LISA MARCHESONI
Posted: Friday, September 11, 2009 1:56 pm

County residents will gather tonight (Friday) to remember the 9/11 tragedy during the 8th annual Rutherford County Community Fair at the sheriff’s office on 940 New Salem Highway.

Sgt. James Harrell said the free fair will kickoff at 4 p.m. with a fight song by MTSU’s band and a pep rally to promote the Blue Raiders’ first home football game Saturday, Sept. 12. Mascot Lightning will spur on the cheers.

“The community will come together as a whole to remember the tragedy of the 9/11 event and as a day of celebration for the ones who are here,” Harrell said. “We live in a country that has this great resolve.”

A remembrance ceremony will be at 6 p.m. at the main stage provided by John Richards of Concert Productions.

Volunteer Cassie Johnson said the headline entertainer will be Tennessee National Guard Warrant Officer Darby Ledbetter, who recently recorded a video airing at theaters featuring his song, “I Won’t Let My Guard Down.”

Other entertainers include the Roys, a country music brother and sister duo who perform at NASCAR races, the Hands of Time, a Rutherford County-based bluegrass and gospel group and the Rocky Top Revue, the 12-time Tennessee State Championship square dancers and local singer Johannah Mackin who will perform with the Providence Christian Academy’s Children’s Choir.

Events are geared for all ages.

Detention teacher Arthal Minter and some detention employees will sponsor ring toss and fishing games for young children.

“It’s going to be so good this year,” Minter said.

Bill Boner will bring exotic animals for a petting zoo.

Older children may climb on the Tennessee National Guard’s climbing wall.
Nonprofit groups, churches and businesses will sponsor booths with information.
Families may eat supper together with food ranging from seafood to barbecue to funnel cakes at a reasonable price.

Emergency services groups such as law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, rescue squads and National Guard units will display equipment.

Donations will be accepted for a Soldier’s Child, to provide birthday parties for children whose parents were killed while serving in the military, and the Warriors’ Legacy Fund, for survivors of military personnel killed in the line of duty.

Because of the displays, parking will be limited. Residents should park at the Auto Auction on Bridge Avenue near Red Lobster and ride the Rover buses to the sheriff’s office.

Sponsors of the event include First Community Mortgage, the Rutherford County 4-H, MTSU’s Athletic Department, Bonefish Grill, Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, Rover of Murfreesboro, the Cox Family Martial Arts and Rutherford County government.

Lisa Marchesoni may be reached at 869-0814 or at lmarchesoni@murfreesboropost.com.