No Shake In The Lake This Year – Firework Show Cancelled

The Point Resort has cancelled their annual fireworks extravaganza known as Shakin’ the Lake. Highly anticipated and attended, the event has become one of the première holiday events in the region. Representatives from The Point had requested funding assistance in shouldering the cost of the event, which racks up ticket that runs into the tens of thousands of dollars and is not a strong revenue producer for The Point because the bulk of the public view the fireworks show from the Town side of the lake or the water via boat.

The Town of Dandridge agreed in their Tuesday evening meeting to donate $1,500 to the event, however organizers from The Point had requested a $5,000 contribution to help offset some of the costs. Melissa Peagler, Town Administrator of Dandridge, stated Wednesday that the Town did have some funds that could have covered the requested donation in their budget, however appeared reluctant to exceed the typical charitable donation of $2,500. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to allocate $1,500 in funding for the event but that amount was not enough to offset the costs for The Point.

Peagler stated that she hated to see the event cancelled but there is not enough time for the Town to step in and have a Town sponsored event. She said that the Council had not indicated that they had interest in assuming the continuation of Shakin’ the Lake or something like it and it would take time to plan and funding. Peagler suggested that local businesses could help cushion the costs but, according to representative from The Point, with the vote of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen the decision was made to cancel the event and contracts were cancelled.

With the loss of Shakin’ the Lake, July 3rd will be quiet in the Historic Town Square in Dandridge. The Point Resort, which is a supporter of the Boys and Girls Club in Jefferson County, had allocated a large portion of any funds raised to go to support the club. Phil Williams was to be the Grand Marshal of Ceremonies and musical entertainment was already booked for the event.