Dick Cook never imagined the day he could get a cup of Starbucks coffee, go ax-throwing or watch a professional soccer match in his hometown, but the landlocked little city of East Ridge has changed a lot in his 63 years.
“When I was growing up here, it was just a sleepy residential suburb,” said Cook, who has lived in East Ridge all his life and publishes East Ridge News Online. “It’s not just a suburb of Chattanooga now.”
The city will mark its centennial Saturday with a daylong party at Camp Jordan that will include a look at its 100-year history along with a celebration of the changes that have transformed the town over the years, said East Ridge Mayor Brian Williams.
The event attracted more than 90 vendors, about 25 sponsors, six bands and five breweries, he said.
“The response has been amazing, and I hope everyone can come by,” Williams said. “It’s going to be an awesome party.”