Town holiday lights key part of new ‘Fun Festive Farragut’
“The new ‘Fun Festive Farragut’ program had a wonderful first year,” said Brittany Spencer, Town Special Event and Program coordinator. “We are hoping 2021 to be even better.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spencer said the traditional spring/early summer Beautification Awards were substituted for “Fun Festive Farragut” for the holidays.
“The Arts & Beautification Committee feel that it is important because it is a project that involves both the businesses/organizations and the citizens of Farragut,” she added. “This was a small way we could encourage some festive social distancing at the end of this year.”
This year, the following Beautification Awards went to:
• Homes: 105 Jamestowne Boulevard in Ward I, and 11130 Farragut Hills Blvd. in Ward II;
“This was the first time that individual homes could be included,” Spencer said. “Entries could be submitted by a friend or neighbor or self-nominated.
“This gave participating parties the opportunity to show off their decorations at a different time of year,” she added.
• Residential-subdivision entrances: Saddle Ridge subdivision;
• Religious institution: First Baptist Concord, 11704 Kingston Pike;
• Commercial retail/office: Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce, 11826 Kingston Pike;
Julie Blaylock, FWKCC president/CEO, was presented the award Tuesday, Dec. 15, during the Chamber’s Holiday Drop-in, Drop-Off event at the Chamber office.
“My first thought was, “Really???” LOL,” she later stated in an e-mail. “It was not all something I was expecting, in part, because we provide the lights and have decorated our office for years now and also because we’ve been totally focused on promoting our members deals/specials, our adopted families and our Drop In Day event.
“But we were very flattered to be recognized,” Blaylock added. “We decided the $25 gift card we won was best included as a donation to one of our holiday families, which is what we did with it.”
• Commercial Complex: Rick Terry Jewelry Designs/ West Knox Chiropractic at 11320 Kingston Pike.
According to a press release from the Town, each winner received a $25 gift certificate and a Beautification Award sign.
“Thank you to everyone who helps spread holiday cheer with decorations and thank yous to those who participated by nominating their neighbors,” the Town press release stated.
“Farragut’s Arts & Beautification Committee normally recognizes Farragut subdivisions, businesses, shopping centers and religious institutions for lush spring landscaping. But this year, the committee chose to recognize holiday bling instead,” it further stated.
While Spencer said the changes did not make the program any easier or more difficult, “it was fun to look around Town to see all the different decoration styles for the holiday season,” she added.
“We were just happy that there was so much participation around Town.”
