Spend Memorial Day with your mountain neighbors at McCoy Farm and Gardens, which is hosting its third annual picnic on the holiday, Monday, May 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“It’s a wonderful way for our community to spend time together, and the proceeds go to such a good cause,” said event committee member Kim Fookes.
The free event includes a tribute to veterans, as well as fun activities, live music from local bands Mountain Cove and the Tin Cup Rattlers, and plenty of food available for purchase.
After veterans are honored at 11 a.m., the picnic’s opening ceremony will conclude with the release of a rehabilitated raptor. The bands will play all day long, and lunch will be served until 1:30 p.m. Options include hot dogs and hamburgers grilled on-site by members of the Signal Mountain Lions Club, as well as barbecue, pizza by the slice, chips and treats such as ice cream, cookies and cotton candy.
McCoy Farm and Gardens’ Memorial Day picnic helps fund updates to the community venue.
Cash or credit cards will be accepted, and proceeds will go toward projects at McCoy, such as the refurbishment of the blacksmith shop and the public bathrooms which are being added to the carriage house.
Money will also be raised through a silent auction that day featuring items donated by local businesses, as well as through the sale of donated cakes and cupcakes.
After lunch, attendees can partake in their favorite picnic games, such as corn hole and croquet, marvel at the on-site balloon artist’s creations and enjoy the walking trails on the property. Kids will have the face-painting skills of Mardi Leonard and Leslie Lackey at their disposal as well.
Fookes said the picnic has grown every year, with at least 1,500 attending in 2016.
“I feel like more people are discovering [McCoy Farm] and what’s available here for our community,” she said.
While the picnic will be canceled in the case of a downpour, Fookes said the event will go on if light rain occurs. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are encouraged, but attendees are asked to leave pets and bikes at home.
Parking is available at St. Augustine Catholic Church, located across from McCoy at 1716 Anderson Pike. Additional parking is available at Pruett’s or Berkshire Hathaway, from which shuttles will be running to and from McCoy. Pruett’s is at 1210 Taft Highway, and Berkshire Hathaway is at 1315 Taft Highway.