By Kimberly McMillian
Correspondent
DAYTON, Tenn. — MainStreet Dayton’s downtown celebration is taking a page out of Rhea County history this month.
The monthly First Fridays event is evolving into Heritage Friday and will pay tribute to the 1925 trial of John T. Scopes, a local teacher accused of violating the Butler Act by teaching the theory of evolution.
Because the regular event fell on the Fourth of July weekend, organizers chose to postpone it to coincide with the Scopes Festival on July 16, said Anna Tromanauser, MainStreet Dayton’s executive director.
During Heritage Friday, downtown merchants will extend their business hours and offer “vintage” promotions and specials. Antique cars will be displayed around the Courthouse Square, and several craft and food vendors will participate, coordinator Angie Kerr said.
After dark, the classic movie “Singin’ in the Rain” will be shown at Centennial Park across from the Rhea County Courthouse.
MainStreet Dayton also will sponsor other festival activities on Saturday, July 17, organizers said. An antique tractor show with “living history” clothing and weapons provided by Bruce and Cheryl Peterman will be on display, and the MainStreet DJ will provide 1920s music.
This year’s Scopes Festival will highlight Curtis Lipps’ play “One Hot Summer,” which presents the back story of the trial and concludes with a brief re-enactment of the trial’s final moments.
Tickets can be purchased in advance from the Dayton Chamber of Commerce at 423-775-0361 or before each performance at the courthouse.
Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at kdj424@bellsouth.net