Jump on in this thrilling ride through time of the Chattanooga area’s local attraction. | Photo via Chattanooga Public Library’s Digital Collections
Lake Winnepesaukah, or more lovingly known as Lake Winnie, has now been giving families and friends a place for thrills and laughs for a century.
To pay homage to the local amusement and water park in Rossville, GA’s centennial year, we’re taking a look back at the peaks of this rollercoaster ride through time.
Back in 1924, Carl O. and Minette Dixon bought the property with the vision of a swimming and picnicking park + named the lake Winnepesaukah (which translates to “bountiful waters”). In June of 1925, the park opened with 5,000 guests in attendance.
Take a look at Lake Winnie’s Indy 500 race car ride circa the late 1970s/early 1980s.
Photo via Chattanooga Public Library’s Digital Collections
Let’s play the highlight reel:
1947 | The park installed the “Fly-O-Plane” ride.
1956 | On June 3, the Lake Winnepesaukah Showboat debuted, a replica of the Mississippi River boats + now serves as an ice cream stand.
1967 | The Cannon Ball Rollercoaster debuted + became world famous as a coaster landmark.
1968 | The park installed the Antique Carousel, originally operating in Atlanta in 1916 with 68 hand-carved wooden horses.
1996-2002 | Lake Winnie was making headlines, from being named Travel and Leisure’s America’s top 10 favorite family attraction to being featured twice by Southern Living.
2012 | The Fire Ball, a looping/ reversing rollercoaster, was added.
2013 | The largest expansion in Lake Winnie brought the opening of the SOAKya Water Park.
2018 | The Genie made its return after popular demand.
Great Conversations: From Blueprints to Belonging | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Mac Avenue Events | $15 | Connect with community members + urban planners to explore how understanding built environments make for better neighbors.
Revenge of the Si(x)th: “Star Wars” Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | The Dragon Lounge | $5+ | Dress up for a galaxy not so far away + test your knowledge on the Skywalker saga — from “The Phantom Menace” to “The Last Jedi: The Rise of Skywalker.”
Wednesday, May 7
Music Jam | 1-3 p.m. | Red Bank Community Center, Red Bank | Free, RSVP | Calling all music enthusiasts 55+ — bring an instrument to create harmonious vibes with others, or just sit back and enjoy the tunes.
Write to Rock Showcase | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Songbirds | Free | Come out to enjoy a showcase put on by local elementary school kids + hear their own musical masterpieces — donations are encouraged.
Art of the Board | 6-9 p.m. | Sweet & Savory Classroom | $96 | Become the best host by learning how to slice and display hand-picked artisan meats and cheeses + making accompaniments from scratch like candied bacon and pickled vegetables.
Friday, May 9
Movie Night | 8-10:30 p.m. | McDonald Farm, Sale Creek | Free+ | Bring your chairs + blankets to enjoy a screening of “Kung Fu Panda,” popcorn, games, and more family fun.
Saturday, May 10
Brunch & Blooms | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center | $100+ | Celebrate the mother figures in your life with a fresh cocktail brunch featuring live music and the vibrant surroundings of native plants.*
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation will build a BlueCross Healthy Place at the Chattanooga Airport. This $1.44 million project will bring an aviation-themed play area, lawn, pavilions, parking + bike racks, and picnic tables for travelers and residents in the surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy.
Closing
Southside eatery Slick’s Burger has announced it will close its doors on Sunday, May 11. This local spot, which has been operating for almost 10 years, will be serving its handmade patties and in-house fries + sharing memories with customers until then.
Coming Soon
The folks behind Southern Squeeze will soon open a sister store in the Riverview neighborhood. The Living Well will be an intentional living store offering beauty, wellness, skincare + health products. Follow the shop on Instagram for updates.
Shop
The City of Red Bank’s 2nd Saturday Market season begins May 10 + will run every second Saturday of the month through Nov. 8. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can shop farm-fresh goods and crafts on Unaka Street — bonus: Apply to be a vendor.
Featured
The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo was ranked No. 14 on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards “The 15 Most Unique Hotels in the World” list. The recognition boasts the train car suites + is the only US destination on the list.
Community
This is for the fans of our local music scene. The organizers behind Highland Park Porchfest have launched Chattanooga Porchfests — bringing the music festival to East Lake + Red Bank this year. Follow along on Instagram for updates.
Asked
We have a very important quest we need help with. Reader Shane D. recently wrote to us to find out which bar or restaurant has the best mint julep. Have the answer? Drop us a line.
Biz
Cheer on local entrepreneurs as they compete for $30,000 at TVFCU’s free Idea Leap Grant Pitch Night, Thursday, May 8, 6-7:30 p.m. at The Signal. Enjoy free food + bevs at the Chambliss Startup Social, 4:30-6 p.m., then attend the Chattanooga Entrepreneur Week’s afterparty at Fifty Fifty Wine & Martini Bar, 8-10 p.m.*
Manifest your best summer yet: Score this rare ~$1,000 travel card bonus and plan your dream beach vacation in a hydrangea-enveloped coastal mansion worthy of a cameo in “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” (Swoons.)*
Finance
Bad ads are a $1.3 trillion problem. And we all know bad ads: The creepy ones. The irrelevant offers. The cringe graphics. Enter RAD Intel. Their AI is boosting marketing results by 3.5x for Fortune 1000 companies. And you can invest at their current share price... only until Thursday, May 8.†‡*
Featured Deal
To celebrate Small Business Week, we’re offering small business owners 20% off purchases in our Self-Service Ad Portal. Use the discount code SMALLBIZ at checkout through Sunday, May 11.
Correction
Yesterday, we said that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s historic battle for independence — it actually celebrates Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla. Learn more about the battle’s significance during the Franco-Mexican War.
Category
Biz
Small business, big impact
Scenic City Clay Arts said Chattanooga’s small business scene is all about building community. | Photo provided by Scenic City Clay Arts
For Small Business Week, we asked local owners and employees what makes Chattanooga’s small business scene special. Hint: Their responses point to a common thread of support and sense of community.
Bonus: Don’t forget to take advantage of Small Business Week deals happening across the city now through Saturday, May 10.
Emily Lloyd, Scenic City Clay Arts
“Our city is a hub of creativity, where artists, makers, and entrepreneurs aren’t just building businesses — they’re building community. You’ll find handcrafted ceramics (shameless plug), locally roasted coffee, quirky thrift shops, and innovative startups all thriving side by side [...]”
Karina Mueller, Kenai Massage
“There are so many wonderful small businesses in Chattanooga! I love the variety of offerings, as well as the supportive culture and genuine support between myself and other small business owners.”
Jessica Ellis, Persian Rug Co.
“We have so many amazing small and unique businesses in the area. Our arts community is definitely unmatched to many around us! The local eateries are phenomenal! We also have a really diverse retail scene! I could go on and on.”
Support small businesses from across the globe with one-of-a-kind products from Etsy. We love this customizable burger stamp for leveling up summer grill outs. Bonus: The artisan seller also offers a custom ice stamp so you can elevate upcoming cocktail nights.
It looks like we have some Dolly Parton super fans in our audience. When quizzed on how many wigs the Tennessee legend owns, 52.8% of you guessed correctly — she claimed in an interview that she must have at least 365, one for every day. Maybe you can ask to borrow one for Dolly Days this weekend.
‡This offering is made pursuant to Regulation A Round and involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Company valuation is set by RAD Intel. Please review all offering materials before making an investment decision.
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