Hello, friends! I hope that you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend. We have some amazing women in Benton County, and I am certainly blessed to have two wonderful women in my life, my mother Sandy Porter and grandmother Dorothy Jarrett. I am also blessed to be a mother myself to my son Lance.
I am writing my article this week from beautiful Dahlonega, Ga., where I am attending year two of the Southeast Tourism Society’s (STS) Marketing College. In 2018, I was the only Tennessean selected to receive a full scholarship to STS from the AL/MS/TN Rural Tourism Association.
The program takes three years to complete. Upon completion, I will be a certified tourism marketing professional. It is exciting to be here to learn new tools and “tricks of the trade.” It is a great opportunity to network with other leaders in the industry and share information about our successes.
Congratulations to all Benton County seniors who will graduate on Friday, May 17. All of your hard work has paid off and you get the walk that line! Big Sandy graduation will occur at 6 p.m., followed by the Camden event at 7:30 p.m. The Chamber wishes each of you the best of luck in your endeavors on whatever paths you choose to take.
Upcoming Events
When school lets out on Friday, May 17, the LiBY Center will hold their Final Friday Mini Festival from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per child (adults free). Come enjoy face painting, games, art projects, prizes, and concessions. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 731-234-5144.
On Saturday, May 18, the Friends of NBFSP will host their annual storytelling event at 6 p.m. at the fire pit across from Happy Hollow Campground. Storytellers will share entertaining tales sure to please the whole family. In case of rain, the event will move to the Folk Life Museum. For more info, call Deb Daniel at 731-584-5535.
The annual Big Sandy Spring Festival will be held on the Friday and Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, May 24-25. This year’s theme is “Reaching New Heights,” and there will be hot air balloon rides on offer for daring festival-goers. Other fun activities will include a parade, food, carnival rides, games, a car show, live music, and so much more.
Everyone is invited by the Camden Garden Club to the dedication of the Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker on Saturday, May 25, at 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Hwy. 641 and Hwy. 70, the “Welcome to Camden” corner garden.
On Saturday, June 15, the Benton County Airport will host a free Open House and Fly-In from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This is a rare chance to see a large collection of vintage aircraft and watch the planes fly-in. Concessions will be available for purchase.
