News |
Local Authors to Sign Ghost-Related Books and Tell Tales at
Bristol Farmers Market
October 27, 2009
BRISTOL, Tenn. - Local authors V.N. "Bud" Phillips and Joe Tennis are signing copies of their ghost-related books and also sharing a few ghost tales on Halloween morning at the Bristol Farmer's Market on Saturday, Oct. 31, 9-11 a.m.
Phillips, the official Bristol historian, is signing copies of his books, including "Pioneers In Paradise," which features 99 pages of Bristol-related ghost tales. Phillips's other books include "A Good Place to Live," "Forgive Me, Father, For I Have Grinned," "Book of Kings" and "Between the States."
Tennis, also of Bristol, Va., is the author of "The Marble and Other Ghost Tales of Tennessee and Virginia," which features local ghost tales for kids age 7 and up. Tennis's other books include "Sullivan County, Tennessee," a pictorial history; and "Beach to Bluegrass,'' a Virginia book that also features ghost stories.
The Bristol Farmers Market is located at the Downtown Center, near the Birthplace of Country Music Mural, just off State Street. Books will be available for purchase. For more information on the annual "Author's Day" event, call (423) 764-4171.
11th Annual Pumpkin Palooza Announced
October 27, 2009
The City of Bristol Tennessee will host the 11th Annual Pumpkin Palooza at the Downtown Center on State Street on Halloween Day. Each year on the last Saturday in October the State Street Farmers Market and the City of Bristol Tennessee join forces to create a morning of fun for children of all ages.
Members of the Believe in Bristol organization will join the effort by providing assistance to the young revelers while they decorate their very own pumpkin to take home.
Children are encouraged to wear their costumes to the Farmers Market and participate in the day's activities. There will be pumpkin decorating with a pumpkin of the child's choice and all the supplies needed to decorate it with. Treat bags will be available for everyone in costume. The event begins at 9:00 AM.
Again this year the Bristol Grocery Company will be taking pictures of the children in their costumes in exchange for a canned food donation. All donations will be given to the Bristol Emergency Food Pantry.
The Downtown Center is located at 810 State Street.
Traffic Safety Ambassador Poster Contest Winner – Bobby White
October 20, 2009
Bobby White
Age 14
Attends Vance Middle School
40 students participated
Tennessee Office of Homeland Security recognized 23 first responders on 9/11
October 19, 2009
Nashville – The Tennessee Office of Homeland Security (OHS) on 9/11 honored the commitment and sacrifice of 23 Tennessee first responders from the state's 11 Homeland Security Districts at a unique recognition ceremony held at the State Capitol in Nashville. The second annual event recognized first responders from all areas within the emergency services discipline.
"Every day, Tennessee's first responders selflessly come to the aid of their fellow man without hesitation," said Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. "The anniversary of 9/11 provides the State with the perfect opportunity to celebrate the courageous spirit and heroic efforts of all of Tennessee's first responders. The 23 individuals honored today represent the many diverse ways in which first responders protect and safeguard our citizens, communities and State."
9/11/09 Tennessee First Responders Appreciation
Event Law enforcement and first responders actively promote emergency preparedness within their communities on a daily basis. Whether by responding directly to an emergency, creating policy and procedures or training staff and volunteers, Tennessee's state and local police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and emergency management officials work daily to ensure the safety and security of the state.
The 23 first responders honored at the First Responder Award Ceremony were selected by officials within the state's Homeland Security Districts. Those honored at the ceremony were:
* Indicates recipients recognized jointly
"Tennesseans all across the state have benefitted from the brave and skillful actions of these
first responders,"added Mitchell. "Some folks may not notice the contributions they make on a
daily basis, but their commitment to the safety of our state and residents is a top priority."
The ceremony is one of the Office of Homeland Security's National Prepardness Month activities.
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort encouraging Americans to take simple steps
to prepare for emergencies. Critical to the preparedness process are the men and women who
serve our state and citizens as first responders.
About Timothy F. Eads
Major, Bristol Police Department
Homeland Security District 1 Bristol Police Department's Major Tim Eads serves as a Terrorism Liaison Officer for Tennessee's Homeland Security District 1. In this role, he has proven himself as a valuable resource for anyone who may need the assistance of the Office of Homeland Security.
Major Eads has participated in numerous training opportunities and exercises, conferences and meetings. He instituted a Chamber of Commerce training function for the City of Bristol that provides the community with a training opportunity to learn more about the state's homeland security activities, and what Bristol and District 1 are doing to promote a safe and secure homeland.
Major Eads also serves as the primary homeland security liaison for the Bristol Motor Speedway and has remained a valuable resource to the speedway and its more than 500,000 visitors each year.
State Street Farmers Market Hosts Customer Appreciation Day
October 8, 2009
What: A country breakfast of gravy, biscuits, eggs and sliced tomatoes are being served to all State Street Farmers Market's loyal customers in appreciation of their participation in the market during this 10th Anniversary Year.
When: Saturday, October 10, 2009 8AM- 10AM
Where: Downtown Center 810 State Street
Who: Everyone is welcome!
Viking Hall Civic Center to Host WWE
October 8, 2009
What: WWE is back in town with an all-star card. Tickets are still available at
the Viking Hall Box Office
When: Saturday, October 10, 2009 Doors Open @ 6:30 PM Show @ 7:30 PM
Where: 1100 Edgemont Ave. Bristol Tennessee
Bristol Tennessee Fire Department to Host Open House
October 7, 2009
Where: Central Fire Station, 211 Bluff City Hwy.
When: From 10:30 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.
Why: To educate children and adults on fire safety in support of this year's Fire Prevention Week's national theme: Stay Fire Smart – Don't Get Burned
Come in and meet Bristol's fire suppression and emergency medical service personnel and enjoy special activities.
Receive:
Bristol Fire Department Urges Bristol Residents to "Stay Fire Smart-Don't Get Burned!"
September 18, 2009
The Bristol Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protections Association (NFPA) for Fire Prevention Week 2009 – October 4-10 to urge Bristol residents to "Stay Fire Smart- Don't Get Burned". This year's campaign focuses on ways to keep homes fire safe and prevent painful burns. Additionally Bristol firefighters will be teaching local residents how to plan and practice escape from a home in case a fire occurs.
The Bristol Fire Department will host its annual Open House from 10:30 AM– 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at the Central Fire Station located at 211 Bluff City Highway. Free junior fire helmets will be given out at the open house to all children in attendance.
Tickets on Sale for REO Speedwagon and STYX
September 12, 2009
Tickets are on sale now for one of the largest nostalgic rock and roll shows ever to come to the Tri-Cities area. Performing live in Bristol's Viking Hall Civic Center on November 13 is REO Speedwagon, STYX and Night Ranger, "Can't Stop Rockin' Tour". A four-hour concert taking you back to high school and college days when life was without worry and stress, all your favorite hits being performed back to back. It will be a night to remember.
All tickets will be for reserved seating. The concert will begin at 7PM; doors opening at 6:00 PM.
Viking Hall Hosts Caged Chaos 5
September 4, 2009
World Premier Cage fighting is returning to Viking Hall this Saturday, September 5th.
Opening bell on the 12 fights will be at 7:00 PM. The main event will feature Parker Gammell of Absolute Jiu-Jitsu vs. Josh Booher of Mountain Empire MMA. The undercard will feature Jason Roark vs. Bill Mullins.
Cage fighting is an American a mix of martial arts that allows for full contact. The sport also permits a wide variety of fighting techniques. The rules allow the use of striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground. All matches occur on a wrestling type ring surrounded by a cage.
Tickets are on sale now at the Viking Hall Box Office and on-line at http://www.etix.com
Assistant Chief Named President of Association
September 4, 2009
The Tennessee Chapter of The International Association of Arson Investigators (TNIAAI) held their annual conference August 24th through August 28th and selected Assistant Fire Chief Jack Spurgeon to serve as the organization's President. The conference was held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and the approximately 250 participants represented law enforcement, fire service, private insurance and persons from the investigative field. Educational topics covering a myriad of topics were delivered by well known and highly regarded presenters from a number of states including Tennessee.
The selection of Spurgeon for a two year term as President came during the business meeting that is conducted each year as part of the annual conference. Assistant Chief Spurgeon has been a member of the TNIAAI since 1995 and has been a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators since 2002. He has served as a board member for the past 7 years and is a 23 year veteran of the Bristol Tennessee Fire Department, serving the past three years as an Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal.
Bristol's Busk Stop Central
September 4, 2009
If you have special talents you'd like to share with the shoppers, walkers and
bikers in downtown Bristol, consider applying for one of Bristol's Busk Stop Central locations. Street entertainers also called "buskers" may apply for a permit to perform downtown at one of three locations designated by the city. The City of Bristol Tennessee announced today the premier of the new downtown program that allows any artist an opportunity to showcase their particular talent in a relaxed downtown setting.
"Busker" is the old English word for "street performer". The art of busking has been around for centuries in almost every country and culture. "It is perfect entertainment for spectators of all ages," stated Terrie Talbert, Director of the city's Department of Community Relations which will be overseeing the downtown program. Talbert continued, "A busker has been defined as a masterful entertainer of extraordinary talent who performs in any open public area. They bring live theatre to the streets for your enjoyment."
The city would like for the community to always think of the downtown area as a place where there is something going on continuously and as a place where there is always some type of entertainment nearby.
The city has established a set of rules and regulations along with an application process that each artist must complete in order to participate in the program. Each time an artist wishes to participate in the program they must obtain a permit from the city that is displayed at the performance location. The performer will be allowed to accept donations in a city allocated donation box.
For more information on the program artists may contact the Department of Community Relations at 423-764-4171.
Last Great on State Concert of Summer Season Slated
September 3, 2009
The final concert of the summer season's Great On State music series is scheduled for Friday, September 11, 2009. The concert will feature area favorite, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band. Entertainment will begin at 7:00 PM with opening band, The Asheville Horns. As always there is no charge for the event.
Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band just released their long awaited album "Greatest Hips Volume II" and will be performing many of their hits from this album along with some unique cover material. The Asheville Horns is a studio session band known for recording with some of the biggest bands in the funk genre.
The Great On State concert series takes place in the 800 block of historic downtown Bristol at the Downtown Center. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.
© Official Web Site of the City of Bristol Tennessee. All rights reserved.
Photos Courtesy of Malcolm J. Wilson and Bristol News Paper
Flood Information