Tuesday, May 10, 2016 9:42 am

The song lyrics in "The Sound of Music" claim ... "The hills are alive with the sound of music."

The hills of Cannon County "are alive with the sound of music" the weekend of Good Ole Days May 20 - 21.

At least the town square comes alive as music is center stage, beauty queens are crowned and the parade enters town. Excitement fills the air as schools compete, children dance and dogs prance. Where else can you hear a hog-called, run a SK, see an old friend from high school, enjoy your favorite foods and buy a handmade craft?

The Cannon County Good Ole Days event, presently known as Good Ole Days, was originally started in 1976, thanks to Mr. Bill Smith, and sponsored by the Bank of Commerce. The idea followed a celebration in Auburntown, Tom Bell Day, in honor of the retiring banker. This celebration today is Red Apple Days, and held the first weekend in August. Following Tom Bell Day, the suggestion was made to host a-similar event for Cannon County, and thus the birth of the Cannon County Good Ole Days. Mr. Bill Smith loved Cannon County and the people of Cannon County. He valued hard work and education. I know this first hand, as Mr. Bill Smith, and his son, Mr. Steve Smith, hired me for my first public job at age 16. I worked for the Bank of Commerce (Auburn Branch) as did several high school and college students. It was not just a job. We were a family. As an employee, l saw the effort and many hours that made the Cannon County Good Ole Days and Red Apple Days possible. Mr. Smith's vision, planning and dedication continue to live on as the Goog Ole Days are a Cannon County tradition.

How many times did you walk around the courthouse square on Friday and/or Saturday night? More than you could count? How many made a best friend or met your future spouse at Good Ole Days? Who won a competition at the school field events and still has their ribbon, plaque or trophy? Who can recall the excitement of cheering on a teammate or being in the top five of a pageant waiting for the winners to be announced? Memories of Good Ole Days are nostalgic and a part of life in Cannon County.

For the past eleven years, the Good Ole Days has been a fundraiser hosted by the Cannon County Senior Center. It is held the third weekend during May in honor of Older Americans Month. Local businesses sponsor the event, and many people volunteer their time, to ensure its success. From babies to senior citizens ... people still gather, friends reunite, the community celebrates and we all feel a sense of pride. Cannon County is a very special place ... with a festival of 40 years that brings us all together ... thanks to Mr. Bill Smith. In his memory, the Smith family will be honored as Grand Marshals of the 2016 Good Ole Days parade.

The Good Ole Days will be held on May 20th and 21 sc_ For more information, please call the Cannon County Senior Center at 615-563-5304 or visit www.cannoncountygoodoledays.com

The Good Ole Days are here again! Come enjoy the festivities!