Anyone interested in learning more about the proposal to change Lake City’s name to Rocky Top can attend an informational meeting and beans and corn bread social on Friday evening in Lake City.
The developers and partners of Rocky Top will be available to answer all questions concerning the project, locations, jobs, and the general impact on the community, said Stephanie Wells, executive director of the Anderson County Tourism Council.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. Friday at Main Street Baptist Church, located at the corner of Fourth and Main Street in Lake City.
The name change still has to be considered by the Lake City Council and Tennessee General Assembly. The council will consider it on Thursday, Nov. 7.
It could be the first step toward the creation of an amusement destination with a water park, restaurant, and theaters tied together by the area’s coal mining history. Supporters say the project could create around 200 jobs and generate as much as $50 million a year in revenue.
Investors have said the project cannot move forward without the name change, which they say would be a big draw for tourists, according to WYSH Radio in Clinton.
The initial idea came from Knoxville businessman Buddy Warren, whose initial vision called for a brewery and distillery as part of the development. He was seriously injured in an auto accident a few weeks ago, so that part of the plan has been put on hold until he gets back on his feet.
If approved, it would be the second name change in the city’s history as it was known as Coal Creek until the construction of Norris Dam in the 1930s. So far, most people seem to be in favor of the name change and what it could lead to in the future, WYSH said.
