Rockvale celebrates Independence Day with 91st annual community picnic

Jun 29, 2018 at 12:30 pm by RockvaleHistoricalSociety


On Wednesday, July 4, the oldest ongoing activity in Rutherford County continues at the 91st annual July 4th Rockvale Community Picnic. The grand tradition one with a lot of practice, going on since 1927.

The picnic activity starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 2:30 p.m., although the ball games finish later, at the Rockvale Community Center at 9972 Rockvale Rd. in Rockvale.

If you are interested as a vendor, participating in the softball tournament, sponsorship of picnic or silent auction, please send an email to Rockvaleruritan@gmail.com attention to Laura Webb O’Brien, 2018 picnic coordinator.

The original 1910 Rockvale School grounds are where this community gathers to celebrate the Nation’s Independence Day. The 1910 consolidated school building was replaced in 1927 with a brick building and the annual Rockvale picnic began around parent support of the school. The picnic is as unique as Rockvale and the maple trees planted to shade future events at the school grounds. The first picnic started the morning with a horse race, which was not that unusual at community gatherings back in the day. Over the years, the picnic has included plays and talent contests, bingo, field races, baby contests, and cake walks.

Rockvale Elementary School moved to its current location on Highway 99, back in 1992. The old school site was leased to the community by the Rutherford County School Board when part of the school building and gymnasium were not torn day. The next year, the Rockvale Ruritan Club became the host of the picnic as a means to provide support for the maintenance of the new Rockvale Community Center.

There is a lot of history and community spirit in this part of the county and this is a fun event. Everyone enjoys seeing those they have missed throughout the year, whether you come to “visit”, as it is locally called or help put things on, or walk around. This 2018 picnic will be filled with the political crowd, given it is an election year. If you want to pitch a tent for your campaign, spots are available for a fee. The focus is on raising money to support the community. There is food, lots of food, and live music. The adult softball tournament is scheduled again, along with a new corn hole tournament, children’s activities, games, hayrides, and a silent auction.

The Rockvale Historical Society will have its history tent and an open-play checkers tent for all ages and a “local Rockvale champ” checkers tournament. There will be a trophy for the winner. A community proud of its history, nation and of the men who served in the military during the world wars prompted choosing the “Rockets” as the school mascot. This mascot name followed the school move in 1992 of Rockvale Elementary School. This mascot name will continue at the new Rockvale High School, opening in 2019, resuming this tradition after the High School closing 45 years ago.

Come to the picnic on the 4th, and enjoy the traditions of Rockvale with your family. People who attend the Fourth of July Picnic, come from all over the county, some old timers come back and some new to the area come to see what it is all about.


How to Find the Rockvale Picnic

The Rockvale community is located halfway between Murfreesboro and Eagleville on Highway 99. The 4th of July picnic is held at the Rockvale Community Center at 9972 Rockvale Road, just off the Highway 99, turn at Jerry Burns Rd.

Contributed by Denise Carlton, Rockvale Historical Society

 

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