It’s official. The Dogwood Trails in La Follette are officially open after Shirley Rogers snipped the big pink ribbon on Thursday morning on South Tennessee Avenue. (PHOTO COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Sun shining down, pleasant temperatures and dogwoods in bloom served as the perfect backdrop to Thursday morning’s official opening of La Follette’s Dogwood Trails. WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares his photo gallery with us HERE.

In keeping with tradition, Campbell High Band Director Adam Wright and members of the band performed before, during and after yesterday’s event.

Adam Wright, in his 9th season, leads the Campbell High Band.

The band opened with Vehicle followed by a welcome from City Administrator Stan Foust and then the invocation from Reverend Terry Sweat, the city’s director of finance emeritus.

Foust expressed appreciation to the band, John and Tommie McCullah with Legends Hometown Grill, the City staff, the citizens and businesses represented along with Councilman Phillip Farmer, Missy Tackett-Executive Director of the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Janet Jones-Director of CASA, Rhonda Longmire-Market President for Community Trust Bank, Melanie Nance-Vice-Chair of the La Follette Planning Commission.

Farmer passed along greetings.  The councilman also shared comments of appreciation for all those making the day possible.

The Campbell High Band performed its fun version of Soul Man for its second song. In this photo are Hunter on guitar, Rebecca on French Horn and Lauren on the keyboard.

“This is my third year to introduce Mrs. Shirley Rogers.  In fact, when she was on council, she made the motion to hire me with the City, and I’ll always remember that,” said Foust.

Flowers fitting for a lady, Mrs. Shirley Rogers, were presented at Thursday’s Dogwood Trails opening. Left to right – Shirley Rogers, Nancy Green, Johnny Byrge and Melanie Nance.

Foust added thanks to Miss Shirley for all she does for the City and community. “She actually started all this – the Dogwood Trails,” said Foust.

“It’s always a pleasure to open the spring trails for the City.  Old friends are gold.  New friends are diamonds.  If you get diamonds, don’t forget gold, because only gold can hold a diamond,” said Rogers.

Following Miss Shirley’s comments, the big pink ribbon was stretched across South Tennessee Avenue.  As others gathered around her, she snipped the ribbon signaling the official opening of La Follette’s Dogwood Trails.

Left to right are Norma Asher, Nellie Farmer, Shirley Rogers, Barbara Wilson and Jan Jones.

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough was then played by the Campbell Band to close the morning’s ceremony. Attendees were invited in to City Hall to enjoy the food prepared by the McCullahs and their staff.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/14/2023-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)

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