🏈 Homecoming Parade This Morning, a Cold Front Arrives, and Free Tractors All Weekend

Or: Arrive Early for the Parade, Bring a Jacket for Saturday Night, and Skip the Burn Pile Today

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Friday, October 16, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Pour the coffee and pull a light jacket toward the door. Homecoming is today. The parade is listed for 9:30 a.m., the Indians host Community at 7 p.m., and by suppertime the wind will be turning cooler.

Yesterday was the last hot day. Today the cold front arrives. The National Weather Service has Dunlap near 80 this afternoon, then Friday-night gusts near 30 and a Saturday-night low near 38. Tomorrow and Sunday, downtown fills with free antique tractors at Days of Yesteryear.

City Hall met Thursday evening on the Main Street rezoning and a sludge proposal. As of this morning, the outcome is not posted yet on the city website. Call City Hall if you need the vote. Medicare Open Enrollment and burn permits are still on — short reminders below.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• Today (Fri., Oct. 16): Homecoming parade listed 9:30 a.m. (one calendar still says 9 — be curbside by about 9). Football vs. Community, 7 p.m. High near 80; afternoon gusts near 20; Friday night low around 45, gusts near 30.
• Sat.–Sun., Oct. 17–18: Free Days of Yesteryear, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 287 Pine St. Saturday high near 60; Saturday night near 38.
• City Hall: Met Thu., Oct. 15. Ord. 321 (Main St.) and sludge were on the agenda. Results not published overnight — call 423-949-2115.
• Still on: Medicare Open Enrollment through Mon., Dec. 7. Burn permits required (skip windy today). Early voting through Thu., Oct. 29 — Election Commission, 68 Spring St.; call 423-949-2431 to confirm hours.
• Tue., Oct. 20: Free walk-in flu shots, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and “Let’s Talk Medicare” at the library, 10 a.m.

📝 Jot This Down

1. Parade morning: Be curbside by about 9. Pack a hat — Friday turns breezy. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Indians Stadium.
2. Saturday night near 38: Cover tender plants, test the furnace, and bring a warm coat to the tractor show early.
3. Burning today? Don’t. Gusts near 30 Friday night. Get a free same-day permit when the wind settles — BurnSafeTN.org or 1-877-350-2876.

🏈 Homecoming Is Today — Parade Morning and a 7 p.m. Kickoff

Sequatchie County High School wraps Homecoming Week today. Dunlap.Today’s homecoming article and the library’s weekly post list the parade at 9:30 a.m. The library’s online calendar still shows 9 a.m. Being curbside by about 9 covers both — and organizers already suggest arriving early for a good spot and parking.

The Indians (4-3 overall, 2-1 in conference) host the Community Vikings at 7 p.m. at Indians Stadium. Preschool Page Turners is canceled at the library because of the parade, but the library at 227 Cherry Street stays open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — handy for a restroom stop. Chair Dancing for adults is still on at 1 p.m.

If you need firm drop-off or route details, call the district office at 423-949-3617.

What it means for you: Think of it like a church supper on Main Street — dress warm enough for a breeze, claim a curb early, and wave at the kids you know. The rest of the day can wait until the last float passes.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Homecoming Oct. 16) · Sequatchie County Public Library

🌡️ The Cold Front Is Here — Gusty Friday, Near-Frost Saturday Night

The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap, last updated about 1:26 a.m. Central today:

• Today (Fri.): Increasing clouds, high near 80. South wind becoming north; afternoon gusts as high as 20 mph.
• Tonight: Mostly cloudy, low around 45. North wind with gusts as high as 30 mph.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 60. North wind gusts as high as 25 mph.
• Saturday night: Mostly clear, low around 38. Northeast wind gusts as high as 20 mph.
• Sunday: Sunny, high near 66. Sunday night low around 39.
• Mon.–Thu.: Sunny and milder, highs near 69, 74, 76 and 77.

The Weather Service office in Morristown says the front arrives this afternoon, with gusts up to 30 mph possible at times Friday afternoon and evening. This weekend looks dry and much cooler. Frost is likely Saturday and Sunday nights mainly on the Plateau, in Southwest Virginia, and in the higher mountains. Here in the Valley, cold air settles in hollows and creek bottoms on clear nights, so low spots could see patchy frost even if town stays a few degrees above freezing.

Dunlap.Today noted Thursday’s heat giving way to a roughly 40-degree temperature plunge into the weekend — from near 90 yesterday to the upper 30s Saturday night in spots like Dunlap.

What it means for you: Tie down porch cushions before the afternoon wind. Saturday afternoon, bring in tender pots, cover the garden, and make sure the furnace comes on. Pack the warm coat for anyone heading to the tractor show at open.

👉 Read more (NWS forecast for Dunlap) · NWS Morristown discussion

🚜 Free Tractors Downtown: Days of Yesteryear Sat.–Sun.

The 21st Annual Days of Yesteryear Antique Tractor Show fills Coops Creek Commons, 287 Pine Street, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17–18. Gates open at 8 a.m. both days; activities run about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

Expect antique tractors and farm equipment, heritage demonstrations, kids’ events, a classic car cruise-in, crafts, food and raffles. Got an old piece of equipment? Organizers invite you to bring it out and show it off. Power hookups are available for vendors and campers — contact Bill Eisenhardt (numbers vary slightly by listing; call ahead) to reserve.

For general questions, the Tribune lists Paul Swafford at 423-618-0540 or Bill Gray at 423-949-2815. Chamber information: 423-949-7608.

What it means for you: This is the Valley’s long fall tradition in a new downtown spot — easy walking, free parking, and a good reason to linger with a neighbor. Arrive early Saturday if you want a quieter look before the crowds; Sunday is day two with the same hours.

👉 Read more (Tribune: Tractor show) · Dunlap.Today: Days of Yesteryear

🏛️ City Hall Met Thursday — Results Not Posted Yet

The Dunlap Board of Mayor and Commissioners met in regular session Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m. at the George L. Wagner Municipal Building, 15595 Rankin Ave. The posted agenda included:

• Ordinance No. 321, to amend the zoning map at 1466 and 1494 Main Street.
• A sludge mitigation proposal from the Water, Wastewater and Street Department.
• A gas account adjustment, plus police, fire, gas, water and financial reports.

As of this Friday morning, the city website still shows that agenda under “Next Meeting October 15, 2026.” We have not seen published minutes or a vote outcome overnight. If you live or own near those Main Street addresses, call City Hall at 423-949-2115 (office hours Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and ask what was decided. We will share the outcome once it is published.

What it means for you: A meeting can finish and the website can lag a day or two — like waiting for the church bulletin to catch up with what the board already voted. One phone call clears it up.

👉 Read more (City of Dunlap: government / agenda) · Dunlap.Today: City Hall preview

📌 Still On: Medicare, the Raise, Burn Permits and Early Voting

• Medicare Open Enrollment continues through Monday, Dec. 7. Changes start Jan. 1, 2027. Free, no-sales help: TN SHIP, 1-877-801-0044. Medicare will never call you to sell you a plan. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m., the library hosts “Let’s Talk Medicare” — educational overview, not a sales event; no sign-up required.
• Social Security 2027 raise: Still the official 3.6 percent announced Wednesday. Average retired worker roughly $2,094 to about $2,170 a month (~$76). Automatic — nothing to sign up for. Online notices late November (set up paperless by Nov. 18); paper letters in December. Anyone asking for a fee or gift card to “unlock” it is a scammer.
• Burn permits are required Oct. 15–May 15 for debris piles. Free, same-day only: BurnSafeTN.org (8 a.m.–11 p.m.) or 1-877-350-2876 (weekdays 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Central). Skip lighting a pile on this windy Friday — wait for calmer air.
• Early voting continues through Thursday, Oct. 29, for the Tuesday, Nov. 3 election. The County Election Commission is at 68 Spring Street, Dunlap. A Tennessee Secretary of State listing (via public trackers) shows typical hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with Saturday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to noon — no Sunday voting. Hours can change; call 423-949-2431 before you go. Bring a Tennessee or federal photo ID (it may be expired). If you are 60 or older and want to vote by mail, your written request must arrive by Saturday, Oct. 24.
• Local scam reminder: Dunlap Police warned this week about texts pretending to be church leaders and asking for Green Dot cards. Do not buy cards or share numbers. Call police at (423) 949-3319 or non-emergency (423) 949-9912 if you were caught.

👉 Read more (Medicare.gov Open Enrollment) · Sequatchie early voting hours · TN burn permits

💉 Tuesday Helps: Free Flu Shots and a Medicare Talk

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the Sequatchie County Health Department offers free walk-in flu shots from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 16939 Rankin Avenue, behind the Erlanger Sequatchie Valley emergency center. Ages 6 months and up. Part of the state’s Fight Flu effort. Other sites: Tn.gov/health/fightflu.

That same morning at 10 a.m., the Sequatchie County Public Library hosts “Let’s Talk Medicare” — a general educational overview by a licensed agent. The library says it is not a sales event and is not endorsing the presenter. Sign-up is not required, but calling ahead helps them plan seating. Library: 423-949-2357, 227 Cherry Street.

What it means for you: One Tuesday errand can cover a shot and a quiet half hour of Medicare questions — like getting the oil changed and the tires checked on the same trip.

👉 Read more (Tribune: Free flu shots) · Library: Let’s Talk Medicare

📅 Your Week on One Page (Fri., Oct. 16 – Fri., Oct. 23)

• Fri., Oct. 16 (today): Homecoming parade listed 9:30 a.m. (curb by ~9). Chair Dancing 1 p.m. Football vs. Community 7 p.m. Gusty; night near 45.
• Sat., Oct. 17: Days of Yesteryear, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., 287 Pine St. Early voting 9 a.m.–noon (call to confirm). High near 60; night near 38.
• Sun., Oct. 18: Days of Yesteryear, day two. Sunny, near 66. No early voting Sundays.
• Mon., Oct. 19: Chair Dancing 1 p.m. No Sequatchie County Commission meeting expected (next regular session still reported for November — confirm 423-949-3479).
• Tue., Oct. 20: Free flu shots 9 a.m.–4 p.m., 16939 Rankin Ave. “Let’s Talk Medicare” 10 a.m.; Book Club 6 p.m. at the library.
• Wed., Oct. 21: Genealogy help 9–11 a.m.; Chair Dancing 1 p.m. Friends of the Library Book Sale, Friends-only day, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. at the Fair Building.
• Thu., Oct. 22: Book Sale and Silent Auction open to all, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Library itself closed Thursdays.
• Fri., Oct. 23: Chair Dancing 1 p.m. Book Sale continues 10 a.m.–6 p.m. PBS Work It Wombats puppet show 10 a.m. at the library.

A little further ahead: Mail-ballot request deadline Sat., Oct. 24. Early voting ends Thu., Oct. 29. Library Fall Festival Fri., Oct. 30. Election Day Tue., Nov. 3. Sign up for online Social Security notices by Nov. 18. Medicare Open Enrollment ends Mon., Dec. 7.

✅ Your Front-Porch Checklist for the Week

• ✅ Be curbside by about 9 for the homecoming parade; kickoff is 7 p.m.
• ✅ Tie down porch items today; cover plants and test the furnace Saturday.
• ✅ Circle Sat.–Sun., Oct. 17–18 for free Days of Yesteryear at 287 Pine St.
• ✅ Call City Hall at 423-949-2115 if you need Thursday’s rezoning or sludge vote.
• ✅ Skip burning on this windy Friday; get a same-day permit when it calms.
• ✅ Call 423-949-2431 to confirm early-voting hours at 68 Spring St.; put your photo ID with your keys.
• ✅ Set your Medicare letter by the coffee cup; call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 with questions.
• ✅ Circle Tue., Oct. 20 for a free flu shot and the 10 a.m. Medicare talk.
• ✅ Bookmark Dunlap.Today for City Hall results when they post.

Practical rule: Arrive early for the parade, dress for 38 on Saturday night, and never buy a gift card for anyone who rushes you.

— Dunlap.Today

📚 Plain-English Local Glossary

• Homecoming: The school’s fall celebration with a morning parade and Friday-night football.
• Cold front: A leading edge of cooler air that can bring gusty winds and a sharp drop in temperature.
• Frost: Ice crystals that form when surfaces cool near or below freezing on clear, calm nights — often first in low spots.
• Days of Yesteryear: Dunlap’s annual free antique tractor and heritage show, now at Coops Creek Commons.
• Rezoning: Changing the official map that says what a piece of land can be used for.
• Medicare Open Enrollment: The Oct. 15–Dec. 7 window each year to change Medicare Advantage or drug plans for the next year.
• COLA: Cost-of-living adjustment — Social Security’s yearly raise. For 2027 it is 3.6 percent. It is automatic and free.
• Burn permit: Free, one-day permission from the Tennessee Division of Forestry to burn a debris pile, required Oct. 15–May 15.
• Early voting: Voting in person before Election Day, no excuse needed in Tennessee. Sequatchie’s site is the Election Commission office.
• TN SHIP: Tennessee’s free, unbiased Medicare counseling program. It does not sell insurance.
• Green Dot card: A prepaid card sold in stores. Scammers like them because the money is hard to trace once you share the numbers.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the homecoming parade?

Dunlap.Today and the library’s weekly post list 9:30 a.m. The library’s online calendar still shows 9 a.m. Be curbside by about 9. For firm details, call 423-949-3617.

Will it frost this weekend?

Saturday night’s low in Dunlap is forecast near 38. The Weather Service says frost is likely Saturday and Sunday nights mainly on the Plateau and higher ground. Low spots in the Valley could see patchy frost — cover tender plants to be safe.

What did City Hall decide about the Main Street rezoning?

We do not know yet. The meeting was Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m. As of Friday morning the outcome was not posted on dunlaptn.gov. Call City Hall at 423-949-2115.

Where and when is the tractor show?

Sat.–Sun., Oct. 17–18, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 287 Pine Street (Coops Creek Commons). Free admission and parking.

Where do I vote early in Sequatchie County?

County Election Commission, 68 Spring Street, Dunlap. A state listing shows weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturdays Oct. 17 and 24 from 9 a.m. to noon through Oct. 29. Confirm at 423-949-2431. Bring a Tennessee or federal photo ID.

Do I have to change my Medicare plan?

No. Open Enrollment is optional through Dec. 7. If your doctors, prescriptions and costs still work, your plan renews. For free help, call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 or come to the library Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m.

Is the Social Security raise automatic?

Yes. The 2027 raise is 3.6 percent. Nothing to sign up for. Anyone asking for a fee, gift card or your numbers to “activate” it is a scammer.

Can I burn brush today?

You need a free same-day permit, but Friday is forecast to be gusty — not a safe burn day. Wait for calmer conditions.

🔗 Other Resources

• Dunlap.Today
• Dunlap.Directory — find local businesses and services
• City of Dunlap — 423-949-2115
• Sequatchie County Government — 423-949-3479
• Sequatchie County Election Office — 423-949-2431 · GoVoteTN · Early voting hours
• Medicare.gov Open Enrollment · TN SHIP — 1-877-801-0044
• Social Security COLA · ssa.gov/scam
• Tennessee burn permits — 1-877-350-2876
• Sequatchie County Public Library — 423-949-2357
• The Dunlap Tribune · SValleyNow
• NWS forecast for Dunlap
• ReportFraud.ftc.gov — report a scam

☕ One Parade, One Jacket, One Quiet Call

That is the heart of this Friday. Wave at the kids this morning. Find one warm jacket before Saturday night. And if Main Street rezoning matters to you, make one calm call to City Hall for Thursday’s vote. Everything else can wait its turn.

We’ll keep an eye on City Hall, the courthouse and the calendar for you, and we’ll fix it plainly when we get something wrong. Read Dunlap.Today for calm, plain-English Sequatchie Valley news, and send us the church, club and community notes we ought to share.