Nashville has done it again! As we roll into 2024, it’s hard not to be entertained by the annual Boner Awards — a quirky tradition that takes a lighthearted jab at some of the most ridiculous moments in our politics, celebrity encounters, and everyday life in Music City. This year’s nominees have truly outdone themselves with jaw-dropping antics that range from bizarre legislative proposals to eyebrow-raising stunts by our homegrown stars.
For those not in the loop, the Boner Awards have been bringing laughter and disbelief to Nashville since 1990, when they were named after *Bill Boner*, a former mayor notorious for his scandals. Back then, the antics were a little more straightforward, but as the years have rolled by, the nominees have climbed up the absurdity ladder, achieving new heights of hilarity.
This year’s top contenders for the Boner Awards showcase just how wacky local politics can get. For instance, Rep. Scott Cepicky really put himself on the map with a theory that the government could secretly vaccinate veggies! Yes, you read that right. During a session, he insisted on the need to label foods that might be “vaccinated,” because, who knows, maybe they really are! The resulting legislation passed, speeding past opponents in what felt more like a skit than a serious session.
And let’s talk about *chemtrails*! In what sounded like a plot twist from a sci-fi movie, legislators discussed banning atmospheric modifications referring to the infamous conspiracies surrounding trails sneaking through our skies. Some officials cited personal “evidence,” with Senator Frank Niceley claiming he had photos proving the existence of these mysterious marks. Seriously, we couldn’t make this stuff up!
Not to be outdone, the celebrity scene has also brought plenty of headlines worthy of recognition. Country star Morgan Wallen may be filling concerts with fans, but his latest antics left the city shaking its head. In a drunken spree, he tossed furniture off a rooftop and luckily no one got hurt. His reckless behavior led to consequences, including a denied vertical sign for his new honky-tonk. Nashville is starting to show it has its limits when it comes to that kind of tomfoolery!
A more serious reminder of the pressing issues we face was brought by Rep. Gino Bulso, who tried to make the Bible the state book of Tennessee! Among his suggested titles was Dolly Parton’s beloved book, *A Coat of Many Colors*. While it’s wonderful to celebrate our culture, the snags came when many proposed recommendations weren’t even proper books. The resolution passed, but wow what a journey that was!
If you thought the internet drama would simmer down, think again! Rep. Jeremy Faison had a misadventure too, with his lapsed domain reflecting poorly on his tech-savvy. It doesn’t help that his digital footprint seems to be littered with campaign finance violations that even the FBI took a chance to investigate. It’s safe to say he won’t be winning any “Best Web Presence” awards anytime soon!
This year, even health and safety legislation made headlines for the wrong reasons. A bill aimed at safe firearm storage spectacularly flopped when a live demo by Chair Todd Gardenhire went awry. The cable securing a gun safe? It wouldn’t budge even with all his might! It’s a wonder that even a simple proposal could turn into such a comedic skit.
Nashville’s annual Boner Awards give us a chance to pause, laugh, and reflect on the quirks of our beloved city. From our elected officials to big-name celebrities, it’s clear that this town knows how to keep things interesting — never a dull moment, that’s for sure! So, as we continue through 2024, let’s embrace the unexpected, chuckle at the absurdities, and never forget to occasionally scratch our heads in disbelief.
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