Mayor Tom Rowland, Sandra Rowland and Cleveland Fire Chief Ron Harrison with the Mayor Tom Rowland fire truck
photo by Randall Higgins
Cleveland celebrated its 175th birthday Sunday with an ice cream social at Greenway Park.
Ice cream and cake were served to the community along with music performed by the Cleveland Pops Orchestra.
The speaker was Tennessee State Rep.
Beth Harwell. She is the Tennessee House Speaker and represents Nashville’s 56th District. She is currently a Republican candidate for governor.
“The good news is, I truly believe your best days are ahead,” Speaker Harwell told the crowd.
The event was moderated by Mayor Tom Rowland. The mayor recognized members of city government, state and local leaders and local citizens who came to Greenway Park for the birthday party. He also thanked local businesses and individuals who donated door prizes that were presented throughout the Sunday event.
The Cleveland Fire Department surprised Mayor Rowland by revealing a new fire truck bearing his name.
During the afternoon, the mayor led the orchestra in a rendition of John Philip Sousa’s “The Diplomat.” Sousa debuted “The Diploma” during a 1906 visit to Cleveland. It is now Cleveland’s official song.
Mayor Rowland presented Director Sarah Pearson with a certificate naming the Cleveland Pops Orchestra the official city band.
The ceremony began with a Color Guard from the Col. Benjamin Cleveland Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution posting the national and state colors. State Rep. Kevin Brooks led the invocation.
Visitors watched a flyover by an aircraft displaying an aerial banner wishing the city a happy birthday.
Cleveland’s original city charter was approved by the Tennessee legislature in February, 1842. The anniversary planning committee chose to celebrate during more favorable outdoor weather.
A series of anniversary events began in October with the dedication of an anniversary tree in the city’s Deer Park. Also last month an anniversary dinner was held at Lee University’s Communications Arts Building with Lee President Dr, Paul Conn as the speaker. The Cleveland Fire Department Honor Guard posted the colors at the dinner.
The dinner was followed by an anniversary concert free to the public at Lee’s Pangle Hall featuring the Voices Of Lee and Jermaine Purifory.
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Mayor Rowland with fire truck
photo by Randall Higgins