The ninth annual National Treasures, benefiting Friends of Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 24, at Point Park beginning at 5:30 p.m.
However, today, Aug. 17, is the deadline to purchase tickets to the preservation fundraiser.
National Treasures is a casual, relaxed evening of music by the Power Players, buffet dinner, silent auction, complimentary drinks and panoramic views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River valley from Point Park's overlook.
This year's theme is "Celebrate YOUR Park." The gates to Umbrella Rock will open for guests to take selfies at the natural formation. Umbrella Rock remains closed during the year and is open only for this event. In addition to more than 50 items in the auction, there will be memorabilia and artifacts on display from local collector Dr. Anthony Hodges, Friends of the Park board president.
Each year, more than a million people visit either Chickamauga Battlefield, Lookout Mountain Battlefield, Missionary Ridge, Moccasin Bend, Orchard Knob and Signal Point. In 2016 alone, Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Park brought in $66 million in tourism revenue to the local economy, supporting over 1,000 private-sector jobs for a cumulative economic impact of $81 million.
"National Treasures is a wonderful opportunity for the community to show appreciation and support for the National Park right here in our backyard," says Tricia King Mims, executive director of Friends of the Park and Friends of Moccasin Bend.
"We are so fortunate to have this incredible resource in our area, not only for the economic benefits, but for the rich history and irreplaceable natural and cultural resources that shape our past, present and future."
Tickets to National Treasures are $75 individuals or $130 couples, with a portion of the fee being a tax-deductible donation. For more information, call 423-648-5623 or visit www.friendsofchch.org.