Patrons of Barnes & Noble in Johnson City were treated with a special type of “invasion” Saturday afternoon.
The Fort Watauga Society Children of the American Revolution, along with reenactors, stormed through the store’s entrance and proclaimed the territory theirs over the weekend to help garner support for a fundraising cause.
Saturday served as the kickoff for the “Road to Literacy” campaign, held statewide, to encourage individuals to read while raising funds to benefit a cause.
Until Friday, customers at any Barnes & Noble store, and those who enjoy shopping online, can use the unique promotional code “12083945” and proceeds from the purchase will go to benefit West Side Elementary fourth grade teacher Tammy Markland.

“Anyone that shops at any Barnes & Noble store across the country, or who buys online, can use the code and a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Mrs. Markland’s class,” organizer Melodie Daniels said during the event.
Saturday’s opening event provided a bevy of entertainment to customers as reenactors marched through the doors with young Ivan Daniels proclaiming the facility in the name of the Children of the American Revolution.
Many of the reenactors, who stay heavily involved with activities at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, spent time mingling with customers and providing insight into history. The state-recognized Watauga Valley Fife and Drum Corps also provided various performances throughout the day.
To go along with the vintage tunes, Steve Ricker and Mark Halback, with the Overmountain Victory Trail Association, spun eventful yarns about the Overmountain Men during the American Revolution.
Mrs. Markland, who had 35-plus students and parents on hand to support the event, also provided a storytelling expose to go along with a handful of CAR children getting into the fray and providing their own “first-hand-experiences” during that time frame.
Daniels added the event serves as a fundraiser, along with providing historical information to individuals in the store.