🍲 Election Night Watch Party with Red Beans & Rice in Dunlap, TN — Free Community Gathering

In Sequatchie Valley’s tight-knit communities, election nights often bring neighbors together—not just to watch results, but to share warmth, conversation, and the simple comforts of home cooking. This year, a beloved local tradition meets civic engagement as Scott O.’s campaign for Sheriff hosts an Election Night Watch Party in Dunlap, blending food, friendship, and community spirit at Citizens Tri County Bank Training Center.

The event kicks off Thursday, August 6th, starting at 6:00 PM CDT at the Citizens Tri County Bank Training Center, located at 15699 Rankin Ave. Dunlap, TN 37327. Organized by Hayley Ogrodowczyk and her family—known for their annual Christmas Eve red beans and rice tradition—the gathering invites residents to enjoy homemade meals while waiting for election results.

This isn’t just a campaign event; it’s an extension of a 16-year-old tradition. For years, the Ogrodowczyks have served this iconic dish to Signal Mountain’s police, fire departments, and Hamilton County deputies on Christmas Eve. Now, they’re opening their kitchen—and their home—to Sequatchie Valley during what can be a high-stakes night for local law enforcement.

🗓️ When

The watch party begins Thursday, August 6th at 6:00 PM CDT and continues until the refreshments run out or results are final. Whether you arrive early to enjoy the food or stay late for the outcome, this is a casual gathering with no set end time—just good company.

📍 Where

The event takes place at Citizens Tri County Bank Training Center, conveniently located at 15699 Rankin Ave. Dunlap, TN 37327. The venue is easily accessible for residents across Sequatchie Valley, including those in Dunlap, Signal Mountain, and nearby communities.

🎟️ How to go

There’s no need to RSVP or purchase tickets—just bring yourself (and maybe a friend) to enjoy the food and camaraderie. The event is free for all who attend, though refreshments are served until they’re gone.

✨ Why you’ll want to be there

This isn’t just about watching election results; it’s about community. For those who’ve enjoyed the Ogrodowczyks’ red beans and rice before, this is a chance to reconnect with familiar flavors in a new setting. For newcomers or first-time attendees, it’s an opportunity to meet neighbors, support local traditions, and share in the excitement (or nerves) of election night.

Beyond the food, the event highlights how Sequatchie Valley’s tight-knit communities come together—whether celebrating victories, offering solidarity, or simply enjoying each other’s company. The Ogrodowczyks’ promise to continue their Christmas Eve tradition with SCSO employees and inmates if Scott O. is elected adds another layer of connection between law enforcement and the community they serve.

❤️ Community impact

Events like these strengthen Dunlap’s civic fabric by blending personal hospitality with public engagement. For local families, it’s a chance to model how elections can bring people together rather than divide them. For law enforcement and first responders, it’s an opportunity to feel supported by the community they protect.

The watch party also underscores Dunlap’s role as a hub for Sequatchie Valley—where traditions from Signal Mountain meet local pride in a shared celebration of democracy and neighborliness.

🍽️ What happens next

After the event, Scott O.’s campaign will continue its outreach efforts in the community. If elected, the Ogrodowczyks’ Christmas Eve tradition with SCSO employees could expand to include more first responders across Sequatchie County—an exciting prospect for those who value these connections.

🤔 Community questions

This event invites reflection on how we can strengthen our community through shared meals and civic engagement. Ask yourself:

• How often do you see traditions like this one—blending food, family, and public life—in your neighborhood?
• What other ways could Dunlap or Sequatchie Valley bring people together around elections or local issues?
• Why do you think events that combine food and community feel so meaningful during high-stakes moments like election nights?

🌟 Long-term community impact

Events like this one foster trust between residents and law enforcement, reinforce Sequatchie Valley’s reputation for neighborly support, and create lasting memories that transcend politics. By making space for conversation and connection over results, the Ogrodowczyks and Scott O.’s campaign remind us that elections are more than votes—they’re opportunities to strengthen the community we all share.

Mark your calendar for August 6th—bring a friend, enjoy some of Hayley Ogrodowczyk’s famous red beans and rice, and be part of Dunlap’s next chapter in civic engagement. This isn’t just an election night; it’s a chance to show up for each other.