Friday, June 2, 2006
ROCKWOOD'S THUNDER ROAD FESTIVAL SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
ROCKWOOD - On Saturday, June 17th, Rockwood revives a pie ce of the past with the Rockwood Rocks! Thunder Road Festival. Classic vehicles are invited to arrive between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon for their no-cost registration at the historic 1936 Tennessee Highway Patrol Station Museum on US 27 (Gateway Avenue) in Rockwood. Participants will be provided with dash plaques, registration paperwork, and a voting form to be used for their "Best in Show" award. The vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles will then be directed to parking spa ces in the downtown area.
Antique vehicles bring back a piece of the past and many of these vehicles tell a story in themselves. For the Thunder Road Festival, these vintage conveyances will process through the 1936 Tennessee Highway Patrol Station Museum which will be surrounded by a bevy of Tennessee Highway Patrolmen with their own displays depicting the history and capabilities of today's force. The Tennessee Highway Patrolmen were often referred to as "revenuers" during the days of their efforts against the illegal sale and transport of home-brewed drinks. "Moonshiners" involved in this profitable enterprise proved to be extremely skillful at engineering vehicles with hidden compartments and driving at reckless speeds in their efforts to stay ahead of law enforcement. As the antique cars process through for registration, it is unlikely that the vehicles will be searched for hidden caches of bootlegged whiskey.
But searches for bootlegged whiskey are a definite possibility from 2 pm - 4 pm when Deputy Barney Fife, portrayed by character actor Sammy Sawyer arrives on scene in his patrol car. In the original Mayberry RFD episodes, Deputy Fife had numerous experiences with moonshiners and stills. In one episode, he stumbled across a still owned by the notorious Sam Jenson and his sons. That particular still was confiscated and the Jenson's ended up in jail with Barney exuberantly instructing them on the jail house rules.
In Rockwood on June 17th, the Jensons are not expected to be in town. However, there is a rumor circulating that the current mayor of Rockwood and some city councilmen may be involved in a bootlegging operation of sorts. As most rumors go, there may be no fact to this, but Deputy Fife will arrive in town to investigate. Any persons running for office or holding political office within Roane County are automatically suspect. Individuals identified as suspects will be arrested and transported from the downtown Rockwood area to the 1936 Tennessee Highway Patrol Station Museum, where the real 'revenuers' will take custody of the prisoners.
Aside from the moonshiners and revenuers, Thunder Road is proud to feature authentic bluegrass music available all day at Rockwood's Yonder Hollow in the historic Peterman Building. The band line-up for the day begins with The Smith Boys and Dark Hollow at noon. Other bands performing include The Back Porch Pickers featuring the skilled "Fiddlin" Charlie McCarroll plus Tommy "Train" Carter and The Tennessee Bluegrass Band. Jumpin' The Track keeps the pace going at 4:00 pm and they are expected to perform the song "White Lightening". At 5:00 pm, performances will temporarily cease for a special announcement and award presentations.
The classic car club with the most attendance at the Thunder Road Festival will receive a $250 prize. The winner of the Best in Show award will be announced and receive a trophy. The final announcement has a special meaning for Rockwood, as Mayor Mike Miller is scheduled to announce the winning selection of the city slogan contest. Many submissions have been received for a city slogan from Rockwood residents, to include many from the Rockwood High School Marketing Class. The winner of the contest will receive dinner for two at both Ivan's Restaurant and Jr.'s Restaurant in Rockwood. The new slogan will be used to promote Rockwood in its on-going marketing process.
After the announcements, authentic bluegrass continues with the Mystery Mountain Boys featuring Alex Leach of public radio WDVX, Knoxville. Returning to finish out the music until 9:00 pm will be Tommy "Train" Carter & The Tennessee Bluegrass Band, Jumpin' The Track and the Mystery Mountain Boys.
During the entire festival, vendors offering food, an assortment of crafts and several information booths will be on hand. Soft drinks will be provided by the festival's sponsor, Rockwood 2000 and served from pint sized keepsake fruit jars. Rockwood 2000 is a civic group with on-going efforts involving beautification, historic preservation and sponsoring events that celebrate community pride. Rockwood 2000's efforts in sponsoring this festival were aided by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, Knoxville, TN.
Limited space exists for additional vendors who may be interested. For more information on the Thunder Road Festival, please contact Pat Burdette at 865-354-1005 or 865-354-9557, or visit www.rockwood2000.com.
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Prepared by Beverly Stroh