A party two centuries in the making

Bedford County celebrated two centuries on Monday night, with a rousing choral performance by the Area-Wide Fellowship for Christ Choir, and official proclamations marking the occasion.

Monday was the actual 200th anniversary of the county's founding, and a public celebration was held in the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds.

"There's a lot of great people that have come from Bedford County," said County Mayor Eugene Ray. "We've got a lot of great people in Bedford County."

State Sen. Jim Tracy and State Rep. Curt Cobb presented Ray with House Joint Resolution 579, which honors the county on the occasion of its bicentennial:

"Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the One Hundred Fifth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, the Senate concurring, that we hereby honor and congratulate the citizens of Bedford County upon the celebration of thee county's bicentennial and extend to them our best wishes for continued success, growth, and prosperity in their outstanding community, which is a true Tennessee treasure."

Sean Gilliland, representing U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, presented a copy of the Congressional Record into which Gordon had placed language honoring the county.

Marilyn Massengale, Mary Ann Brame and Deborah Obenchain gave recitations about the county's history, while the choir, and various soloists, entertained the crowd with rousing gospel melodies. Fourth grader Edwin Moore drew an enthusiastic standing ovation for his soulful rendition of "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."

Ray praised the work of the Bicentennial Organizing Committee, chaired by Dixie Parker, and activities committee co-chairs Dawn Holley and Johnny Reed for their work over the past year.

"They have done a wonderful job," said Ray.

The evening concluded with the cutting of an official bicentennial cake.