Warren County communities observe Independence Day

The float called ?40s Wash Day captured third place in the Morrison parade to commemorate the town?s 150th birthday.

As communities around Warren County decorated and dressed in their finest red, white and blue, and braved the summer heat to celebrate the Fourth of July, Morrison joined right in. But this small-town community with the big spirit wasn?t just celebrating Independence Day. The city?s residents were celebrating another major milestone, Morrison?s 150th anniversary.

Founded in 1856, Morrison has been a mainstay in Warren County for a century-and-a-half, and the citizens of the county?s second largest municipality are proud of their heritage.

They commemorated the milestone with a parade honoring the history and growth of Morrison, and the winners of the parade float contest demonstrated the success of that goal.

Taking first place was a float depicting an 1856 kitchen entered by Jennifer Laxson Starkey and family. Riding on the float were Jennifer and a number of her relatives.

Second place went to a float entered by Morrison First Baptist Church depicting the building of the church in 1951. Riding on the float were John Laxson, who participated in the original building project, Florence Julian, one of the 13 original members of the church, and Lavell Whitehead, a present-day deacon.

Taking third place was the Morrison Ruritan Club?s float entitled ?40s Wash Day. Riding on the float were Ruritan members Sue Anderson, Shirley Driver and JeanAnn Knudson, joined by friends Mary Tollison, Shelby Noble and Cindy Holland.

Sen. Jerry Cooper provided one of the highlights by presenting Morrison Mayor Bobby Prater with a Tennessee flag, a resolution from the General Assembly, and a proclamation from Gov. Phil Bredesen commemorating the 150th anniversary.

The town also held a Most Authentic Costume Contest. The children winners were Clayton Jones, son of Lynn and James Jones, and Elizabeth Baker, daughter of Lee and Lajuane Baker. Adult winners were Ada Jones and Doug Jacobs. Mrs. Jones was wearing a 100-year-old dress and bonnet originally belonging to Mary Jarrell?s great-grandmother.

The city of McMinnville got its annual Fourth of July celebration off and running ? literally. The annual Stars and Stripes Fun Run/ Walk began at 7:30 a.m. with a large field of competitors.

A total of 72 runners participated in the 5K run, which was won by Tullahoma?s Mike Fruechtl, just seconds ahead of longtime local runner Tommy Kell of Rock Island. The walk had 83 participants.

While people enjoyed the traditional pancake breakfast on Court Square, they were treated to music by the Silver and Gold Band. There was also a dance performance and karate demonstration.

Outside of the Fun Run/ Walk, the highlight of the downtown celebration is the annual Yankee Doodle Children?s Parade where downtown becomes a sea of red, white and blue. Bicycles, tricycles, wagons, and motorized kiddie cars are decorated with streamers and ribbons.

This year the float everyone was talking about was a giant cherry pie with Judith Faith Newby sitting in the middle. A kiddie pool wrapped in aluminum foil served as the giant pie pan and dozens of red balloons were used as cherries.

Winners of the World War II Scavenger Hunt were first place Beverly Gilley, second place ZaIn the Midway community, several awards were presented during Fourth of July festivities.

The Citizenship Award was presented to Jerry Ben and Debbie Parker. The Humanitarian Award was presented to Edwin and Claudine Ray. The Gene Dunlap Sportsmanship Award was presented to Roger?s Service Company for their trainer T-ball team. The Adell Bell Memorial Award was presented to Lauren Grandey and Sara Wilcher, seniors who have been playing ball for 14 years.

The Fred Bell Memorial Award was presented to Brandon Adcock. Fireman of the Year was presented to Stacy Moore.

The baby contest attracted 52 participants. First-place winners for 4-6 months were Abbygail Kirby and Jackson Dunlap; 7-9 months were Katlyn Grace Boyd and Brendon Sheppard; 10-12 months were Chalee Womack and Jase Todd; 13-18 months were Josie Detrick and Nicholas Alexander Aramburo; 19-24 months were Jaycie Hodges and Dalton Blake Hillis; 25-30 months were Paige Barber and Kayden Coates; 31-36 months were Gracie Hodges and Tristan Adcock.

The quilt show grand prize was won by Elva-Dean Bell.

?It was a wonderful day,? said Phyllis Boren, one of the many organizers. ?The weather was nice and we had a good crowd again this year. We appreciate everyone who attended, volunteered and joined the contests.?ck and Justin Crittenden, and third place Terry Thornton. Winners of the annual Main Street Window Decorating Contest were first place Victorian Rose Antiques, second place Chole?s Art Gallery, and third place The Flower Basket.