Shown, from left to right, are Dr. Ronal Graham, DDS, chairman of CVB, Priscilla Dewitt, First Volunteer Bank Financial Service representative, Mary Carpenter, First Volunteer Bank vice president/assistant market leader, Larry Black, chairman of DDA.
photo by Thomas Catlett
The sixth annual Haunted Depot in Ringgold Georgia, enjoyed yet another successful year, with more guests than ever.
First Volunteer Bank, formerly Gateway Bank, is traditionally the major sponsor of the event, and this year First Volunteer decided to add a $100 Visa Gift Card giveaway to the festivities.
“Without the great volunteers and our sponsor First Volunteer Bank, the event just could not be successful,” said Dr. Ronal Graham, DDS, chairman of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and volunteer coordinator of the Haunted Depot. “This year was very successful and many of our local merchants took advantage of having so many people in town for three weekends. We have a wonderful downtown that we need to show off more. I want to thank everyone that visited the Haunted Depot, Hayride, Ghost Walk or just came and enjoyed the entertainment. We hope everyone will make plans to return next year.”
Angie Lovell brought her friends and family to the Haunted Depot, and left $100 richer. “I had a great time with my sons, Ethan and Noah, and friends, Alice and Lane,” said Ms. Lovell, winner of the $100 Visa gift card. “This is the best haunted house I’ve been to in the Tennessee Valley. The price is very affordable and the event is family friendly. I’m very appreciative to the City of Ringgold and First Volunteer Bank for this prize. I will definitely be back next year and my sons are looking forward to volunteering.”
Mary Carpenter, vice president at First Volunteer, said, "First Volunteer is very glad to continue being a good corporate citizen to the City of Ringgold and the County. Just because the name changed, doesn't mean we will stop that. Our employees get involved and volunteer. That is important to First Volunteer Bank culture to proudly support the communities in which they are located. There are 24 branches all across the state of Tennessee with locations in Georgia. First Volunteer is a 108 year old community bank. First Volunteer believes in keeping the money local and lending it back to the community friends, neighbors, & the small business community".
The Ringgold Downtown Development Authority, or DDA, is the group that makes the Haunted Depot possible every year, and Council Member Larry Black who also servers as Chairman of the DDA is a big supporter. “The DDA is trying to get people into Ringgold, the haunted depot has been successful every year with great reviews from the public,” said Mr. Black. “We hope to continue to have family events every year.”
The annual Haunted House, ghost walk, and hayride ran for three consecutive weekends this year instead of the traditional two. The money raised from the Haunted Depot goes toward running the Haunted Depot. The extra funds are used by the DDA for projects such as Downtown Development Projects, beautifying Ringgold and bringing in more businesses to the City.