Community comes together for Hamilton County’s Stars and Stripes Celebration

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Community members gathered at the Collegedale Commons for Hamilton County’s Stars and Stripes celebration.

Families, veterans, elected officials, and residents from across the area came together to celebrate America’s history and look ahead to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

Many attendees embraced the spirit of the event, wearing patriotic clothing and sharing their appreciation for the country.

Two attendees, Tyler Schievelhud of Lumberjacks Tree Service and Jody Sullins of Five-Star Fitness, showed off their patriotic spirit through their eye-catching costume choices.

“Why not?” Sullins said. “This is our outfit that we put on every day. We wanted to come out and represent America. It means everything. It’s a way of life.”

When asked what the celebration meant to him, Schievelhud gestured toward their spirited attire and smiled.

“Well, you know, it’s America’s 250th birthday. We decided to come out, brought Cletus and Scout with us, and wanted to see what everything was about here today with Uncle Sam.”

The event was months in the making.

Organizer Candy Cantrell said she was thrilled to see such a strong turnout from people of all ages and backgrounds.

“You’re going to see children here, babies here, senior citizens here. We have all walks of life here, which is wonderful. That’s what this whole event is about, bringing our community together. I think the other thing is seeing just how patriotic people really are.”

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, State Senator Bo Watson, and Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett were among the local leaders who attended the celebration.

Wamp reflected on the significance of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

“I was thinking, I’m 39 years old. I think I’ll be lucky if I live to see the country’s 300th birthday. A lot of what I’m thinking about is what I can do to honor the sacrifices that have made this such an incredible country for me to raise my family in. Who knows, maybe I get lucky and I’ll see the 300th.”

Watson emphasized that the Stars and Stripes celebration was not a political event, but rather an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the nation.

“This isn’t a political event. This is a celebration of the United States of America and our 250th birthday. We live in the greatest country in the world. We live in a system of government that, despite its shortcomings, is still the best that’s ever been known. The Constitution is the longest enduring constitution in history. While we have our struggles, we’re all very fortunate and blessed to live in the United States of America.”

Sheriff Austin Garrett echoed Watson’s sentiments, saying the event demonstrated how a shared love for the country can bring people together.

“Regardless of our differences, and regardless of our different beliefs, we’re all one nation. We’re all Americans. We’re all in for America.”

Organizers said the event’s success highlighted the strong sense of patriotism and community spirit that continues to unite residents across Hamilton County.