MOUNT VERNON — The memory of Dolly Parton lingered over Mount Vernon’s final First Friday.
The event included a little bit of everything, music, theater, crafts and, perhaps most importantly, a ladder.
The night brought the community together for Ladder to Literacy, a fundraiser benefiting Knox County’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Every dollar raised will go to providing free books to Knox County children from birth to age five.
The event follows the recent death of Parton on Aug. 25, whose Imagination Library has gifted more than 3 million kids free books across the country.
Each hour of the night welcomed one of Mount Vernon’s finest to climb a fire truck ladder to bring awareness to the cause. Assistant Fire Chief Nate Hines, Mayor Matt Starr and Police Chief Kit Morgan each took part in the event.
Starr said the event serves as an homage to Parton’s life and was an opportunity to give to the community. He was the second person to climb the ladder.
“This was an easy thing for us to do. We just can’t say enough for the legacy (Parton) left. It’s going to continue for generations,” Starr said.
Starr also noted the event helps promote literacy in the county.
“Literacy is everything because it’s about communication. It’s about being able to relate to one another and being able to exchange ideas. It’s how we build a community,” Starr said.
At the other end of the festival, the MTVarts cast of The Wizard of Oz performed a preview of its show on the Main Stage. RM201, a local five-piece rock band, played throughout the night, including a performance of Parton’s “Jolene.”
The night’s school spirit theme was also in full swing with local schools showing off their colors and school pride throughout the evening.
(Below are Alexandra Hopkins’ photos of the night.)
