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Get involved in the Tennessee RiverLine!

Posted

I hope everyone had a fantastic 4th of July - my family sure did! We enjoyed being together to celebrate the independence of our great nation, and my little ones definitely loved the fireworks.

My twins are totally obsessed with smoke bombs now. We have been watching a lot of YouTube smoke bomb videos, just so they can get their smoke bomb “fix.” Hearing their laughter and giggles makes it all worth it! We could learn something from our little ones, who find delight in the simplest things.

The Chamber appreciates the efforts of Birdsong and Beaver Dam to bring fireworks to Benton County for the 4th. Their activities and firework shows were spectacular, and they both had wonderful displays for all to enjoy.

Upcoming Events

There are a few important meetings and activities this week regarding Benton County’s inclusion in the Tennessee RiverLine project. In May, we were selected in as a 2019 Tennessee RiverLine Pilot Community.

The pilot community program is an initiative designed to bring the expertise, ideas, and insight of communities into the ongoing development of the RiverLine, a 652-mile hiking, biking, and paddling trail that stretches along the length of the Tennessee River, all the way from Knoxville to Paducah, Ky.

This week, our community has the opportunity to meet with professionals to discuss and develop ideas to enhance our portion of the RiverLine in Benton County. This will start with the Pilot Community Leader Workshop from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, at the Benton County Fairgrounds building. This is a meeting for community leaders to brainstorm and hear about what other communities have done to develop their shores.

On Thursday morning, July 11, there will be a river clean up event at Eva Beach from 9 a.m.-noon. Supplies such as gloves and trash bags will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring something to drink and wear a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellant. This event is a great opportunity for students in need of volunteer service hours.

On Thursday evening, July 11, there will be a meeting at the Tennessee River Folklife Center in NBFSP from 5-7 p.m. Called “652 to You,” this meeting is for anyone interested in the Tennessee RiverLine project to share ideas through fun, engaging activities. We invite all Benton County residents to participate, as your feedback is crucial to guide the next steps of development for our part of the Tennessee RiverLine.

For more information about these events or how you can get involved in the RiverLine project, call Amanda Paschall at the UT/TSU Extension office at 731-584-4601, Stephanie Harcleroad at the Benton County/Camden Chamber of Commerce at 731-584-8395, or J.C. Johnsonius at NBFSP at 731-584-6356.