Upcoming Events
Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation
anniversary events
By Ben Pounds
ben@mycouriernews.com
Three events will mark the 25th anniversary of the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association.
First, a two-day silent auction will be today (Sept. 18) through Thursday (Sept. 19).
Items to be included are a four-night stay in a privately owned cabin that sleeps 10 people or more in Gatlinburg, Manhattan Project and World War II-related books, Oak Ridge commemorative items, desks, bookcases, vintage kitchen items, Ed Westcott commemorative items, antique furniture, local artwork and more.
This auction is open to the public.
All funds raised from the auction will go toward a statue of 1940s Oak Ridge photographer Ed Westcott at the Oak Ridge History Museum.
People can bid on these items in the den of the Oak Ridge History Museum and view them all day Wednesday and Thursday.
The museum is at 102 Robertsville Road.
Next, on Thursday, the association will be at Jefferson Soda Fountain at 2:15 p.m. to give an award for historic preservation.
Then at 6 p.m., there will be an anniversary celebration at the museum including presentations from Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and Oak Ridge Mayor Pro Tem Jim Dodson.
Former Oak Ridge Mayor Mike Bradshaw will also be present.
Association volunteer Don Hunnicutt will do a presentation with photographs explaining how the group started 25 years ago.
42nd-annual children’s Halloween
party set for Oct. 24
The Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department will host the 2024 children’s Halloween party on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This annual event is expected to attract hundreds of children and their parents, a city news release stated. The city has planned activities throughout the western fields of A.K. Bissell Park, including a hayride, weather permitting.
The city of Oak Ridge invites businesses and organizations to sponsor booths for the event.
Sponsors will create their own themed booths, supply volunteers, and hand out candy throughout the event.
Booths should be appropriate for children ages 4 years to 4th grade.
Those interesed may pick up applications at the Recreation Center front desk. The Recreation Center and A.K. Bissell Park are at 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike.
Parking is available at the west parking area near the Recreation Center and east side near the Oak Ridge Library at 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike.
To help ensure a smooth event, the west side parking area will be filled first.
Traffic in front of the Recreation Center will flow in one direction, exiting onto the Turnpike from the east side.
To learn more, visit the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks website at orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov.