06/04/2026
Today, leaders from across Fentress County and our regional partners came together for a comprehensive risk assessment and planning meeting in preparation for two major events scheduled for the first weekend of October: the Allardt Pumpkin Festival on October 3, 2026, and the Fitzgerald Performance Truck Show on October 2-3, 2026.
With both events expected to bring thousands of visitors to our community, the purpose of today's meeting was to identify potential risks, discuss operational challenges, and begin developing coordinated response plans to ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, participants, and first responders.
Representatives in attendance included Fentress County Fire Chief Larry Cooper, Fentress County EMA Director James Bilbrey, Fentress County Executive Jimmy Johnson, Fentress County Sheriff Hunter Fowler, Fentress County EMS Director Daniel Coleman, Tennessee Department of Homeland Security Special Agent Lance Stephens, Fentress County Fire Lieutenant Tyler Arms, Fentress County E-911 Director Mickey Brown, UT Jamestown ER Director Alyssa Hicks, Putnam County EMA Director Brandon Smith, and Putnam County EMA Planning and Operations Chief Filip Bynum.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our partners at Putnam County EMA. Their experience, expertise, and available resources have been invaluable as we continue planning for these large-scale events. We are grateful for their partnership and willingness to assist our community.
Planning efforts for these events have been ongoing for the past month and will continue in the weeks ahead as agencies work together to develop comprehensive plans focused on public safety, emergency response, traffic management, communications, and incident coordination.
Through teamwork, collaboration, and proactive planning, we are committed to ensuring that everyone who attends these events has a safe and enjoyable experience in Fentress County.
