1st Annual Future of the Fields Fundraiser in Evensville, TN — July 18th with BBQ, Live Music & Youth Outdoor Activities 🌳

The Special Sportsman of Rhea County is launching a new community tradition designed to reconnect local youth with the outdoor heritage that has long defined life in Sequatchie Valley. On July 18th, the inaugural “Future of the Fields” fundraiser will bring together hunters, anglers, families, and community partners at the Rhea County Fairgrounds to support youth outdoor education and activities—a direct response to concerns about screen time and the need to pass down regional outdoor traditions to the next generation.

🎯 What’s Happening & When

The 1st Annual Future of the Fields Fundraiser will run from 4–8 PM on Saturday, July 18th at the Rhea County Fairgrounds on Harold Robbins Lane in Evensville, Tennessee. 🎉 Admission is $10 per person; children 5 and under enter free. Every dollar raised goes directly toward funding local hunting, camping, fishing, and outdoor education programs for youth in the region.

🍖 Food, Entertainment & Community Vendors

The event will feature award-winning BBQ smoked by local pitmaster Terry Trammell of Smoke on the Water BBQ, using fresh pork and chicken from Food City. 🔥 Free hot dogs will be available for children. Live music will play throughout the evening, and a vendor market will showcase local small businesses and artisans. 🎶 A silent auction and door prizes will offer outdoor gear and experiences, including guided fishing trips and a local turkey hunt—giving attendees a chance to win meaningful outdoor opportunities.

🎪 Activities for Every Age

The Kids Zone will feature free games and prizes for younger children, while kids ages 9 and up can test their skills at a BB and pellet gun range. 🏆 Kings of Bounce will operate an inflatable zone with unlimited play armbands for $6. God’s Archery will offer archery skeet shooting for adults and archery ball shooting for kids, with winners earning shots at each booth. 🎯 Fishing booths will connect attendees with Bryan College’s Fishing Team and the Rhea County Eagle Anglers, creating direct mentorship opportunities for young anglers.

🤝 Community Partnerships & Outdoor Traditions

The event reflects a network of local organizations committed to youth development. The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will be present to help pass down outdoor traditions to the next generation. 🦃 Special guest speaker Robin Risher will address the crowd. These partnerships signal a coordinated effort across Rhea County to invest in youth outdoor education and leadership—a community thread connecting schools, civic organizations, outdoor clubs, and families around a shared value: connecting young people to the land and skills that define regional identity.

💡 Why This Matters

This fundraiser addresses a real concern in many communities: young people spending more time indoors and less time developing outdoor skills, environmental stewardship, and connection to regional heritage. 📱 In Sequatchie Valley, where hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation are central to local culture and family traditions, the event represents an intentional effort to ensure those traditions don’t fade. The fundraiser also supports local youth who may not have access to hunting licenses, fishing equipment, camping trips, or mentorship from experienced outdoors people—removing barriers that can prevent young people from participating in activities that build confidence, resilience, and community bonds.

👥 Who Benefits & Community Connections

Local youth are the primary beneficiaries, but the event strengthens connections across multiple community layers. Families gain an affordable, screen-free evening of entertainment and learning. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Small business vendors and local artisans have a platform to reach neighbors. Bryan College’s Fishing Team and the Rhea County Eagle Anglers gain visibility and opportunities to mentor young anglers. Award-winning local smokers like Terry Trammell showcase their craft. Churches, civic groups, and outdoor clubs reinforce their role as stewards of youth development. The event also models how diverse community organizations—nonprofits, colleges, outdoor clubs, small businesses, and civic groups—can align around a single, meaningful goal.

🎟️ What Residents Should Know

Date & Time: Saturday, July 18th, 4–8 PM 🗓️

Location: Rhea County Fairgrounds, Harold Robbins Lane, Evensville, TN 📍

Admission: $10 per person; children 5 and under free 💵

What to Expect: BBQ dinner, live music, vendor market, kids’ activities, archery and shooting ranges, fishing booths, silent auction, door prizes, and inflatable play zone. Bring the whole family and plan to stay for the full 4-hour event.

🌟 Opportunities to Participate & Connect

Families can attend to enjoy food, entertainment, and activities while supporting youth outdoor education. 🎉 Vendors and small business owners can set up booths to reach community members. Experienced hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts can volunteer or mentor during the event. Community members interested in outdoor youth programs can learn more about ongoing opportunities with the Special Sportsman of Rhea County, the NWTF, Bryan College’s Fishing Team, and the Rhea County Eagle Anglers. Those interested in bidding on silent auction items—particularly the guided fishing trips and turkey hunt—can support the cause while gaining memorable outdoor experiences.

❓ Questions Worth Considering

As this inaugural event takes shape, community members might ask: How will the funds raised be allocated across different youth outdoor programs? Will there be ongoing opportunities throughout the year for youth to participate in hunting, fishing, and camping activities, or is this a one-time event? How can families who are new to outdoor recreation learn about entry points and beginner-friendly programs? What role might schools play in connecting students to these opportunities? And how might this event grow in future years to reach even more young people across Sequatchie Valley?

📅 What Happens Next

After July 18th, the Special Sportsman of Rhea County will likely compile fundraising totals and announce how proceeds will support youth programs. Community members should watch for updates on the organization’s social media and local community pages for information about how to access funded programs, volunteer opportunities, and plans for a second annual event. The success of this inaugural fundraiser may also inspire similar events or expanded programming throughout the year.

Source

Special Sportsman of Rhea County – 1st Annual Future of the Fields Fundraiser on July 18th at Rhea County Fairgrounds featuring BBQ, live music, vendors, and outdoor activities for youth

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