A benefit that started with a wedding reception has turned into an annual event that provides Christmas toys for children in Bledsoe County schools.
Each June, Mike and Kellady Bledsoe open the grounds of their property, The Lucky Starr in Sequatchie Valley, 6.5 miles from Pikeville, Tenn. The Lucky Starr is located at 6086 Upper East Valley Road. People come to fish, listen to live music and enjoy nature's beauty - and all they have to do is donate a new, unwrapped toy.
The sixth annual Bledsoe Summer Bash and Toy Drive is set for Saturday, June 24. Gates open at 2 p.m., and music starts at 4 p.m. Guests will have until noon Sunday to clean up and clear out.
"We got married in April 2012 at the courthouse and decided to have a big party in June with our friends and family," says Kellady. "Everyone at the reception said it was so beautiful up here, we needed to have events on the property."
After the second year's summer party, the couple decided they wanted to help provide Christmas toys for area children, so they asked their June visitors for either a cash donation or new, unwrapped toy as admission to the third year's party.
"That year we helped two dozen kids and got clothing for eight. Each year we've helped more and more children. Now we work with Bledsoe County school system in providing toys. This year we're pushing to help 100 children," says Kellady.
"We work with preschoolers through 12th-graders. We just ask no big toys, please, since each has to be able to fit in a bag."
She says guests with campers often start arriving on Wednesday before bash weekend in order to get campsites set up.
"I have a lot of people who like to come fish; we do catch-and-release in Echo Lake," she says. "They can swim in the lake, paddle canoes or play cornhole."
Primitive camping is $10 a night; camper/RV fee is $15 per night. A live auction is held on Saturday night at 8:15 to boost the Christmas fund.
Five acts have been booked to play Saturday: Don Mealer, Dr. Vibe, Black Cat Moon, Tony Poole and Just Cuz, along with her husband, Mikey Bledsoe.
"It's not Bonnaroo. It's not Riverbend. But close to 100 children in Bledsoe County are glad it happens."
For more information: 423-762-3097.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.