Rhea County Department of Tourism

06/14/2026

🎉🇺🇸 TN 250 BASH KICKOFF! 🇺🇸🎉

Join us Friday, June 26, at Nokian Tyres Summer Nights for an unforgettable evening of music, food, history, family fun, and community celebration!

🎶 LIVE MUSIC by Wilson & Cross
🕖 Music starts at 7:00 PM
A huge THANK YOU to the Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation for another fantastic Summer Nights season and for helping make this event possible!

🔥 BATTLE OF THE BBQ COOK-OFF 🔥
There is STILL TIME to register!
👉 https://forms.gle/QJxamJSvHQHr2Re18

💰 Up to $2,000 in Cash Prizes!
🏆 Best Chicken – $500
🏆 Best Ribs – $500
🏆 Best Pork – $500
🏆 Grand Champion (Best Overall Score) – $500
🏆 People's Choice Winner – YETI Cooler

Not competing? Come hungry!
Get your tickets today:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/battle-of-the-bbq-tickets-1989347225102

Special thanks to Jillian Stavely with Wallace Real Estate for helping organize this exciting competition!
📍 Location:
1475 Market Street
Dayton, TN 37321
(Courthouse Lawn / Court Street Area)
Event begins at 5:00 PM

What else can you expect?
🎈 Bounce Houses
🚔 Military & Police Vehicles
📚 History Displays & TN 250 Activities
🐐 Kayla Dee's Petting Zoo
🎁 Tourism Booth Giveaways, Candy, & Raffles

Featured Vendors:
✨ DRC Outdoors
✨ Elevated Elixirs
✨ Grace Time Craft Boutique
✨ The Pasta Lab
✨ Field & Jar
✨ Still Waters and Co.
✨ Krinlynn's Krafty Kreations
✨ Misty Powell - Spirit Ts
✨ And many more!

PLUS all raffle proceeds and booths support our local Boys & Girls Club!
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, friends, and appetite as we kick off Tennessee's 250th celebration in Rhea County!

🔥 BATTLE OF THE BBQ – COMPETITOR CALL! 🔥 Nokian Tyres Summer Nights | TN 250 BASH SPONSORED BY WALLACE REAL ESTATE - TN VALLEY - CROSS COUNTRY MORTGAGE - PARAMOUNT TITLE 📅 June 26, 2026 | All Day Event 1475 Market Street. Dayton, TN 37321 Backside - Courthouse Lawn/Court Street Think you....

06/14/2026

Today we honor the American flag — a symbol of freedom, unity, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of our nation. As we celebrate 250 years of America, Flag Day is a reminder of the generations who have proudly served, supported, and strengthened our communities and country.

Take a moment today to fly your flag, thank a veteran, and reflect on the history and values that bring us together.

We’re proud to celebrate America 250 right here in Rhea County and look forward to a special year of honoring our nation’s story and the people who continue to shape it every day. 🇺🇸

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

Summer in Rhea —> enjoying the long, slow days of sunshine and relaxation! ☀️

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

🇺🇸 Join Us for the Groundbreaking of the Rhea County Veterans Park! 🇺🇸

Tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., our community will take the first step toward creating a lasting tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nation and protected our communities.

📍 Saturday, June 13
🕙 10:00 a.m.
📌 Triangular parcel between Swinging Bridge Park and the pickleball courts at the intersection of Alabama Avenue and Washington Avenue

This new Veterans Park, led by FORCE (Friends of Rhea County's Elite), will honor past, present, and future veterans who have served in defense of our great nation, while also recognizing the sacrifice and dedication of our first responders.

Want to leave a lasting legacy? Purchase a commemorative brick to honor a veteran or first responder today at:
👉 polarengraving.com

Businesses and individuals can also support this meaningful project through sponsorship opportunities. All sponsors will be permanently recognized within the park and on the entrance monuments.

Let's come together as a community to celebrate this exciting milestone and show our appreciation for those who have served. We hope to see you there!

06/11/2026

Step back in time at the historic Rhea County Courthouse!

Built in 1891 and home to the world-famous Scopes "Monkey" Trial of 1925, our courthouse is one of Tennessee's most iconic landmarks. Explore the restored courtroom, discover fascinating exhibits in the Scopes Trial Museum, and experience a piece of history that continues to draw visitors from around the globe.

Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a unique local adventure, we invite you to come see where history was made!

📍 Downtown Dayton
🕘 Museum Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

06/10/2026

We can’t wait!

06/10/2026

Father's Day Is Right Around the Corner!

Looking for a practical gift Dad will actually use?

Skip the tie and treat him to a J2 Diesel & Gas Repair Gift Certificate! Whether it's for an oil change, routine maintenance, brakes, diagnostics, or a future repair, a gift certificate helps keep Dad's vehicle running strong.

After all, he's spent years taking care of everyone else—now it's your turn to take care of him!

Good for Any Service
Gas & Diesel Vehicles
All Makes & Models

Stop by and pick one up before Father's Day!

📍 464 Rock Quarry Road, Soddy-Daisy, TN
📞 (423) 498-5252

06/10/2026

Quick Fact: Tourism is one of Tennessee's largest industries, generating billions of dollars in visitor spending each year and helping reduce the tax burden on local residents through sales tax revenues generated by visitors.