When we moved to East Ridge 25 years ago, Camp Jordan was a rural landmark where you could walk quietly and alone. Purchased in 1930 by the Tennessee National Guard, it was named after Maj. Gen. Paul Jordan. In 1946, the land was auctioned off as military surplus, but the name “Camp Jordan” remained even when the City of East Ridge purchased the farmland property in 1973. Now, the 275-acre park is operated by the East Ridge Parks and Recreation Department with a mission to serve the community. What began as two ball fields developed into 13 baseball/softball fields, 14 soccer fields, an 18-hole disc golf course, two beach volleyball courts, two picnic pavilions, an amphitheater, a RV campground, a 30,000-square-foot arena, along with stores, restaurants and a hotel. It’s like a small village.
The annual Fall Festival supports the mission of community-building by bringing residents together to celebrate the season. I’ve attended all three of East Ridge’s annual Fall Festivals. This year’ festival, held last weekend, was the first to expand from one day to a full weekend. There were 25 businesses and organizations sponsoring the event, which gave East Ridge the opportunity to offer free admission and parking.
Given its 36 food vendors, 175 craft vendors, inflatable kids’ playground, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, photo booth, and more, the festival was packed.
Not surprising — how can you not love watching a diverse crowd of kids bouncing to the music, slurping on tasty drinks and riding small ponies with joy?
I asked Hannah Spear, the festival’s coordinator and the supervisor of the city’s community center, how many people were expected to attend. She said she expected about 10,000 attendees per day. Looking around us, seeing the flow of people from grandparents to babies, there were thousands of attendees even before lunchtime.
Spear’s job requires true dedication and plenty of energy. Her LinkedIn bio notes: “… Being passionate about outdoor recreation, parks, and the arts, I believe in the power of these spaces to foster connection and personal development … What began as a career in community connection by happenstance has since become a lifelong commitment. I believe that creating connections and supporting individuals, especially in times of need, is not just a job — it’s a calling that continues to inspire and drive me every day.”
This is the kind of passion that’s so badly needed when we are being torn apart by hate, insults and violence. And that passion was evident in all the folks making this festival possible. That included East Ridge’s law enforcement.
The police department’s presence was helpful in dealing with the heavy traffic into and around the festival. The department also staffed a booth where people could learn about the work of law enforcement and how it engages with the community.
It’s vital that we all inspire the younger generations to engage in community and care about its future. If we do not, ours and their future will look bleak and even more divided than we’re currently experiencing.
Check out the many cultural events happening in our area in this month: festivals, performances, concerts, sporting events, arts displays and workshops. Gather family and friends and enjoy!
Contact Deborah Levine, an author, trainer/coach and editor of the American Diversity Report, at Deborah@American DiversityReport.com.