in our news pages. This week, we are celebrating two of our own: The Daily Times' 125th and Editor Dean Stone's 84th.
The celebration begins in Tuesday's paper with a 126-page souvenir section devoted to the history of The Daily Times, featuring photos from the past, the story of The Daily Times, interviews and archival pages scanned from microfilm published by the Tennessee State Library and Archives.
On Tuesday, everyone is invited to the birthday party at 307 E. Harper Ave. and the parking lot adjacent to Greenbelt Park. The event will feature free food, fun, music and special events. Festivities will begin at 3 p.m. and end at 6 p.m.
Atmos Energy will be serving hot dogs right off the grill beginning at 3 p.m., with soft drinks and punch also available. Of course, there will also be birthday cake.
A special ceremony honoring The Daily Times and Editor Dean Stone will begin at 4 p.m. After an opening prayer by Pacer Hepperly of RIO Revolution, the colors will be presented by the Blount County Fire Department.
Daily Times Publisher Max Crotser will open the ceremony with a few remarks, following which will be a proclamation from Gov. Phil Bredesen's office declaring Dean Stone Day.¬ Alcoa Mayor Don Mull, Maryville Mayor Joe Swann and Assistant County Mayor Dave Bennett will follow with a special presentation.
State Sen.-elect Doug Overbey, or wife Kay Overbey, and outgoing state Sen. Raymond Finney are also scheduled to present public proclamations. Finally, the Alcoa Kiwanis Club will add its public congratulations to The Daily Times and Stone with remarks from Herk Holbert and Bill Hogan.
Music will be provided by The Dixie Highway Band, The Russell Family, Keith Nixon and Jeff Barbra.
Also on display:
Blount County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit
Alcoa Police Department K-9 Unit
Alcoa Police Department Traffic Unit Dodge Charger
"Larry the 8-Foot Firefighter" and the 135-foot ladder truck¬ with American flag from the Alcoa Fire Department
Blount County Fire Department brush truck
Blount County Fire Department's "Sparky the Fire Dog"
Maryville Fire Department Fire Safety Robot Maryville Fire Department Engine
Rural/Metro ambulance
Blount County Fire Department Color Guard
Special activities include face painting and puppet show for kids, free goody bags, prize giveaways, tours of your hometown newspaper and registration for a $500 drawing.
The Maryville Times was founded in 1883 by A.J. Neff and his son, George. Since that time, The Daily Times has been a family-owned newspaper.