ENTRY FORM Smoke on the Mountain BBQ Contest 2026 - Deadline Sept. 21

Some WRCL board members are getting ready to decorate the truck for the 4th of July parade in Signal Mountain. Left to right are Roxie Thornton, Carolyn Longphre, Karen Stone, Sam Miles, and Helen Miles. Friend Eddie is in front.

Having way too much fun trying to figure our how to add decorations are Helen Miles, Roxie Thornton, Sam Miles, Karen Stone, and Carolyn Longphre. Members of the Walden's Ridge Civic League have the privilege of riding on the 4th of July float.

Blue Cumberland bluegrass band was a hit playing Rocky Top and Take Me Home West Virginia on the WRCL truck in the parade. Banners promoted Smoke on the Mountain coming up on October 3rd. 

A replica of the Liberty Bell and new landscaping enhance the front to the Civic Center with its new siding and new sign over the door. Eagle Scout candidate Axel Apablaza is adding native plantings to the grounds as his Eagle project.

Chattanooga/Hamilton County America 250 Committee Chairman, Linda Mines, poses with WRCC's new Liberty Bell replica, fabricated by Siskin Steel, and a gift of the America 250 Committee.

Cliff Kent, member of the John Sevier Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, gives a musket firing demonstration from the new stage constructed by Eagle Scout candidate John Stone from Troop 176.

At the beginning of the America 250 patriotic program on July 13, Cliff Kent, member of the John Sevier Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, explains the first America flag that was designed by George Washington in the 1770's. Kent is dressed in clothing typical of the era. 

Dignitaries introduced by Karen Stone, on stage, are Walden Vice-Mayor Lizzy Schmidt, Walden Alderman Angela Cassidy, TN Historical Commission Executive Director Miranda Montgomery, Senator Todd Gardenhire, Representative Michele Reneau, County Mayor Weston Wamp, and Hamilton Co. America 250 Chair Linda Mines. Watching from the stage are Barbara McCuiston and Larson Mick. 

Interpreting The Story of the Walden's Ridge Civic League, are actors Stephanie Johnson, Lisa Churchwell, Janet Reale, Jennifer Johnson, Kyra McGowan, and playwright Peggy Douglas, second from left.

Miranda Montgomery, Tennessee Historic Preservation Officer, presents WRCL President Mark Dwyer with a plaque indicating that the Walden's Ridge Civic Center has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

President Mark Dwyer accepts a Tennessee House of Representatives Proclamation of Congratulations on achieving national historical status from Michele Reneau, our Congressional Representative.

New seats are in the auditorium just in time for the America 250 - Birthday Bash. The Patriotic Program begins  at 4:00 when you can appreciate the new seating and all the work that our volunteers have done to make you comfortable.  

In 1948, a WWII barracks was set upon a stone foundation built on the Civic League grounds. The building served as a Boy Scout cabin until 1962 when it burned. The cabin was not rebuilt, and the foundation was soon hidden by brush and trees. Pictured in 1948 is Scoutmaster Allen Park showing a knot display to, among others, Sherman Paul (in dark suit) President of the Walden's Ridge Civic League.

In the fall of 2025, Eagle Scout candidate John Stone took on the task of constructing a stage over the foundation as his Eagle project. Leadership is key to a successful project. Pictured are members of a cleanup crew supervised by Stone as they remove rubble in September 2025.

John Stone, on right, points out a location for putting debris cleared from the foundation that is situated in the south-west corner of the property. Stone is the great-grandson of Sherman Paul, pictured above at the dedication of the Scout Cabin in 1948. The stage project is expected to be completed in April, 2026. 

Eagle Scout candidate John Stone, on right, poses with some of his young crew members as they show off the tools they used to complete the deck in April 2026. A significant feature of working toward the rank of Eagle is demonstrating leadership and organizational skills.

WRES (Walden's Ridge Emergency Services) swept the prizes in 2025 at this family friendly event, when contestants cooked all night Friday. On Saturday, guests enjoyed food  and beverages, Music, Hayrides, Playground play, Games, Jump Houses, and more. The annual event is held rain or shine under a big tent. ENTRIES FOR October 2, 2026 are being accepted now.

      Storytellers entertained at the third annual TELL IT on the MOUNTAIN  April 5, 2024. We look forward to their next appearance on March 27, 2026.

        WRCL offers four seasonal events every year: TELL IT on the MOUNTAIN in spring; the BIRTHDAY BASH in summer, SMOKE on the MOUNTAIN in fall, and a MERRY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS the last Friday before Christmas.

Signal Mt. Mirror published a story about saving the structures at Walden's Ridge Civic League. The buildings are badly in need of restoration.

A Happy Fiddler remains only as a Ghost on the front of the Auditorium. Note the siding is badly deteriorated and needs replacing. 

Thanks to Senators Bo Watson & Randy McNally and Representatives Patsy Hazlewood & Cameron Sexton for Tennessee Senate Proclamation honoring 100 years.