Memorial Day Blues

Thunderstorms sent the crowd running for cover at the annual Legends of the Blues Music and Arts Festival in Centennial Park.

Angelica Roberts, DI Multimedia Scholar

Spectators and organizers felt the blues from inclement weather during the 7th annual Legends of the Blues Music and Arts Festival in Centennial Park on Memorial Day.

The festival had been underway for an hour under cloudy skies when the band Beat Daddy’s took the stage at 1 p.m. and played for an hour. Within minutes, before the second band played, the festival was cancelled due to the weather.

“Of our seven years, this is our first rainout,” said Mimi Shimmim, the festival coordinator. “We wouldn’t have cancelled it, but the thunder and lightning made it dangerous.”

Laura Parks of Columbia, Tenn., said she lives 40 minutes away and “decided to come out here to hear some good blues, and to hopefully enjoy a fun day.”

The festival, scheduled to end at 7 p.m., was held around Lake Watuga where miniature U.S. flags were displayed throughout the festival area. Many spectators were dressed in traditional red, white and blue colors.

To appease older and younger crowds, two stages were set up, and special performances were arranged for the different age groups.

“I’m excited because now I don’t have to listen to the music with the old people,” said Sharon Wills, 8, of Memphis, Tenn.

Roy Moser of Raleigh, N.C., said he liked blues music and added a somber tone: “Veterans fought for us to enjoy the American life. This festival is allowing us the freedom to do so.”