“Auburn Strong” Red Apple Days (RAD) promises to be the best yet in celebration of 45 years of tradition and support for children beginning a new school year. Hosted by Auburntown Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD), it is scheduled for the first weekend in August on the 5th and 6th. “Why the RAD red apple?” some have asked. RAD red apple is a symbol for education and taste great as provided by the AVFD.
Beginning as a one-day event in 1977, RAD was held on Main Street and now a two-day celebration held inside C. S. Hawkins Park. In honor of the 45-year RAD anniversary, the Auburntown Historical Society (AHS) has published three paper back historic books. Compiled by Becky Murray, they will be available in limited quanity at the gazebo booth. Orders will also be available with postage added for any mailing requirements. New books are titled, “Red Apple Days-45 Years and Counting”; “Eagles to Knights-The History of Auburn Elementary School” and the “Roger F. Turney Gymnasium”.
Friday, August 5, is gospel night with live music beginning at 5:00 PM on the park stage. Featured will be Joyful Praises, Divine Encounter, and Shellem Cline. Multiple food vendors opening at that same time include Jubilee Concessions, Slick Pig BBQ, Ludwig’s Snack Explosion, Cedar Forrest Bakery, Sweet and Salty Treats, and J’Eat Yet Concessions. Add multiple crafts, jewelry, memorabilia and organizations for an exciting vendor walk experience.
The Kid Zone will return with free fun and inflatables for the kids. A pie eating contest will delight any individual attempting to indulge in this sweet treat.
Saturday‘s celebration begins early at 7:00 AM on the 6th with the RAD 5K run and 1 mile walk named “Running 1.4.U.”. Funds support the AVFD and promotes awareness of hydrocephalus/dementia.
Organized by Cassandra Hughes and Mayor Roger Turney, the race course around town provides a Mayberry atmosphere with scenic views. Competition begins at the Auburntown Community Center next to the fire hall mural painted by Derrick Hughes.
Same day race registration is available up to one hour before start time. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each age group for male and female runners. Additionally, there will be a prize for the first male and first female to cross the finish line and snacks and goody bags for each participant. Free race t-shirts will be given to those that pre-register at: https://redappledays.com/redapplerun/online-registration/
The AVFD will use RAD profits for training, tools and vehicle maintenance. In 2022, the department hopes to purchase additional radios, traffic control cones and signs. Also, there is a need to replace tools that are going out of safe date standards.
The Miss Red Apple Days pageant will begin at 10:00 AM for ages zero up to the age of twenty-one. Thirty contestants are currently registered for the pageant with more added every day. Organized by Holly Sylvester and her fire fighter husband Shaphan, the pageant platform considers every girl beautiful with passion and personality given opportunity to shine during competition.
Community service is involved as contestants collect and donate items for Operation Christmas Child. In partnership with Auburn Baptist Church and Samaritan’s Purse Ministry, thousands of donated items will be shipped to needy children all over the world at Christmastime.
The fire department’s annual Cruise-In car show for vintage tractors and cars starts at 10:00 AM. RAD parade time is 2:00 PM beginning on East Main Street and traveling Vantreese Avenue to Auburn School.
Returning this year is the baking contest originally an apple pie bake off. (Rules and items required for the 2022, culinary creations are posted on the RAD website.) 1990 apple pie winners were: First place-Mable Turney; second place-Ina Jennings; third place -Betty Sue Hays; fourth place -Robbie Harris and fifth place- Alpha Donnell.
Local music artist Beth Cooper and the TN Hollow Band will be performing during the Saturday night line-up. Grand finale fireworks show will be provided by Mooretown Fire Department. Some of the RAD 2022 sponsors are Woodbury Funeral Home, Smith’s Painting, Woodbury Insurance and The Gathering at Milton.
Auburntown Red Apple Days is fun for the entire family. It celebrates the beginning of a new school year and support of children. Proceeds go to Auburntown’s all-volunteer fire department.
In celebration of 45 years of Red Apple Days (RAD), the Auburntown Historical Society has published three paper back historic books available at this year’s RAD. (L to R) “Roger H. Turney Gymnasium”-$8.00, “Eagles to Knights-The History of Auburn Elementary School”-$20.00 and “Red Apple Days-45 Years and Counting”-$5.00.
New Race T-Shirt Design: The 2022 Red Apple Day Running 1.4.U event promotes the run/walk and awareness of hydrocephalus/dementia.
