Minute with the Mayor

I want to take this time to thank those involved for the historic crowds that came out to the “Liberty Square-A Lester Flatt Celebration,” on Saturday.  All I can say is WOW.  There are so many that worked behind the scenes to make this day happen. 

I would first like to thank the board of aldermen that voted to fund the celebration.  Vice Mayor Robert Officer, Brian Jones, Judy Payne, Travis McBride, Jim Floyd, and Brent Young were in support of the annual celebration that overtakes our square for a day.  I would also like to thank our staff at the city hall.  Under the leadership of city administrator Tonya Tindle this day was a huge success. 

The city’s department heads were instrumental in getting the square set up for the music celebration.  Dillard Quick, Gideon McCurry, and their crews worked late Friday and Saturday night to make sure everything was set up, taken down, and cleaned up for the next day’s activities. 

Kudos to the White County High School’s JROTC program for helping man the gates at the streets that were blocked off to provide safety for our citizens.  Thank you to the American Legion members that provided the flag for the national anthem and the pledge of allegiance at the opening ceremonies. 

A special thanks to Kimberly and Blake Williams for a masterful job of getting the talent for the music celebration and for a wonderful and entertaining emcee for the event.  A special thank you to Mindy Stone, who spent countless hours getting the record-setting vendors to the square and helping set up the area. This was Mindy’s last day employed with the city, and her dedication to finish strong on the task at hand was a great testimony to her service to the city. 

Lasty, I want to thank all the citizens and vendors that came out to take part.  Right at 4,000 people were estimated to come through our Liberty Square and it showed.  I really appreciate walking around and talking with as many people as I could throughout the day.  Thank you all for the comments and suggestions for our event and our city.  I am blessed and humbled to serve this town and community as mayor.  Let’s continue to make Sparta the place to live, to work, and to play.

Be safe and finish strong.