Candy Johnson, City Council Member for Ward 5

For several years the condition of this Park originally funded through a grant for the low-income area has been overlooked for repairs. The city owns and is responsible for this park, but has failed to upkeep the proper lighting, ball field and pool. The residents haven’t had full access to this park in over 4 years.

I have noticed that several other parks in poor condition receiving preventative maintenance measures such as lighting in amounts of of $80,000 to $125,000 have been allocated funds for improvements in this budget. I have supported the Heritage park improvements in my Ward and also some others in other Wards.  I agree that parks are about a good quality of life for our citizens but I am confused as to why we never consider fixing this particular park after several request to do so?

The responses I have received are as follows;

1. We don’t make any money off the pool.
2. It would not be a wise management decision to reopen the pool in that area.
3. The usage of this park is low.
4. Little league teams do not want to play there.

I do not feel that we have properly addressed the needs of the citizens in that area, nor have we gathered relevant and up-to-date data to back up these assumptions. As I am on the parks and recreation committee I have requested the cost to repair the once heavily attended pool, and was given an estimated cost of around $50,000 to repair the liner due to leaks in the pool. I am sure it may need some additional repairs, but before APSU built their new fitness center, they rented the pool from the city and did just fine maintaining it. I understand bottom lines, but is that what quality of life activities are really about?

When we talk about kids getting into trouble in the summer when there is nothing to do and the causes of low-income housing areas generating crime… We can keep talking about it, because when they have nothing to do they will unfortunately make trouble or possibly join gangs. If we can spend $40,000 on curtains and blinds, we can certainely afford an additional $80,000-$100,000 to invest in a park that has been overlooked for many years.

Many of these kids don”t have the transportation to get to the other pools and additionally can’t afford to pay $3-4 for admission. This pool is in their neighborhood and is in walking distance. On another note, the field and lighting is in such poor and unsafe condition I have no doubt as to why little league teams would not want to play there.

I have shared this information with you in order to let you know that the request I proposed for $80,000 to be allocated to begin fixing this park along with the other parks that were approved for funding failed (5-6) at the budget hearings. I not only support the growth and progress of this city, but also have a heart to make sure we are providing for the all the areas that need attention in our city as a parks and recreation committee member. If you feel this is something that should be given consideration please contact your City Council members to express your concerns.

Thank you!

Candy Johnson
Ward 5 City Councilwoman

• Summer Youth Programs
• Downtown Market
• Movies in the Park
• Independence Day Celebration

Summer Youth Programs

Participants in the Summer Youth Program are having a blast so far! Kids are learning new things, making new friends and most importantly having fun! According to Burt-Cobb Community Center site director Laconza Gilliam, students at her location are enjoying the daily activities. Gilliam says “We have had great fun so far with group games and dodge ball.” Gilliam says her site will also be having a Beach Party in the Park next week for the younger kids.

Students at the other eleven Summer Youth Program sites are having a great time, as well. Site directors are working hard to see that this year’s Summer Youth Program is the best yet.

Downtown Market

Niki Crowe the manager of the New Downtown Market

This week the Downtown Market is celebrating businesses in Downtown Clarksville. Lovin’ Spoonful Cafe will be this week’s guest vendor offering samples of their delicious cuisines to Downtown Market patrons.

The market will have information on and directions to Downtown Clarksville establishments. You never know what you might find when you discover Downtown Clarksville.

As always, the Downtown Market will host a variety of vendors again this weekend. It is the perfect place to find one of a kind homemade jewelry to match that summertime outfit or the fresh fruits for that homemade dessert.

Movies in the Park

Movies in the Park

It is time to enjoy another Movie in the Park this weekend! Get out your lawn chairs and call all your friends for a night of fun and relaxation. Pre-movie activities begin at 6p.m. with games for children to enjoy. Concessions will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own picnic baskets for your family to share. The movie will begin at dark. As the summer nights get longer, it is difficult to know exactly when the sun will set. But, don’t worry. There will be plenty to keep you preoccupied before it begins.

This month’s movie is a favorite among both kids and adults. You will have to wait until the night of the show to find out what movie will be playing. But, we can offer you this clue: Travel to Africa with a group of New York Zoo animals in this animated sequel to the block-buster feature from 2007. Any guesses?

We hope you will join in on the fun activities and adventurous movie!

Independence Day Celebration

Fireworks from 2008 Clarksville, TN Independence Day Celebration

Even though it is still a few weeks away, the City of Clarksville is already gearing up for its annual Independence Day Celebration. Friday, July 3 McGregor Park will be filled with food, fun and entertainment for the entire family.

Activities begin at 6p.m. Live music from performers such as Diana Pelham, Traci Koon, The Groove Fellas and the 198th Army Band will be played throughout the night. The night will finish with a spectacular fireworks finale, the largest in Clarksville.

If fireworks are not your thing, the food is reason enough to come to the celebration. Several vendors will offer a variety of favorite foods including kettle corn, hotdogs, smoothies, homemade ice cream, cheesecake on a stick, shaved ice, schnitzel and more.

Bring your friends, family and appetite for an Independence Day Celebration you won’t soon forget.

I am referring to ORDINANCE 97-2008-09, which passed first reading by the city council at the June 4^th meeting. This ordinance would give the city Parks & Recreation Department the authority to ban dogs at any city park or recreation area, for reasons of “protection of public health, welfare, or safety, or for aesthetic reasons.” Fortunately, as an ordinance, it must pass two readings before it becomes law.

I believe that if you tasked park workers to spend the next two weeks documenting the type of waste they cleaned up along the Riverwalk, that left by humans will far outweigh that left by pets. I refer to cigarette butts, fast food wrappers, soft drink cans, picnic refuse, etc. Why is human waste considered acceptable for parks workers to pick up, but they balk at scooping dog poop?

A doggie waste receptacle

The proposed ban is a knee-jerk reaction, with absolutely no thought put into finding a solution that will allow everyone to enjoy these parks. In state parks such as Dunbar Cave, they provide receptacle bins just for dog waste, with appropriate signage advising dog owners of their responsibility to pick up after their pets. This would be a valid starting point in eliminating the problem.

The city could also implement an education program by working with local pet groups, such as the Kennel Club, veterinarians, local pet supply stores, and the Humane Society.

In law enforcement, you start with the lowest level of force necessary to resolve an issue. Then you escalate up the chain as needed. You don’t start out with deadly force simply because someone ran a stop sign. I ask that the city use this same common sense approach in dealing with the issue of dog waste in city parks.

I have contacted Parks Director Missy Graham and Mayor Johnny Piper about this issue, as well as my councilman and the other council members that serve on the Parks & Recreation Committee. I encourage everyone that finds this proposed ban on dogs as outrageous as I do to please contact your elected officials and make your voice heard. Email addresses and phone numbers can be found at http://www.cityofclarksville.com/.

I plan to attend the next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Committee and the next council meeting to show my support for those seeking to defeat the second reading of the ordinance concerning this issue.

Those of us that are responsible pet owners want nothing more than to exercise our legal rights to walk our well-behaved, leashed pets in city parks that our tax dollars pay for.

If you would like more information on this issue, feel free to contact me at .

Stacey R. Hopwood

Dogs running free in the bark park

Pool passes will be available at the Parks and Recreation office during regular operating hours, as well.  Office hours are weekdays 8a.m. to 4:30p.m.

Pool passes may also be purchased at any three of the Clarksville community centers through Saturday, June 6.  For community center hours and other information about Clarksville Parks and Recreation visit www.cityofclarksville.com/parksandrec.

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. ANNOUNCE MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE (VERIFY QUORUM)

III. ADOPTION OF MINUTES: January 28th, February 4th, February 25th
IV. COMMISSION UPDATES

1. River District Guidelines
2. Phase II Master Plan Design

V. EX-OFFICIO UPDATES

1. City of Clarksville
2. Regional Planning Commission
3. Parks & Recreation
4. Austin Peay State University

V. Commission Action Required: None

VII. City Council Action Required: None

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minutes each)

“The final days for pools are upon us this week. The pools will officially close for the summer season on August 3.” As the August heat — those unbearable ‘dog days’ – descend, the pools close up and our children head back to school. Insanity. The calendar runs summer through September 23rd.

Now I realize that the weather does begin its shift out of sync with the calendar, but in a town where lakes and ponds are virtually non-existent and the grass dries out from the often unrelenting heat, it makes no sense to:

a) start school that early (just as it makes no sense to end the school year in mid-May), and

b) close pools when they offer the greatest amount of relief from heat and humidity.

I can only hope we are not re-visited by a replay of last summer’s 100+degree record-breaking heat waves, or that if we are, that bus drivers and students are allowed to bring bottled water along for the ride, that sports trainers are aware of the correlation between high heat, heat indexes, heat island effects and potential illness.

I realize that many like this system, that the early start date for local schools has great support in many corners, but it doesn’t take an hour for hot humid air in close quarters to trigger heat exhaustion or worse.

The rest of this public notice reads:

“It’s not too late to get in on some cool summer fun at Smith Pool on Greenwood Avenue at Norman Smith Elementary School. Smith Pool is less crowded during the morning hours and is an excellent place for adults with small children to spend a relaxing time. Pool admission is $5 and after 3 p.m., late arrivals pay $3. All of our pools will be open daily this week from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.”

]]> http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/07/27/pools-to-close-as-the-summer-heat-revs-up/feed/ 0 http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/07/19/youth-program-ends-summer-events-activities-winding-down/ http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/07/19/youth-program-ends-summer-events-activities-winding-down/#comments Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:00:53 +0000 News Staff http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/?p=6116 The Summer Youth Program 2008 ended with a bang on Friday, July 18th at Burt Cobb Community Center.  Parents enjoyed a program that included karate and dance demonstrations and games and prizes.  Appreciation awards were handed out to program sites from Summer Lunch Supervisor, Cathy Perrone.  Over all attendance for the entire 6 week program was 20,206 youths.

The Parks After Dark Series will be featuring the admission free Movies in the Park on Saturday, July 26th at Heritage Park.  The Kid’s Activities will begin at 6 p.m. with the movie starting at dusk around 8:30 p.m.  The movie is about three children who move into Spiderwick Estates with their mother and are pulled into a world of faeries and other creatures. Still looking for a way to cool down your summer or something to do before school starts?  There are two weeks left to enjoy the city pools before closing on August 3rd.  Consider visiting Smith Pool located on Greenwood Avenue at Norman Smith Elementary School.  Smith Pool offers a large pool setting with minimal crowds and would be a wonderful setting for adults with small children.  Daily admission is $5 per person and at 3:00 p.m., admission goes down to $3.  Pool hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Even though the Summer Youth Program has ended, there are still on-going programs to enjoy at all of our community centers.  Through August 6th, the Burt Cobb, Crow and Kleeman Community Centers will be open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, for ages 6 years and up.  Users must purchase a community center annual ID card for $5.00 that can be used at all three community centers during the year.  Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by a parent to use the facilities.

The Kleeman Community Center at 166 Cunningham Lane is featuring Dodge Ball for ages 12-14 years on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. until school starts.  Also, on Tuesday, July 22, from 11 a.m. until 12 noon, the center will feature a special beading class for ages 12-14 years.  Teens will learn how to string beads for jewelry and is admission free with a Community Center ID Card.  And don’t forget, Co-ed Volleyball is offered for all ages on Tuesday nights from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.  For more information contact the Kleeman Community Center at 931-647-3056.

Congratulations to the Church of God Prophecy, the 1st place winner in the Friday Church Co-Ed League Division “A” and 2nd place winner, Gateway Christian Church.  In Division “B” Hilldale Baptist #1 placed 1st, and Loan Oak Baptist in 2nd. The standings for this league are featured on the City of Clarksville website at www.cityofclarksvile.comparksandrec.  And don’t forget, Fall Adult League $100 deposits are due by 4:30 p.m. July 25th at the Parks main office at 104 Public Square.

We are searching for volunteers for our fall programs and events.  If you have a special talent or skill you’d like to share with the youths in our community or have extra time on the weekends, we could use your help.  Give us a call at 931-645-7476 if this opportunity is a great fit for your spare time.

Don’t forget, Park Watch meetings are scheduled for tonight.  The Valleybrook Park Watch meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. and Coy Lacy will start their Park Watch meeting at 7:30 p.m.

With three simultaneous fiery launches, the City of Clarksville’s Independence Day celebration took off with a profound determination to strut its stuff. And strut, it did! A fierce display of dazzling lights and pops, shimmering whistles and eye-popping star bursts filled the night sky at McGregor Park. Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the city gave its residents a truly impressive sight and sound extravaganza.

During the lead up to the fireworks show, a crowd of thousands gathered along the length of McGreggor Park with lawn chairs and blankets, strollers and assorted cooling diversions. Local area agencies set up convenience stands along with commercial vendors to offer iced water, bottled water, funnel cakes, kettle corn, hot dogs, burgers, snow cones, and a myriad of service information. Music performances by the Chris Robinson Band and Hypertension carried the crowd through the evening until the launch of the main event.

A comprehensive photo gallery is below the fold

Here then are some images from Clarksville’s “Blowout On The River!” Thanks must given to the Parks and Recreation Dept. people, the Clarksville Police Department and CTS. Also of note, the Eternal Flame was burning brightly tonight! And now, WOW-W-W!!!!

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Charles Elliott, the Director of Parks and Recreation is retiring after 27, plus years with the City of Clarksville.  Charles worked part time during high school and college with the City’s Summer Youth Program but his full-time career with the City began in December 1980 as the director of Clarksville’s first community center, Burt-Cobb.

The community center opened in January 1981 and Charles remained director there until 2003 when he was offered the position of Deputy Director for Parks and Recreation.  In 2005, Charles became the director of Parks and Recreation Department.  Charles plans to relocate this summer to the Atlanta region to pursue new job opportunities. 

 
Sandi Jenkins, Administrative Assistant at Parks and Recreation is also retiring after 20, plus years with the City of Clarksville.  Sandi plans to spend her retirement days catching up on scrap booking and card making. A retirement reception was held for Charles and Sandi at the Parks and Recreation office on Friday for friends and colleagues to wish them well.   I would like to wish them all the happiness retirement has to offer.
 
Parks and Recreation is also pleased to welcome a new Park Ranger, Harry Hampton Jr., who joined the department on June 1. Harry comes to the job from Tennessee State Parks where he served as a Ranger at the Bicentennial Mall in Nashville.
 

There has been interest about the new softball fields that are being constructed at Mericourt Park, which is located by Moore Elementary School. I believe I have some information and insight that I can share through years of direct experience with these softball fields and from being a member of the Parent Information Network (PIN). [Wednesday night] PIN, as usual, attended the school board meeting. The improvements at Mericourt Park were brought up, but some data and information was not mentioned and PIN asked for additional information. PIN has received this additional information and sent it out through its email network. [I am sending that same info through my council network.

First, the ball fields that are around Moore School (Mericourt) and Barksdale School (boys’ baseball fields) are on property owned by the school system. There is a user agreement lease between the city and school system to allow these fields to be used by the city for ballparks.

Second, Moore-Design-Services had an approved demolition plan, dated January 2008, for the field improvements at Mericourt Park. The demolition plan identified the trees that would need to be removed to build the fields needed. Personal observation of one large tree that has been cut down brought to light that its core was starting to rot, even though the tree looked okay from the outside. That same tree had a bad habit of dropping limbs that had died for no apparent reason. The rotting may have been that reason.

Third, as I mentioned, I have direct experience with these ball fields. For a number of years, my daughters played in the Clarksville National Girls Softball League that use the Mericourt fields and I was also an assistant and head couch of several teams. Of the four fields currently there, two are on the lower level where the current renovations are taking place. These lower fields have always been a problem. The field closer to the intersection of Madison Street and Pageant Lane had serious drainage problems. Engineers reported that a recent storm dropped about 1.5 inches of rain and about 3 million gallons of water collected on the lower fields. I have personally seen storms that blew in during games and watch over a foot of rain collect on top of these fields. Such rainfall destroys the infield, and it takes parents and coaches hours to try and drain water, fill holes that develop, shovel back lost dirt and clean out trash, limbs and other debris. The engineers have discovered that the drainage does not conform to codes for storm water runoff.

Fourth, the other lower level field was a ball field in name only. It was too small and locked in by the field’s level and trees. Only the youngest teams used this field. It had been a long-term goal to improve these fields to provide for more game play for the hundreds of girls that play in the league.

Fifth, due to constant city budget and funding limitations over the years, the league used its own financial resources and the labor of volunteers, donations of businesses, and the abilities of coaches and parents to improve the condition and facilities on these fields. The current proposed improvements and additions to the lower complex are being done through donations and volunteer time with almost all costs being absorbed by the league. The improvement plan will help prepare an area for an additional playground for Moore Magnet School. (The PTO is raising the funds for the equipment. This ground preparation will save the school many dollars in the total cost of the playground). The new field design provides better safety for the children playing softball as well as the vehicular traffic on Pageant Lane. (Better positioning of the fields and safety fences will prevent children and/or adults from chasing foul balls across the street.) The improvement plan provides an excellent outdoor classroom for the students at Moore Magnet and calls for the planting of new trees and other beautification work. The improvements are also needed to make the fields compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
PIN has requested a copy of the ballpark layout that was presented at the school board meeting. PIN will provide a copy on its website and I will send a copy through my council email system.

The main goal to remember is that these are ball fields are for the use of our children. Hundreds of girls play on these fields and the expansion and improvements will enable hundreds more to participate each year. Tree cutting has been kept to a minimum to provide for the improvements needed. It also appears that at least one of the large trees was not as in good a shape as some would have assumed.

The Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department Summer Youth Program begins June 9 with the opening of gymnasiums and the program ends on July 17. The Summer Youth Program is a fun day-camp offered to children ages 6-16 for six weeks each summer. Gyms are staffed with Directors and Assistants five days a week starting June 9 through July 17 to offer leadership and assistance in play activities and free lessons in dance and karate.

Burt-Cobb Community Center, Crow Community Center, and Kleeman Community Center are Summer Program sites as well as Barksdale, Burt, Glenellen, Hazelwood, Liberty, Minglewood, and St. Bethlehem Elementary Schools. The Housing Authority at Summit Heights and Caldwell Lane and the New Providence Outreach Center are also providing sites for the Summer Youth Program.

Caldwell Lane will be open Monday-Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. All other sites are open 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. All sites will be closed and lunch will not be served July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Registration is required by a parent or guardian. Anyone planning to attend the program at Burt-Cobb, Crow, and Kleeman Community Centers is encouraged to register early starting June 2 at the community center you plan for your child to attend. All other gym locations will begin registration at 9 a.m. on June 6.

In addition to the fun gym activities and swimming, the Parks and Recreation Department offers golf and tennis lessons. These lessons are free, but do require pre-registration. Parents can pre-register children for the golf lessons at Mason Rudolph Clubhouse on June 6. Ages 6-10 can be registered from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and ages 11-16 can register from 10:30 am to noon. Parents can register their children ages 6-16 for the tennis lessons on June 6 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Clarksville Parks and Recreation office.

The Roxy Regional Theater will offer a six-week theatre workshop for ages 10-16. The cost of the program is $30, due at registration on June 6 at the Clarksville Parks and Recreation office from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Summer Youth Program participates in the USDA Summer Lunch Program, so each child attending the program will be offered a free, nutritious lunch daily. Free Swim Fridays are offered to each child in the program. Each site will be designated a pool where they can swim free for 2 hours each Friday morning. There is no charge for this activity. Transportation to the pool is provided from the gym sites.

For more information about the Summer Youth Program, please call the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department at 645-7476.

The Women’s Softball League begins play on Thursday at Heritage Park. Coaches’ packets with schedules are available at the Parks and Recreation office for pickup. The Tuesday Church Youth League season starts June 10 also at Heritage Park.

Games begin next week for the Youth Recreation League. First games are Monday night for ages five to six, Tuesday night for ages seven to eight, and Thursday night for ages nine to ten and eleven to twelve.

The Youth Fishing Rodeo is a free event coordinated at Fairgrounds pond on June 7. Children up to age 16 may fish in the rodeo without a license. Pre-registration forms are available at most sporting goods stores in the area. Registration starts at 7:15 a.m. the day of the event. The pond gets crowded quick so come early to claim your spot. The first round of fishing starts at 8:00 a.m. and lasts until 9:00 a.m. for ages 9 and under. Ages 10 to 16 get to fish from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. You are allowed one fishing pole per participant. Parents can assist in baiting, casting, or taking the fish off the hook. Bait and goodie bags will be provided at no charge the day of the event, while supplies last. Prizes will be awarded in several categories.

For more information about the fishing rodeo, please contact TWRA at 1-800-624-7406.

Several of Clarksville’s younger athletes competed in the Hershey Track and Field Local Meet last Saturday at Kenwood High School’s track and 17 of them will be advancing to the district level competition on June 7th at Dickson County High School. Results of the local meet are posted online in the Leaf Chronicle’s Get Published section.

If you live in one of the neighborhoods surrounding Valleybrook and Coy Lacy Parks or you just frequent the parks often and would like to meet with the City’s Park Rangers about park safety make plans to attend one of the Park Watch meetings May 18. The first meeting is scheduled at Valleybrook from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The second meeting is scheduled at Coy Lacy Park from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Final fees are due May 23 for the Women’s Thursday Night League and the Tuesday Church Youth League. Remember to stop by Parks and Recreation this week and have your softball identification card made if you are a new player. No one will be allowed on the field without a valid ID.

The countdown is on to the first day of the summer swim season and there are just 14 days left. Be sure to purchase your family swim passes and sign up for swim lessons soon because classes fill up quickly. Parks and Recreation will be open May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and June 1 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for pool pass sales only. They are also open regular hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Crow and Kleeman Community Centers also sell pool passes.

All three community centers will change over to their summer schedules on May 22. You can get their schedules by calling Burt-Cobb at 552-1263, Crow at 647-3071, or Kleeman at 647-3056. You can also check the schedules out online at www.cityofclarksville.com. The Parks and Recreation office and all community centers will be closed next Monday for Memorial Day.

The first Movies in the Park of the season will be held May 31 at Heritage Park. The Clarksville Jaycees will lead the pre-show activities with the Jaycees’ Kid Day events beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at dark. This month’s movie is about a little buzzing insect named Barry B. Benson. Movies in the Park is a free event that is fun for the entire family.

And last but not least this week, there’s just three more weeks left until the Parks and Recreation Summer Youth Program kicks off. Gyms open on June 9 for six weeks of free summer fun for children ages 6-16. Locations include: Burt-Cobb Community Center, Crow Community Center, Kleeman Community Center, Barksdale, But, Glenellen, Hazelwood, Liberty, Minglewood, and St. Bethlehem Elementary Schools, Summit Heights and Caldwell Lane Housing Authority sites, and New Providence Outreach Center. Sites are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. except Caldwell Lane which is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In addition to tons of summer games and arts and crafts activities, children can take dance, karate, tennis and golf lessons or join the Roxy’s Summer Playhouse program (requires a $30 fee). Plus Fridays are free swim days and each child receives a free nutritious lunch daily. For more information, call the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department at 645-7476.

In the company of a very congenial great green Grinch and Mayor John Piper, Santa pushed the plunger that burst the Riverwalk and McGregor Park into a splash of golden lights.

For the past month, Parks Department workers have been installing over one million lights over tress along the waterfront and across the downtown area. Colorful illuminated holiday vignettes and animations dot the landscape and are reflected in the dark night waters of the Cumberland River.

In a burst of unseasonably warm “shirtsleeve” weather, thousands of people flocked to Riverfront for music by the Beagles, the arrival of Santa, and the expanded light show, which will be open daily (in all but the most inclement weather) through January 1. Mayor commented on the warm air, noting that last year the event was launched in below-freezing temperatures.

The band The Beagles provided toe-tapping music from 6-6:30 p.m., including a selection of Christmas carols, a sing-along for children, a hauntingly sentimental rendition of Silent Night, and a rousing “Rocky Top” to close their portion of the program.

J.T. Daniels of Eagles 94.3 FM served as Master of Ceremonies. Beagle’s vocalist Cindy McElroy sang the National Anthem.

Frances Sykes, accompanied by James Castleberry, donned a Southern Belle holiday gown for the task of handing out programs

Once the ceremonies were over, dozens of youngsters surged down the hillside to get near Santa and whisper their Christmas wishes, or catch a moment with the Grinch of Dr. Seuss fame.

While hot chocolate was being served, it was almost too warm for that beverage, though cooler temperatures are on the way for Thanksgiving. Hundreds of people worked their way through the full length of the decorated walkway for a first look at this seasons displays. There is no charge to visit Christmas on the Cumberland. The site will be open Sunday through Thursday from 5-10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5-11 p.m. through New Years Day.

More Christmas on the Cumberland Photos

Making last minute adjustments to the down Christmas Tree

Santa visits with two of his biggest fans 

Three of the striking Nutcrackers on Santa’s Sleigh

This skating bear is just one of the many figures on display

A sea of golden lights awaits visitors at Christmas on the Cumberland

Golden light flickers in the darker shadowed walkways at McGregor Park

These children got behind the mic with the Beagles for a Christmas Carol

Photo Credits: Santa Photos by Bill Larson, All others taken by Christine Anne Piesyk.