Movies Under the Stars- through July 27
Each week a different movie will be shown at various parks throughout Murfreesboro. Admission is free; bring your blankets or lawn chairs. And movies are PG-rated, so bring the whole family. Films are shown Mondays at Cason Lane Trailhead; Tuesdays at Cannonsburgh Village; Thursdays at Siegel Neighborhood Park; Fridays at Mitchell Neilson Primary; Saturdays at Hobgood Elementary School (no movie on July 4). The movies are Dennis the Menace (July 1-6), The Lorax (July 8-13), Ella Enchanted (July 15-20) and Princess and the Frog (July 22-27), and they begin at 8:30 p.m. For more information, please contact recreation@murfreesborotn.gov or (615) 890-5333.
Independence Day Celebration- July 3
Smyrna will celebrate the nation’s independence a day early, on July 3, at Lee Victory Recreation Park (110 Sam Ridley Pkwy). Beginning at 5 p.m., there will be events and activities for all ages; the night will culminate with fireworks at 9 p.m. For more information, please call (615) 459-9773.
Celebration Under the Stars- July 4
Bring your family and friends, your lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy this annual community event at McKnight Park (120 DeJarnette Ln.). There will be games and activities for the kids, music, fireworks and refreshments for purchase. Admission is free. For more information, please contact bjohnson@murfreesborotn.gov or (615) 890-5333.
Patriotic Picnic in the Park- July 4
Join the city of LaVergne for the 3rd annual Patriotic Picnic in the Park, its July 4 celebration, at Veterans Memorial Park (Floyd Mayfield Dr., La Vergne). Enjoy music, food, games and the free fireworks show at dark. Admission is free. For more information, please contact ktyson@lavergnetn.gov or (615) 207-4678.
Friday Night Live- July 5
Bring your lawn chairs and join the fun on the first Friday of July from 6:30-9:30 p.m. (225-B W. College St.). July’s concert features the high-energy music of Skyline Drive Band, a nine-member showband playing the greatest hits from the ’60s,’70s and ’80s.
Team Roping Championships- July 11-14
Watch the top team roping cowboys and cowgirls compete in the Eastern Regional Finals United States Team Roping Championships for more than $300,000 in cash and prizes at 8 a.m. daily at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum (304-B West Thompson Ln.); this arena is climate controlled, and concessions will be available. Admission is free. For more information, please call (615) 494-8961 or visit mtsu.edu/tmc.
36th Annual Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival- July 12-14
Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival is back! Watch national championships in old-time banjo, old-time buck dancing and old-time clogging at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Fun for the entire family! There will be arts and crafts, a “Motorless Parade,” children’s activities, concessions and more. Admission is $5 per day (no admission on Sunday) and 12 and under are free. Find the full schedule here.
Eighth Annual Uncle Dave Macon Days Community Services Fair- July 14
Community Crossroads and Uncle Dave Macon Days come together during the Sunday Afternoon Gospel Showcase Concert to raise awareness among festival visitors about the many agencies and faith-based organizations who offer essential human services to those experiencing a wide variety of needs in Rutherford County. Those seeking a meaningful volunteer experience can find a good fit for their free time, gifts and talents, and share fellowship and conversation.
Whispers of the Past: A Museum’s Secrets Explored- opening July 12
Daily tourists to the historic home of Oaklands Historic House Museum’s (900 N. Maney Ave.) can enjoy the collection of antique furnishings and decorative arts opening Friday, July 12 from 5-8 p.m. through Aug. 11. A featured item will be the hand-sewn, brown silk dress of Mrs. Mattie Ready Morgan Williamson, wife of General John Hunt Morgan. From furnishings, children’s clothing, hair art and photographs, neighbors and visitors will also hear stories about the families who called Oaklands Mansion home prior to the 1960’s. The exhibit will be open during regular visiting hours, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sundays 1–4 p.m. Admission is $5 per person and open to the public. For more information, contact (615) 893-0022 or email info@oaklandsmuseum.org.
Discover 4-H Day Camp- July 15-19
At Discover 4-H Day Camp, youth that have completed the fifth grades will have the opportunity to learn about shooting sports, sewing, gardening, science, cooking, animal science, wildlife and scrapbooking at the Rutherford County 4-H Office (315 John R. Rice Blvd, Suite 101) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. You will also visit the Rutherford County Farmers Market and go on a field trip to Nashville! Cost is $150 to attend. For information, please call (615) 898-7710 for more information.
East Coast Reined Cow Horse Classic- July 17-21
Each horse competes in three areas for this equine sport. Horses perform herd work, reining and fence work to win this great event. Competitions begin at 8 a.m. daily at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum (304-B West Thompson Ln.). Admission is free. For more information, please call (615) 494-8961 or visit mtsu.edu/tmc.
46th Annual Murfreesboro Antique Show- July 19-21
This long-standing Murfreesboro tradition attracts some of the finest antique dealers from across the country at Murphy Center, MTSU Campus (2650 Middle Tenn. Blvd.) Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 for all three days. For more information, please call (270) 237-5205 or visit murfreesboroantiqueshow.com.
View images from last year’s show below:
Hallowed Ground: A Lantern Tour of the Stones River National Cemetery- July 20
Spend an hour walking through the cemetery at the Stones River National Battle (1563 N. Thompson Ln.) by lantern light beginning at 7:15 p.m. while hearing the stories of soldiers and civilians who relate the terrible cost of the Civil War. For more information, please call (615) 893-9501 or visit nps.gov/stri.
“Artillery Saves the Day” Union Artillery Program- July 20-21
Come enjoy “Artillery Saves the Day” Union Artillery Program at Stones River National Battlefield (1563 N. Thompson Ln.). For more information, please call (615) 893-9501 or visit nps.gov/stri.
“Saddle Up for Project Help” Rides Again- July 25
One of Rutherford County’s favorite summer events is ready to ride Thursday, July 25 at MTSU’s Foundation Reception House (324 W. Thompson Ln.). Proceeds from “Saddle Up for Project Help” will benefit Project Help. At $50 per ticket, guests can show off their favorite jeans, boots and cowboy hats while they enjoy a Western-themed evening with barbecue and live music. Nashville artist Arthur Kirkby will create a painting during the event; guests will have the opportunity to purchase the painting in the silent auction as well as other local prizes. The popular miniature sculptures of Raymond “Chi” Palma will be featured as well. For information on sponsoring the event, contact sandym1626@hotmail.com or visit Saddle Up for Project Help’s Facebook page. To learn more about Project Help early intervention, call (615) 898-2458 or visit mtsu.edu/projecthelp.
United Way’s Stuff the Bus in Full Swing- July 26
The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties will be collecting items for literacy kits to serve at-risk youth in the community until July 25. The items will be sorted and assembled July 26 at Embassy Suites. To sign up to volunteer, please visit www.unitedwayvolunteer.org. Items needed include: scissors (Fiskar brand), paper (wide-ruled notebook paper), craft paper or handwriting paper, spiral-bound notebooks with wide ruled notebook paper, crayons (24-count Crayola), pencils (No. 2), markers (Crayola), stickers, glue sticks (Elmer’s), Playdough and gently-used or new books appropriate for children pre-kindergarten to third grade. Items may be delivered to the United Way (615 Memorial Boulevard, Suite 200).
DCI Masters of the Summer Music Games- July 26
The Drum Corps International Tour returns to MTSU’s Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium (Greenland Drive) on Friday, July 26, as part of the 2013 Tour of Champions Series. A unique set of very special events featuring eight of the top corps from last summer, Tour of Champions events give fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the drum corps experience with pre-show entertainment, “instant encores,” and an en-masse finale on top of the corps’ traditional competitive productions. For more information, call (317) 275-1212 or visit dci.org.
Save The Night 5K Fun Run- July 27
Sustaining a Village Everyday and Middle Tennessee Medical Center present Save The Night 5K Fun Run Saturday, July 27, at Gateway Island (Gateway Blvd., behind MTMC) with registration at at 7 p.m. and the race at 8 p.m. Entry Fee is $28 pre-registered adults, $15 for kids 9 and under and $35 for same day registration. Enjoy music, a monster costume contest, booths and more! 100% of proceeds will benefit the village of Boukeron in the Central Plateau of Haiti. To register, visit https://register.bazumedia.com/reg/form?eventID=4530. For more information, please contact (615) 848-8846 or kristicochrane@me.com, or visit facebook.com/teenSAVE.
35th Annual International Pleasure & Colt Walking Horse Show- July 29-Aug. 3
The Tennessee Miller Coliseum (403-B West Thompson Ln.) presents the biggest event each year for the Walking Horse Owners’ Association with over 2000 entries participating annually making the International Grand Championships the second largest Walking Horse show in the World. For more information, call (615) 494-8822 or visit walkinghorseowners.com.
Splash into Summer Reading with One Book
What better time to catch up on reading than in the summer? The members of One Book of Rutherford County share their favorite titles with readers! While The Fault in Our Stars will continue its 2012 promotions through the summer, One Book invites readers to join them in the search for the 2013 book choice. Community members can participate in the search by taking the online survey to give feedback and ideas. A random drawing will be held July 31, and two lucky participants will receive a $20 gift card to Barnes and Noble. Find the survey at bit.ly/OBSurvey13 or follow the One Book conversation on Facebook at Facebook.com/OneBookRutherford. For more info contact Laura.Jackson@mtsu.edu or (615) 838-8444.
