Fun Fest Begins In Kingsport
2005 Chairman of Fun Fest 25, Keith Wilson introduces past chairs at the 2005 kickoff for Fun Fest. From left, Frank Brogden, John King, Lynn Shipley, Tom Seglhearts, Paul Kennedy, Brad Hoover and Bill Dudney
For the past few years, I’ve attended the sponsor’s breakfast that kicks off Fun Fest at Meadowview. It’s hard to get up at 6ish to catch this morning event, but with camera in hand and a good dose of community comaradre it’s worth the effort. Last year’s pictures were pretty good and it’s good to be a part of this special launch for the week’s summer festival.
The Fun Fest volunteers were busy giving away red mugs when I arrived and it wasn’t long after a few nibbles of a continentental breakfast provided by Calvin Wright of Wright’s Cuisine that the Fun Fest chair, Keith Wilson opened the mornings activities with a brief speech. Keith is the official chair of the 25th Anniversary of Fun Fest and introduced past chairs on stage along with Lucy Fleming and her staff.
After the opening greeting, I just strolled around the parking lot as usual snapping pictures here in there. Brad Lifford was there along with Stephanie Czadcak. There were other familiar people including John Patrick with WQUT. Tom Taylor is always a poser for his shot each year and is usually on the air with his radio station WKIN.
One of my special memories of Fun Fest is seeing Doug Tweed. Doug used to share Fun Fest Showtime with me each year and was one of the most entertaining emcees that the show ever had. He even credits his tenure as the chair of Fun Fest as one of the primary causes of his spiritual awakening that took him away from the law office and steered him to the Methodist church where he is now a minister. He had a hug for me and I’m always glad to see him.
Other than, it’s always good to grab pictures of this event. Someday, these old memories and people may make an interesting story to tell.