Activities get underway today to commemorate the 50th annual Covered Bridge Celebration.
With a variety of events throughout Northeast Tennessee during the summer, Elizabethton is looking forward to celebrating the milestone of recognizing Covered Bridge, which was originally built in 1882 for the cost of $3,000.
“It’s always a great event we have in the summer but with this year being the 50th, it brings that excitement,” Elizabeth White with the Carter County Chamber of Commerce said. “With it being the 50th, we’ve had people coming in from around the area asking about it. We’re full on vendors … we filled up very quickly with it being the 50th. We’ve had a lot of people coming from out of the town asking where they can stay, what they can do, and that kind of thing just to get ready for the celebration.”
Wednesday and Thursday nights will be nonprofit nights, which were brought this year after overwhelming success in 2015, according to White.
“This is our second year with our nonprofits,” she said. “Last year, as the first year (with nonprofits) was a great success. The community loved it. It is a great way for us to share with the community all the great nonprofits we have to offer in the area. It is one of my favorite new additions.”
Various nonprofit vendors will be on hand at the Covered Bridge Park from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and White encourages individuals to stop by and visit each booth.
Wednesday also features the timeless tradition of the Ice Cream Social tent, which gets underway at 6 p.m. at the Covered Bridge Park.
Food City of Elizabethton sponsors the event each year and provides free ice cream to attendants looking for a sweet treat while taking in the first day of events.
“We’re excited that they’ve done that with us,” White said. “They’re also sponsoring our ‘Water Wars’ on Saturday, which is a brand new thing to the event. Basically, it is a big water balloon fight. You get together with your friends to have a good time … and it is a free event.”
With the preparation underway and day one upon the area, White gave thanks to the sponsors, volunteers and the City of Elizabethton for assisting with the Covered Bridge Celebration.
“We very thankful for everybody that help,” White said. “We wouldn’t be able to do this without everyone coming together.”