Gleason, TN, also known as  Tater Town USA, is the home of the annual Tater Town Special that celebrates the special place the sweet potato once held in the industrial climate of this community. This community affair, held on Labor Day weekend each year, draws thousands of people back home to their roots to see old friends, make new acquaintances and enjoy the southern hospitality that the Gleason community is know for. The Tater Town Special features a wide range of community events spread over a period of several days, leading up to   the weekend, beginning with parades Saturday morning followed by a day of activities extending into the night. The annual event ends on Sunday with community-wide church services. This weekend is also a time where Gleason High School Class Reunions are often scheduled.

 Tater Town was a busy place over the Labor Day weekend as the Gleason Gazelles geared up for the 36th annual Tater Town Special. This year’s activities began on Monday August 31st with a reception honoring the 2009 Grand Marshal, Mike Bennett.

The reception will be held on Monday night as everyone celebrated with the Gleason Gazelles in  honoring Mike for his many accomplishments and contributions to the Gleason Community.

Other activities for the week included the old fashioned gospel singing on Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m., youth bingo on Wednesday night at 7:15 p.m., and adult bingo on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. During intermission of adult bingo, the third annual Gazelle Cake Auction was held, with proceeds benefiting the Gleason Community Benevolence Fund. Ten of Gleason’s best cooks were asked to prepare their finest to go on the auction block.

Once again the BBQ Cook-Off was set for Friday night at 5:30 p.m. as well as the Sweet Potato Bake­Off.

The 5K Race started off the events on Saturday morning, September 5, at 7:00 a.m. The Junior Parade followed at 10:00 a.m., followed immediately by the Grand Parade. There was an Antique Tractor Show on the school grounds as well as live entertainment, arts and crafts, food and games on the Gazelle Grounds. The Saturday night’s activities included the Bull Blow Out at the Gleason Saddle Club at 7:00 p. m and a great performance of the Great Pretenders in the old High School Gymnasium.

The week’s festivities concluded on Sunday morning, September 6, with a community-wide worship service hosted by the First Methodist Church.