20231010
2023 King and Queen – Jim and Martha Wiley
Congratulations to our 2023 Allardt Pumpkin Festival King and Queen –Jim and Martha Wiley!
Both native Fentress Countians, the Wileys chose many years ago to make Allardt their home, settling here after college to raise their children amid family and friends.
Their family roots in Fentress County extend back multiple generations. Their grandchildren are the 6th generation to live in Allardt, descendents of the original Gernt families who settled here in the 1800s. Jim is the son of Edward and Carmen Wiley and the grandson of Hugo and Mae Gernt, all of Allardt. His paternal grandparents were Edward Norris Wiley Jr. and Henrietta.
Martha's clan was here in the Fentress County area in the 1700s, and many relatives were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. She is the daughter of Houston and Kathleen Beaty and the granddaughter of D.O. and Ellen Beaty and George and Jane Smith, all of Fentress County.
Jim and Martha were married in 1968 while they were both students at Austin Peay University in Clarksville. Both worked while attending college. They managed a trailer park, and Jim signed on with a welding company in 1972. He learned a trade in addition to receiving his degree in biology with a concentration in botany.
Martha taught school and helped with the integration of schools in the Clarksville - Montgomery County School system. She was accepted in their community and became friends with many teachers and parents. It was a wonderful experience, she says, that taught her so much about different cultures and communities.
The birth of their first son Travis in 1975 made them realize they wanted to return to Fentress County to raise their son among friends and family. When the opportunity arose, Jim applied for the welding job at York Institute and became the first welding instructor in the new vocational building. He enjoyed his job and his students and remained at York Institute for 32 years.
Both Jim and Martha minored in music during their university studies. Martha taught art and music in schools for several years until daughter Sarah was born in 1977. Their second son Seth came along in 1980.
When son Travis entered kindergarten, Martha started teaching at Allardt School and remained until 1988 when she was elected Fentress County Superintendent of Schools. Later she was hired by the Tennessee Department of Education and worked in that position for 15 years until she retired.
Jim and Martha are grandparents of seven. Four boys – Craig, Seth Roberts, Keith, and Spencer. And three granddaughters – Charlie, Quin, and Lanna Mae.
Jim has served as local TEA president at YAI as well as on various TEA and State Skills USA committees. He has been a member of Skills USA National Education Team and a 16-year member of the Technical Committee for Precision Machining at their National Conference in Kansas City.
Martha is organist and works with children’s music programs at the Methodist Church. She is president of the Fentress County Historical Society and charter member of the Coyote Path Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. Currently she does genealogy research and is working to restore her grandparents’ 1800s era home on the square in Jamestown.
The pumpkin festival honors Jim and Martha Wiley today for their citizenship and community service and for their contributions to and positive impact on education in Fentress County.
And we honor the past generations Jim and Martha represent, the early settlers, the founders, of our county and our communities, those who through service and sacrifice laid a solid foundation for the way of life we enjoy in this area today.
PHOTO CREDIT - CINDY SMITH
20230926
2023 Festival events
32nd Annual Allardt Great Pumpkin Festival
and Weigh-off, Saturday, October 7, 2023
Festival Kick-off Ceremonies –10 a.m. at Allardt City Hall. Welcome and introduction of the 2023 Great Pumpkin Festival King and Queen with the Festival Beauty Pageant winners. Sponsored by Jimtown Florist.
Pumpkin Run – Online registration available at https://runsignup.com/.../31stAnnualAllardtGreatPumpkinFe....
Day of race registration 7 am to 7:45 am at Allardt Elementary School (220 Portland Avenue). Shirts may not be available for late registrants. Line-up 7:45 to 8 am and start time at 8 am Central Time. Categories of entry are 10K run, 5K run, and 1-mile Fun Run. Sponsored by Hall Family Pharmacy and conducted by local runners and Flowers Trucking to benefit the YAI Bowling Teams. For additional information contact morgan@flowerstrucking.com.
“James Asberry Memorial Weigh-Off” of Pumpkins and Other Vegetables – Register your pumpkins, squash, watermelons, and other vegetables from 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at the Allardt Elementary School East parking lot. Entry fee $10. The actual weigh-off will take place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Allardt is an official GPC weigh-off site.
Prize Schedule
• Pumpkins - First place - $2,000 (2nd – 10thth place – $800, $600, $400, $300, $250, $200, $150, $100, $50)
• Watermelons - First place - $1,000 (2nd – 10th place – $700, $500, $300, $200, $150, $100, $50, $50, $50)
• Green Squash - First place - $500 (2nd – 5th place – $300, $200, $100, $50)
• Prettiest Pumpkin - $100
The big pumpkin winner must ride in the parade or be disqualified. See rules and regulations at www.allardtpumpkinfestival.com. Dwight Dickson will serve as master of ceremonies. John Gunter with the UT Extension Service will serve as the Site Coordinator. Sponsored by Micro Metals PM Inc.; The Quality Family; Dilip Joshi; One Bank; Fentress County Farm Bureau; Jimmy Johnson, Fentress County Executive; and Tennessee Christian Academy.
Antique Auto Show – On-site Registration Saturday, October 7, from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. Central Time at the 4-Way Stop in Allardt. $15 registration fee to cover event costs. Half of the registrations and swap meet collections will be split between The Hope Foundation and The Avalon Center. All cars and trucks model year 2000 and older are welcome.
• Event Chairman: Tim Cash – Papa’s Garage – 931-284-6620
• Additional Contacts: Arron Daniels 707-502-1970 & Shayne Lusk 813-263-6673
• Administered by: Fentress Newcomers & Shayne’s RV
• Swap Meet Contact: Michelle Cummings: 360-265-7179 MCummings67@yahoo.com
Sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts and O’Reilly Auto Parts.
Tractor Show - 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Central Time at the Allardt 4-Way Stop. ALL tractors welcome and encouraged to participate in the Parade!
• Event Chairman – Wesley Anderson – Anderson Farm Services - 931-239-2304
Pumpkin Pie & Roll Contest - Registration Saturday from 8 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Central Time at the Allardt Fire Hall. The $10 entry fee will go to the Allardt Volunteer Fire Department with the actual desserts being served with the BBQ meals purchased at the Fire Hall.
• Day of show registration for HOMEMADE only pies and rolls.
• 1st place $100, 2nd place $50, and 3rd place $25 in each of the two contests.
• Winners announced at noon on stage at City Hall.
• Sponsored and conducted by Amanda Hicks, Fentress County Clerk.
Children’s Costume Contest - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – noon Central Time at Allardt City Hall Stage. FREE registration.
• Day of show registration only from 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. outside City Hall.
• Categories: Ages 0-2 years; 3-5 years; 6-8 years; 9-12 years; and group.
• Any costume theme acceptable. No live animals, please.
• Sponsored and conducted by SmartBank and sponsored by Guffey Law.
Pumpkin Festival Parade - 3 p.m. Entries will line up on the Baseline Road starting at 2:00 p.m. To line up, follow Highway 52 E from Allardt past the orange water tower to the Les Franklin Road. Turn left at the Les Franklin Road. Then enter the Baseline Road from the Les Franklin Road only. The deadline for entries is noon Thursday, October 5. Call Ashley Bilbrey at 931-397-0300 to register and for additional information.
Entertainment On Stage – Allardt City Hall. Noon – 3:00 pm lineup includes Cody Hull & Friends and South Fork. 4:00 pm features Austin Andrews – “The Cowboy and Company”. William Bilbrey, Entertainment Chairman. Sponsored by Representative Kelly Keisling and City of Jamestown.
Crafts and Food Vendors - Bruno Gernt Park and directly behind the park at the FCBE Alternative School, all day 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Cathy Jeffers, event Chairman.
A Special Thank You to our Sponsors and Service Providers:
Allardt Real Estate Co; Amanda Hicks, Fentress County Clerk; Anderson Farm Services; City of Jamestown; Clarkrange Drug Center; Dilip Joshi; Fentress County Ambulance Service; Fentress County Chamber of Commerce; Fentress County EMA; Fentress County Farm Bureau; Fentress County Sheriff's Dept; Fentress Farmers Cooperative; Guffey Law; Hall Family Pharmacy; Jimmy Johnson, Fentress Co Executive; Jimtown Florist; Micro Metals PM Inc.; NAPA Auto Parts; One Bank; O'Reilly Auto Parts; R & T Trophy; Representative Kelly Keisling; SmartBank; TDOT; The Quality Family; Twin Lakes Telephone Coop; Union Bank; and Senator Ken Yager.
20230818
32nd Annual Allardt Great Pumpkin Festival and Weigh-off,
Saturday, October 7, 2023
General Event Plans As of 7/14/2023
Festival Kick-off Ceremonies –10 a.m. at Allardt City Hall. Welcome and introduction of the 2023 Great Pumpkin Festival King and Queen with the Festival Beauty Pageant winners. Sponsored by Jimtown Florist.
Pumpkin Run – Online registration will be available soon to preregister and get a tee shirt the day of the race. Day of race registration 7 am to 7:45 am at Allardt Elementary School (220 Portland Avenue). Shirts may not be available for late registrants. Line-up 7:45 to 8 am and start time at 8 am Central Time. Categories of entry are 10K run, 5K run, and 1-mile Fun Run. Sponsored by Hall Family Pharmacy and conducted by local runners and Flowers Trucking to benefit the YAI Bowling Teams. For additional information contact morgan@flowerstrucking.com.
“James Asberry Memorial Weigh-Off” of Pumpkins and Other Vegetables – Register your pumpkins, squash, watermelons, and other vegetables from 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at the Allardt Elementary School East parking lot. Entry fee $10. The actual weigh-off will take place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Allardt is an official GPC weigh-off site.
The big pumpkin winner must ride in the parade or be disqualified. See rules and regulations at www.allardtpumpkinfestival.com. Dwight Dickson will serve as master of ceremonies. John Gunter with the UT Extension Service will serve as the Site Coordinator.
Antique Auto Show – On-site Registration Saturday, October 7, from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. Central Time at the 4-Way Stop in Allardt. $15 registration fee to cover event costs. Half of the registrations and swap meet collections will be split between The Hope Foundation and The Avalon Center. All cars and trucks model year 2000 and older are welcome.
• Event Chairman: Tim Cash – Papa’s Garage – 931-284-6620
• Additional Contacts: Arron Daniels 707-502-1970 & Shayne Lusk 813-263-6673
• Administered by: Fentress Newcomers & Shayne’s RV
• Swap Meet Contact: Michelle Cummings: 360-265-7179 MCummings67@yahoo.com
Tractor Show - 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Central Time at the Allardt 4-Way Stop. ALL tractors welcome and encouraged to participate in the Parade!
• Event Chairman – Wesley Anderson – Anderson Farm Services - 931-239-2304
Pumpkin Pie & Roll Contest - Registration Saturday from 8 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Central Time at the Allardt Fire Hall. The $10 entry fee will go to the Allardt Volunteer Fire Department with the actual desserts being served with the BBQ meals purchased at the Fire Hall.
• Day of show registration for HOMEMADE only pies and rolls.
• 1st place $100, 2nd place $50, and 3rd place $25 in each of the two contests.
• Winners announced at noon on stage at City Hall.
• Sponsored and conducted by Amanda Hicks, Fentress County Clerk.
Children’s Costume Contest - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – noon Central Time at Allardt City Hall Stage. FREE registration.
• Day of show registration only from 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. outside City Hall.
• Categories: Ages 0-2 years; 3-5 years; 6-8 years; 9-12 years; and group.
• Any costume theme acceptable. No live animals, please.
• Sponsored and conducted by Smart Bank.
Pumpkin Festival Parade - 3 p.m. Entries will line up on the Baseline Road starting at 2:00 p.m. To line up, follow Highway 52 E from Allardt past the orange water tower to the Les Franklin Road. Turn left at the Les Franklin Road. Then enter the Baseline Road from the Les Franklin Road only. The deadline for entries is noon Thursday, October 5. Call Ashley Bilbrey at 931-397-0300 to register and for additional information.
Entertainment On Stage Noon – 5:00 pm – Allardt City Hall. William Bilbrey, Entertainment Chairman.
Crafts and Food Vendors - Bruno Gernt Park and directly behind the park at the FCBE Alternative School, all day 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Cathy Jeffers, event Chairman.
Vendor applications can be found on the Allardt Pumpkin Festival Facebook page.
Sponsors Needed
We have some great sponsors already on board for this year, but we can always use more financial help. Sponsor letters with event information can be found on the Allardt Pumpkin Festival Facebook page.
A Special Thank You to the 2022 Sponsors and Service Providers:
Allardt Presbyterian Church; Allardt Real Estate Co; Amanda Hicks, Fentress County Clerk; Anderson Farm Services; Builtwell Bank; City of Jamestown; Clarkrange Drug Center; Dave Kirk Automotive; Dilip Joshi; Fentress County Ambulance Service; Fentress County Chamber of Commerce;Fentress County EMA; Fentress County Farm Bureau; Fentress County Sheriff's Dept; Fentress Farmers Cooperative; Guffey Law; Hall Family Pharmacy; Jimmy Johnson, Fentress Co Executive; Jimtown Florist; Micro Metals PM Inc; Moody's Automotive; NAPA; One Bank; O'Reilly Auto Parts; R & T Trophy; Representative John Mark Windle;; Representative Kelly Keisling; Senator Ken Yager; Smart Bank; TDOT; The Quality Family; Twin Lakes Telephone Coop; and Union Bank.
In
a continued effort to improve the Pumpkin Festival Weigh-Off and
provide incentives for multiple growers to participate at our site, we
have again revised the prize structure to spread the pay-out to multiple
levels. Looking forward to seeing some big fruit on October 7!
Weigh-Off Sponsors to date: Micro Metals PM Inc.; The Quality Family;
Dr. Dilip Joshi; One Bank; Fentress County Farm Bureau; Jimmy Johnson,
Fentress County Executive; and Tennessee Christian Academy.
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