Over the next two weeks, the Thriving Communities of Athens, Whitwell, Decatur, and Fort Oglethorpe are hosting a second round of pop-up events that continue to celebrate their distinctive identities and encourage community engagement.
The process of the Thriving Communities placemaking program, championed by Thrive Regional Partnership and the Lyndhurst Foundation, has been successful in its model of sparking community vibrancy for the people, by the people, said officials. Residents of all four cities are invited to participate in a variety of events related to arts, culture, and heritage, and to offer their feedback on programs they would like to see in their communities. The community teams encourage everyone to attend the family-friendly events below:
Clean Up Day: Saturday in Athens, 9:30 a.m.-noon
Residents are invited to tidy up a vacant lot on Jackson Street and envision the space as pocket park for concerts and gatherings. Those in attendance will have a chance to share their own ideas for revitalizing Athens charming downtown neighborhood. Check out the event on Facebook.
War Remembrance Storytelling: Sunday in Decatur, 2 p.m.
Decatur continues to develop a storytelling series, highlighting its deep connection to military history. On Sunday at the Meigs County Historical Society, in collaboration with the Veterans Affairs office, the Decatur team has invited veterans of various branches and eras of the U.S. military to share their memories and stories with attendees.
Art Meets Vintage Baseball in Fort Oglethorpe: Saturday, May 5, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Fort Oglethorpe invites people to attend a community art show alongside a vintage baseball game on Barnhardt’s Circle Polo Field. Vintage baseball is played with rules, equipment, and costumes of the 1860s. Bring a picnic blanket and a chair to enjoy America’s sport the old-fashioned way. The art show features Ridgeland High School’s art students, who invite kids of all ages to create their own “Artist Trading Card” to take home. The city’s fire and police departments will be hosting a “Touch A Truck” for kids to enjoy. The 6th Cavalry Museum is hosting free tours.
Whitwell Heritage Day: Saturday, May 5, 5-8 p.m.
Whitwell is celebrating their community with a downtown block party around the statue of “Big John” the Coal Miner. Live music is scheduled throughout the evening, kicked off by the Rock Skool All Stars of Chattanooga. Concessions will be available, as well as games, crafting, and face painting. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and their dancing shoes.
Thrive Regional Partnership implements and sustains a vision of responsible and inspired growth across the greater Chattanooga tri-state area. By convening and collaborating with diverse regional partners, and employing analytics and innovation, Thrive catalyzes community development opportunities while protecting the natural landscapes that define this special place, and preparing the bright young men and women that will carry this region into the future, said officials.