One of the biggest events to ever happen in Dunnellon is right around the corner. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will arrive in Dunnellon on Thursday, September 29 with a huge motorcade of patriot motorcycles escorting the semis carrying the Wall to Ernie Mills Park. With the arrival of the Wall coinciding with the celebration of Gold Star Mother’s Day, the Wall committee is also looking for Marion County Gold Star Mothers to be honored during this motorcade. If you, or someone you know is a mother who has lost a son or daughter in a war, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 352-489-2320 so we can honor their sacrifice. The motorcade will begin on north Hwy 41 at 9am and continue to SR 484 and Ernie Mills Park where the semis will unload. One cannot imagine a bigger honor than these riders bringing in the “Wall” to Dunnellon. This will kick off the weekend long event that is sure to impact everyone who comes to Dunnellon in a special way.
Businesses, you have an opportunity to reach out to those who are in town to see the Wall. The Chamber is designing a special “Bringing in the Wall” program that will tell visitors about Dunnellon and our vibrate community. There will also be a page for you to offer discounts to those Veterans visiting the Wall who come in to your shop, your restaurant or your business during the weekend. For a free placement on this program, call the Chamber or send an email with all the information, keep it short and simple, to [email protected] and get ready to greet new customers.
With the Wall coming, the Chamber will be decorating the medians on Hwy 41 with American flags and signs honoring our Veterans. We will once again offer the opportunity for businesses and citizens to purchase their sign on a tree to help pay for the flags and show their support. The $10.00 signs will help go toward the purchase of flags to go on SR 484 as well. We want those who come into Dunnellon to understand that we are a patriotic American town. Our goal is to see red, white and blue on both Williams Street (Hwy 41) and Pennsylvania (SR 484) as far as we can. If you have a business on either of those streets, show your colors and put your flag up.
Even though it seems early it is time to start thinking about cooler weather …. music and goblins! Jazz Up – Dunnellon’s Music Fest will be held on October 22 and is going to be a real rocking time this year. The Chad Montana Band will be a headliner and if you’ve never heard them, you are really in for a treat. Go to their website at chadmontana.com and check them out. Along with Chad, there will be nine other bands rocking the streets of Dunnellon. Music starts at 3pm under the entertainment direction of Dave Elliott from Withlacoochee Bluegrass Festival. Dave has a wealth of knowledge in the music field and has produced an exciting show this year. Food vendors and crafters are welcome. Application for vendors can be requested by calling the Chamber at 352-489-2320.
Then it’s on to Trail of Treaters and Halloween in Dunnellon. Trail of Treaters has been a Chamber tradition since the late 1990’s and continues to be a hit year after year. This year, under the direction of Deidra Whitt, the fun will be even bigger and better than ever! Candy collection spots will be announced and special events and fun activities at Ernie Mills Park will be scheduled for a safe experience for the little ones. Come join the fun! Call the Chamber and volunteer today.
Not a dull moment this Fall in Dunnellon. If you don’t have anything to do, call us. We can help you with that!
— Penny Lofton
