The Customer Appreciation Day at 33 Hardware was a multi-faceted occasion. Owner John Neal arranged for Shaun Abbott, a country and gospel singer from Knoxville, to entertain. Shaun is a popular musician all around Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and at the TN Valley Fair. Car owners were encouraged to bring their vintage, antique, or other cars to the Customer Appreciation Day, and about 30 vehicles were on display to look at and admire.

But the fundraiser of the day was the motorcycle ride! Each rider paid a riding fee. After expenses, the funds were donated to the Union County American Legion. The ride was escorted through Union County by four cruisers from both the Maynardville Police and the Union County Sheriff’s offices. When they hit Grainger County, the bikers were picked up by cruisers from the Grainger Sheriff’s Department. This escort took the riders to the Veterans Overlook on 25E in Bean Station, then later passed the riders off to the Sheriff’s deputies in Claiborne County. Claiborne turned the escort over to our deputies and police once they returned to Union County. The participants of this ride were very grateful to all the law enforcement officers who worked together to help make the event safer and more pleasant. Thank you, LEOs.

The Veterans Overlook Memorial is dedicated to the veterans of Grainger County and all veterans who served. Known for its stunning valley views and heartfelt tribute, this scenic overlook features a well-maintained memorial honoring veterans with fresh flowers, tribute rocks, and informative plaques about the area's history.

After the ride, participants went to Pete’s for a delicious meal. Owner Keith Nease discounted the lunches, allowing for more of the donation to flow to our American Legion. The Union County American Legion is very thankful to John Neal and 33 Hardware, Keith Nease of Pete’s, the law enforcement officers from 3 counties, all the participants in the ride, and everyone who helped make this day such a success.

The Union County American Legion provides frozen meats when available for Veterans and widows of Veterans, Christmas boxes of food for Veterans and their widows, assists needy Veterans whenever possible, and contributes to various community projects. They are presently planning to use some of their funds to get a large freezer to store the meat they will later donate.

Did you miss this ride??? Well, John Neal is going to make this an annual event! Be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s Nuts and Bolts Customer Appreciation Celebration on Saturday, September 12, 2026. It was fun this year. It will be bigger and better next year!

And if you would like to donate to the Union County American Legion and support their work in Union County, please mail a check to them at POB 99, Maynardville, TN 37807.