Men and women who served and those who died serving during World War II will be honored and memorialized during Standing Stone Day, in Monterey, on Oct. 10. In addition, Monterey’s rich history will be displayed all over town from its Native American roots and Civil War encampment to antique cars and an excursion train on its way.
Scheduled Events:
Arts, Crafts and Food. . Arts, crafts and food vendors will be set up downtown all day. Commercial Avenue will be closed to traffic, but welcome to visitors between Chestnut and Poplar Streets. Where else can you find unique items like homemade candles, jewelry and bee traps in one spot?
While checking out vendors and antique cars, don’t forget to stop in at local stores and shops, where you can find everything from clothing and shoes to furniture, hand-dipped ice cream cones and fresh made juicy hamburgers.
Giant Flea Market. A giant flea market will be held all day at Whittaker Park. Expect lots of food, fun, music and deals. Perhaps, you might find that perfect tool , pan or do-dad that you just can’t live without.
Car Show. Antique and other showcars will be parked in the middle of the street on
Commercial Avenue, in the downtown area after the parade. Trophies and prizes will be awarded for the top cars Parade. The Annual Standing Stone Day Parade begins at 9 a.m. Honoring “the Greatest Generation,” those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Monterey native U.S. Army T.Sgt. Benton Bilbrey, now 90, will be the grand Marshall.
The parade begins near the 300 exit of Intestate -40. The parade route will travel north on South Holly St., turn right on Commercial and end at the new high school construction site, just past Whittaker Park.
Ceremony at the Stone. Shortly after the parade, at 10 a.m., we honor Monterey’s strong Native American heritage . Dr. Opless Walker, noted historian, will speak about the stone’s significance in history He will also introduce former T.Sgt. Benton Bilbrey, as a part of “the Greatest Generation.”
The ceremonial “laying of the wreath and tomahawk will be done by Matthew
Winterhawk Meek, a Cherokee Indian born in Oklahoma, but whom was raised in Monterey. Miss Standing Stone Beauty Pageant winners will be introduced, as well as winners of art and essay contest winners.
Kids, get your cameras ready! Channel 4’s Snowbird will be at the Monterey Branch Library for pictures. The popular and cuddly character has been giving useful information about hazardous winter weather school closings for years. Perhaps, a few parents would like to get in the picture, as well?
Train’s a’ coming! All aboard! An excursion train from the Tennessee Central Railway Museum will be arriving near noon. Tickets are on sale for only $10 at the Monterey Depot Museum for a six-mile round trip excursion. Get your ticket early and be at the depot museum by 11:30 a.m.
What better way to celebrate the fall season than to come to the mountain and dive into its rich heritage from the Native American era to the Civil War, railroad age, World War II and beyond. Come help us celebrate why we call Monterey the place “Where Hilltops Kiss the Sky.
For more information about Standing Stone Day, 2015, call Julie Bohannon,
Monterey cultural administrator, (931)839-2111 or email her at depotadm@fronrier.com; or visit www.MontereyTN.com.
Photo: Matthew Winterhawk Meek, a Cherikeec Indian born in Oklahoma, but raised in Monterey will lay the wreath and tomahawk during Standing Stone Day festivities on Oct. 10. The day’s festivities includes a parade, flea market at Whittaker Park, arts, crafts and food vendors downtown plus an excursion train ride.For information about the day or how to purchase train tickets, call 931-839-2111. Photo: Dale Welch