Dresden Enterprise

05/07/2026

DRESDEN, Tenn. — The Tennessee Iris Festival concluded with an evening of worship, musicianship and family-centered performance as First Baptist Church Dresden hosted a concert featuring pianist, composer and conductor Dawson Hull alongside clarinetist Taneea Hull and their children.

The program featured a variety of hymns and classical medleys, blending technical excellence with heartfelt performances that resonated throughout the sanctuary.

Taneea Hull, a former member of the Jackson Symphony for 10 years, performed alongside her husband, whose extensive musical background includes a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano from the University of Memphis, a master’s degree from the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and a bachelor’s degree in piano and theory/composition from Samford University.

Throughout his career, Dawson Hull has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras, including the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Symphony Orchestra and University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra. He has also premiered original compositions at international music events and released the album Reflections in 2022 with Taneea Hull, featuring hymn arrangements for clarinet and piano.

The concert also highlighted the musical gifts of the couple’s children. Brylee Hull, who recently completed eighth grade, performed on piano, while Brayden Hull, who just finished fifth grade, showcased his violin talents. Their youngest, Eylan, 3, delighted the audience with his own miniature version of a violin performance, drawing smiles and applause from attendees.

One of the evening’s standout moments came when Dawson Hull paused the program and invited hymn suggestions from the audience. After receiving requests for “Just a Little Talk with Jesus,” “Victory in Jesus” and “Nothing But the Blood,” Hull delivered an impromptu medley that quickly became a crowd favorite.

Another memorable moment featured an single piano duet featuring Dawson Hull and Tommy Moore on a rearranged version of “This Little Light of Mine,” adding a spontaneous and joyful energy to the evening.

The concert served as a fitting finale for the Tennessee Iris Festival, blending faith, family and exceptional musicianship while leaving attendees with a memorable close to the weeklong celebration.

To view all photos and download high resolution images courtesy of Dresden Enterprise click here: https://www.emmettslone.media/iris-festival-fbc-hull-family-concert-2026

📸 Emmett Slone

05/06/2026

🥞 A great evening of fellowship and food at First Baptist Church Dresden in their Family Life Center as the community gathered for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast before gospel singing on the final evening of the Tennessee Iris Festival.

We'll keep the photo recap for this one short - for some reason people don't appreciate a good photo with a mouthful of savory pancakes. (Just ask Gracie Kibbler - photo redacted) 🤣

However, we did want to recognize FBC for being outstanding hosts of tonight's event.

Another wonderful reminder of what makes Iris Festival week so special — community coming together. ✨

05/06/2026

DRESDEN, Tenn. — The Tennessee Iris Festival Baking Contest and Luncheon filled the McWherter Civic Center with the aroma of homemade desserts and the energy of a large crowd as participants showcased their best recipes across a wide range of categories.

Taking top honors as the Overall Grand Prize Winner was Mary Hammock for her Ding D**g Cake, earning praise from judges and attendees alike.

Winners were recognized across multiple categories. In the bread division, Madison Powers earned first place, followed by Jean Ainley in second, with Marci Floyd and Jean Ainley tying for third. Hammock also claimed first place in the frosted cake category, with Tegan Stout placing second and Marci Floyd third.

Diane Saunders took first place in the cheesecake category. In breakfast pastries, LeAnn Covington earned first, with Katherine Sadler finishing second. Covington also placed second in the brownies category, where Cassie Bounds took first.

Hunter Birdwell won the sheet cake division, followed by Tammy Travis in second and Misty Pence in third. In cookies, Haley Kee placed first, with Matthew Scott second and Amber Butler third.

Ruberta Parham earned first place in the candy category and also tied for third, while Madison Powers placed second. In the non-meringue pie category, Pam Bennett took first, followed by Lena Morgan and Lanelle McMillen. Linda Akers won the meringue pie category, with Misty Pence finishing second.

Following the conclusion of the contest, the crowd gathered for a luncheon at the civic center. Weakley County Mayor Dale Hutcherson and Dresden Mayor Mark Maddox addressed attendees, with Hutcherson offering a blessing over the meal.

Guests were served a hearty lunch of fried chicken, potatoes and beans, along with a wide selection of desserts from the baking contest entries, bringing a fitting and flavorful close to one of the festival’s most popular events.

To view more photos and download high resolution images courtesy of Dresden Enterprise please click here: https://www.emmettslone.media/iris-festival-baking-contest-and-luncheon

📸 Emmett Slone

05/06/2026

🎂🍰🧁🍥🥮

CALLING ALL BAKERS!!! 🎂🍰🍪
Wednesday, May 6
McWherter Civic Center, Dresden
Drop off & registration 7-10 AM
Awards Announcements 11-12 PM

05/05/2026

DRESDEN, Tenn. — Creativity took center stage Tuesday, May 5, as the Tennessee Iris Festival introduced its first-ever painting class at the Ned R. McWherter Weakley County Library and Museum.

Led by instructor Katy Allen, a library employee with a background in music, the class welcomed 20 pre-registered participants eager to explore their artistic side. The event marked a new addition to the festival’s lineup and was met with strong enthusiasm from those involved.

Library Director AJ Bacigalupo said organizers were overjoyed with the number of participants for the inaugural class and pleased with how the event was received.

Participants spent the session learning techniques and creating their own works in a relaxed, encouraging and fun environment. The class offered a unique opportunity for community members to engage with the arts in a hands-on setting during the festival.

Organizers expressed excitement about the future of similar events, noting plans to continue offering creative programming as part of the Iris Festival. While next year’s activity may take a different form, there is strong interest in building on the success of this year’s class.

With a full registration and positive response, the painting class proved to be a successful addition, further expanding the festival’s offerings and community engagement.

To download high resolution images from this event courtesy of Dresden Enterprise click here: https://www.emmettslone.media/iris-festival-2026

📸 Emmett Slone

05/05/2026

DRESDEN, Tenn. — The Tennessee Iris Festival continued Monday, May 4, with the Dresden High School Music Department Showcase Concert, drawing a large crowd that filled the bleachers and spilled into upper levels for an evening of music and celebration.

The program opened with performances by the DHS Choir, featuring “Windy Nights” and “Truth.” The choir also presented “Shenandoah,” with Jessica Owens as soloist and Grace Browning accompanying on piano.

The Pride of Dresden Band followed with “Windemere,” “Ready the Castle” and “Eye of the Tiger.” The final selection was widely praised as a crowd favorite, capturing a marching band-style atmosphere that energized the audience. Now in its third year of a program “revival,” the Pride of Dresden Band showcased noticeable growth, with the students’ talent and Director Abbott’s leadership clearly evident throughout the performance.

ROAR, the school’s pep band, added a lively and modern element to the evening with performances of “Buddy Holly,” “Heartbreaker” and a mashup of “Use Somebody” and “Best of You.” The group is believed to be the only active “rock band” school-day program in the state and is a familiar presence at Dresden sporting events, regularly performing at ball games throughout the year.

Throughout the concert, a strong sense of fun and community was evident among the students, with smiles and energy carrying through each performance.

Director Abbott was actively involved alongside the students, noting, “I can’t sit still so I play alongside them all the time.” He also praised student teacher Connor Bevan, who served as a guest director at various points during the evening, saying Bevan had been “doing a lot of the heavy lifting this past six weeks.”

The concert concluded with a Senior Finale performance of “Somebody That I Used to Know,” recognizing graduating members Stephanie Grimm, Makenzie Lawrence, Gracie Nobles, Michael Norton, Tanasia Rice and Luke Richie.

With a packed crowd and enthusiastic performances, the showcase highlighted not only the musical talent of Dresden High School students but also the strong sense of pride and connection within the program.

To view additional photos and download high resolution images courtesy of Dresden Enterprise click here: https://www.emmettslone.media/iris-festival-dhs-music-dept-showcase-concert-2026

📸 Emmett Slone

05/05/2026

🎨🖌️🖼️

Calling all creatives! 🎨🌸
Today at the Iris we've got an Iris Painting Class at the Ned McWherter Library from 1–3 PM. Come on in and give it a try, it's gonna be a great time! 💜