‘May Day Picnic’ a new Town treat
COVID-19 concerns may have cancelled Farragut’s annual Father-Daughter Shamrock Ball the last two years, but undaunted Park and Recreation employees are planning a brand new family-centric gathering, the Town’s first “May Day Picnic.”
The event, jointly sponsored by the Farragut Kiwanis Club, will take place at Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 1.
Tickets are $20 per couple, $30 per family and must be ordered in advance.
“This is open for fathers and daughters, or whole families, of all ages,” said Brittany Spencer, Town Special Event and Program coordinator. “We are asking those attending to wear whatever they want – get all gussied up, or wear your pajamas – whatever is comfortable! This is a picnic, so we want everyone to bring their best picnic setup (chairs, blankets, picnic baskets) for an evening of outdoor fun,” adding that the Town is unable to provide tables and chairs for the event.
As in previous years, Kiwanis Club of Farragut will be helping with the event, and the organization is in the process of choosing a charity to receive the proceeds.
Spencer said planning the event took on a special significance when staff realized the Shamrock Ball would be cancelled yet again.
“When we knew that we wouldn’t be able to hold our indoor Shamrock Ball again this year, we wanted to offer an alternative option that could be outside,” she explained. “May is generally a little more predictable weather-wise than March or April, so we decided to look there before we got into the heat of the summer.
“I love spring, especially an East Tennessee spring, and thought that a May Day event had the potential to be a cute theme — lo and behold, May Day this year is on a Saturday,” she continued. “This will be a wonderful opportunity to utilize our new Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza at the Campbell Station Inn.
“There will be some snacks provided (to be decided), goodie packs with treats and crafts, a DJ to play music and a large open area to dance, and a photo area – just like the Shamrock Ball, but with fewer clovers,” she jokingly added.
No on-site parking will be available. Instead, those attending are asked to park at the Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd., and walk to the Plaza, located at the corner of Kington Pike and Campbell Station Road.
Ticket sales kick off Thursday, April 1, and must be ordered in advance. No tickets will be sold at the event, and may be purchased while supplies last at https://townoffarragut.recdesk.com/Community/Program, by phone at 865-218-3376 and at the community center (8 a.m. — 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) through noon Thursday April 29.
For more information e-mail ParksandRecInfo@townoffarragut.org or call 865-218-3376.
