Cherokee County in the fall

  • Fifth-grader Jackson Hughes (left) enjoys breakfast with his “special uncle,” Tommy Shaver, during Andrews Elementary School’s Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 10. Shaver, who honorably served in the 5th Special Forces as a Green Beret during the Vietnam War, said he likes to visit with Jackson every chance he gets and was thrilled to be at the breakfast. Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent
    Fifth-grader Jackson Hughes (left) enjoys breakfast with his “special uncle,” Tommy Shaver, during Andrews Elementary School’s Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 10. Shaver, who honorably served in the 5th Special Forces as a Green Beret during the Vietnam War, said he likes to visit with Jackson every chance he gets and was thrilled to be at the breakfast. Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent
  • Prontees Pete (otherwise known as Gio Castiglione) made his large-footed presence felt on Valley River Avenue during the Murphy Christmas Parade on Dec. 6. Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent 
    Prontees Pete (otherwise known as Gio Castiglione) made his large-footed presence felt on Valley River Avenue during the Murphy Christmas Parade on Dec. 6. Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent 
  • Young as well as young at heart all appeared to be excited about the Murphy Christmas Parade on Dec. 6. Folks were picking their viewing spots prior to the start, and their excitement was obvious from Andrews Road to Valley River Avenue downtown. Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent 
    Young as well as young at heart all appeared to be excited about the Murphy Christmas Parade on Dec. 6. Folks were picking their viewing spots prior to the start, and their excitement was obvious from Andrews Road to Valley River Avenue downtown. Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent 
  • Fire trucks from departments countywide were big, bright and loud as they moved along the Christmas parade route in Murphy on the night of Dec. 6. Kids appeared to enjoy the fire dog riding atop one truck while waving his paws at everyone. Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent 
    Fire trucks from departments countywide were big, bright and loud as they moved along the Christmas parade route in Murphy on the night of Dec. 6. Kids appeared to enjoy the fire dog riding atop one truck while waving his paws at everyone. Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent 
  • A tiny parade-goer eyes a lone Tootsie Roll that lay on the street before her on Dec. 6 during the Murphy Christmas Parade. It appeared as if she was trying to decide whether or not the treat was worthy enough to be picked up – and, indeed, it was. Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent 
    A tiny parade-goer eyes a lone Tootsie Roll that lay on the street before her on Dec. 6 during the Murphy Christmas Parade. It appeared as if she was trying to decide whether or not the treat was worthy enough to be picked up – and, indeed, it was. Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent 
  • The Martins Creek Volunteer Fire Department assisted with parking during the special event “One Night in Bethlehem,” on Dec. 13. Michelle Bradbeer/Staff Correspondent
    The Martins Creek Volunteer Fire Department assisted with parking during the special event “One Night in Bethlehem,” on Dec. 13. Michelle Bradbeer/Staff Correspondent
  • Pastors from local churches and Gideon International’s Murphy Camp gave away books of the Psalms to attendees as they left “One Night in Bethlehem,” a live Nativity, on Dec. 13 off of Casino Drive in Murphy Michelle Bradbeer/Staff Correspondent
    Pastors from local churches and Gideon International’s Murphy Camp gave away books of the Psalms to attendees as they left “One Night in Bethlehem,” a live Nativity, on Dec. 13 off of Casino Drive in Murphy Michelle Bradbeer/Staff Correspondent
  • A good crowd was on hand for Hiwassee Dam High School’s annual veterans program on Nov. 3. The love of family and patriotic atmosphere were evident during the ceremony. Michelle Bradbeer/Staff Correspondent
    A good crowd was on hand for Hiwassee Dam High School’s annual veterans program on Nov. 3. The love of family and patriotic atmosphere were evident during the ceremony. Michelle Bradbeer/Staff Correspondent

    Fall is a special time across Cherokee County, as the images captured on this page confirm. The Murphy Christmas Parade, “One Night in Bethlehem,” John C. Campbell Folk School’s Fall Festival, and veterans programs at Andrews and Hiwassee Dam high schools showcase all of the things we love about the place we call home.