The city of Ringgold will hold a special dedication ceremony next Wednesday to recognize the new pedestrian walking bridge as “Barger Bridge,” and to honor long-time mayor Joe Barger for his 40-plus years of service to the city.
In addition to the dedication of the bridge, the city will also unveil a plaque next to the bridge’s walkway honoring Mayor Barger’s accomplishments and contributions to the city.
The city council approved the historical plaque in February.
“I motion that we name the bridge ‘Barger Bridge’, and that we have a plaque there to honor the mayor’s years of service to the city,” said council member Randall Franks. “The plaque will be similar to the markers we have in other areas of the city.”
The plaque includes a likeness of Mayor Barger’s face, a list of his accomplishments while in office, and a bio all encapsulated in a stone structure.
“It will be a great way to honor the mayor’s years of service from 1968 through this year,”
officials said.
The marker and plaque were erected by the city’s parks and recreation crew just before Halloween.
“It was an honor to work on this project,” said Stephen Middlebrooks, Ringgold’s parks and recreation director.”
Main Street Director Rhonda Johnson, says she too is excited for the city to pay homage to Mayor Barger.
“Planning the dedication ceremony has allowed me to see how much respect the mayor has garnered during his 48 years of service, which began in 1968 as a city council member,” Ms. Johnson said. “He then became mayor, and the rest is history.”
The dedication ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the historic Ringgold Depot located at 155 Depot St. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony, just before the Annual Veterans' Day Concert kicks off inside the Depot at 7 p.m.
“The concert is free, and everyone is welcome to attend,” Ms. Johnson said.