Tech Talk in the Dojo: Nashville-based Traega Entertainment

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If your child loves to play video games and might be interested in a career as a programmer/coder in gaming, you’re invited to Tech Talk. Code Ninjas, a weekly, on-going coding center for kids (ages 7-14) is hosting this series of events welcoming guest speakers who will share their stories on tech-related careers and topics. Traega Entertainment opened in Nashville in 2015 by veteran game builder, Dan Hock, bringing decades of experience in game building to our area. This Sunday’s event will feature,  Jeff “Elmo” Robison, a programmer that graduated in 2017 from MTSU with a B.S. in Computer Science and he will share about his path into the industry and what a normal day looks like as a game programmer. Parents and kids are invited to RSVP.

RSVP here: https://codeninjasfranklin.as.me

www.codeninjas.com

Facebook:  CodeNinjasFranklin

(615) 640-2633

SPRING BREAK FUN FOR KIDS

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Keep the kids busy over Spring break with camps and activities at Williamson County Parks and Recreation (WCPR) facilities.

 

March 18-20: Mr. Bond Science Guys: Engineering Camp – Be an engineer and learn how engineering is involved in everything we do. This camp features hands on learning where kids will design bridges, create robots, and test out circuitry with DIY dough circuits. Class will meet Monday – Wednesday,  March 18 – 20 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd., Franklin, TN. For ages 5-12. Cost is $111. Register for activity #13821 at www.wcparksandrec.com.

March 19-22: RoboThink Spring Break Camps – Don’t let Spring break stop the learning process! Use this break to build battle robots, compete in robotic soccer games and design sensor robots! During our five-day program, young engineers get a chance to build unique robots of all shapes, sizes, and functions each day. Learn about how gears, motors, sensors, and mainboards work through fun and exciting challenges. The program is aligned with Next Gen Science standards and allow students to be hands on and engaged in problem solving. No prior experience is required; there are different lessons to adjust for different experience levels. Morning and afternoon sessions do not overlap in activities.

Classes will meet Monday – Friday, March 18 – 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (#13672) and/or 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (#13673) at the Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville, 7250 Nolensville Rd. Cost is $200. WCPR offers a $40 multi-activity discount if you register for both morning and afternoon camps. Children who attend both camps will need to bring a sack lunch and will be supervised. For ages 5-12. Register at www.wcparksandrec.com. For more information please call 615-538-8423 or send an email to Nashville@myrobothink.com. For registration questions contact Erin at 615-786-0200 ext. 2417 or at Erin.Williams@williamsoncounty-tn.gov.

March 18-22: Parker Anderson Enrichment Spring Break Cooking Camp – Kids will tantalize their taste buds and have fun with food! Different recipes will be used — from appetizers to entrees, snacks, desserts and more. Learn about nutrition, dining etiquette, and cooperation skills in this scrumptious class. Class will meet Monday – Friday, March 18 – 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville, 7250 Nolensville Rd. Cost is $180. For ages 6-12. Register for activity #13923 at www.wcparksandrec.com. For questions about the camp, please call 615-887-0510 or email Duncan at Nashville@parker-anderson.org. For registration questions contact Erin at Erin.Williams@williamsoncounty-tn.gov or at 615-786-0200 ext. 2417.

March 18-22: Mr. Bond’s Science Guys STEAM Spring Break Camp – Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math all together in each activity to make learning challenging and fun! Kids will make chemical reactions, play brain games, and more. Each day kids will create and observe how all of the STEAM components work together. Class will meet Monday – Friday, March 18 – 22 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville, 7250 Nolensville Rd. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Longview Recreation Center at Spring Hill, 2909 Commonwealth Dr. Cost is $180. For ages 5-12. Multi-person discounts available. Register for activity #13674 (Nolensville) or #13802 (Longview) at www.wcparksandrec.com. For more information, contact Mr. Bond’s Science Guys at mrbondscienceguy@gmail.com. For registration questions, email Erin.Williams@williamsoncounty-tn.gov or call 615-786-0200 ext. 2417 (Nolensville) or Chase.Cribbs@williamsoncounty-tn.gov or call 615-799-9331 ext. 2315 (Longview).

March 18-22: Parker Anderson Enrichment: Spring Break Minecraft Camp – Come join us and experience the most popular computer game on the planet! Learn Minecraft building techniques, details of command blocks, and how to change the look of the game. Kids learn strategy, team building, and cooperation skills while playing Minecraft in a fun, safe, and supervised environment! Questions about this camp please call 615-887-0510 or email your questions to Duncan at Nashville@parker-anderson.org. For registration questions, email Erin.Williams@williamsoncounty-tn.gov or call 615-786-0200 ext. 2417. Class will meet Monday – Friday, March 18-22 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville, 7250 Nolensville Rd. Cost is $180. Register for activity #13924 at www.wcparksandrec.com. For ages 6-12. No prior experience required.

March 21: RoboThink: Flag Football Robot Workshop – Build and design a robot to play flag football against your friends in this workshop! Learn how to use RoboThink’s innovative robotics pieces, motors, switches, axles and gears to build your robot and play flag football with your friends. Our lesson plans are built around RoboThink’s proprietary kits, plans and STEM curriculum, designed by teachers and engineers. This workshop is interactive, hands-on and engaging to promote learning in a fun way. Class will meet Thursday, March 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. Cost is $40. Register for activity #13819 at www.wcparksandrec.com. For ages 7-12. No prior experience required.

March 22: RoboThink: Soccerbot Workshop – Build a robot and play an exciting game of robot soccer in this soccer bot workshop! Learn how to use RoboThink’s innovative robotics pieces, motors, switches, axles and gears to build your robot and play soccer with your friends. Our lesson plans are built around RoboThink’s proprietary kits, plans and STEM curriculum, designed by teachers and engineers. This workshop is interactive, hands-on and engaging to promote learning in a fun way. Class will meet Friday, March 22 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. Cost is $40. Register for activity #13820 at www.wcparksandrec.com. For ages 7-12. No prior experience required.

 

 

Williamson County Parks and Recreation (WCPR) is a public organization benefitting the community.  Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. For program registration, pass purchasing or additional information, visit www.wcparksandrec.com.  You may also receive department information by “liking” Williamson County Parks and Recreation on Facebook; following us on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or Instagram at @willcoparksandrec or on Pinterest or YouTube.

FUN FOR ALL AGES IN UPCOMING CLASSES

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Franklin Recreation Complex

The Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd., Franklin, TN, offers activities for all ages including classes for adults and kids.  September options include homeschool photography and art classes for middle and high school students, along with Music Lingua Spanish for toddlers and preschoolers.

 

Homeschool Photography 1- Middle & High School

Students will learn basic camera operation and how to improve their photographs in this class. There will be weekly photo assignments and constructive, encouraging  critiques.   Meets Tuesdays, September 4-October 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. For ages 14-17.  The fee is $90 for the six-week session. Register on line at www.wcparksandrec.com  (activity # 12907).

 

Mommy & Me Movement

Bring the kids, ages 0-4 months for a fun and energetic 30-minute movement class. Moms and kids will dance, sing, bond and make memories. Dads, grandparents and caregivers are welcome.  Mommy & Me Movement meets on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. General admission fees apply. (Class is free to all premium family pass holders.)

 

Mr. Bond’s Science Guys: Saw It on YouTube

Try those crazy YouTube experiments in this science class for ages 5 to 12 yrs.  New experiments each week will keep kids fascinated and engaged. Meets Tuesdays, September 4-25 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd.   Register on-line at www.wcparksandrec.com, #12646, $40.

 

Color Wheels-Homeschool Art Class

Each week, students in this ongoing art class will explore art history, techniques, styles and artists from the past and present. A variety of media will be used to create rich experiences for each child.  Instructor: Shelly Egly. Color Wheels for homeschoolers Wednesdays, September 5-26 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. For ages 5-11.  The fee is $56 for the four–class session. Register on line at www.wcparksandrec.com  (activity # 12790).

 

Homeschool Drawing- Middle & High School

This class will help students feel more confident in their drawing skills. Learn different methods for seeing things and translating them to drawings.  Students will work privately in their sketch books in this low-key class.  Meets Thursdays, September 6-October 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. For ages 14-17.  The fee is $90 for the six-week session. Register on line at www.wcparksandrec.com  (activity # 12907).

 

Color Wheels-After School Art

Join the fun as students explore art history, techniques, styles, and famous artists from past to present.  This class is for kids 5 to 11 years, and meets Thursdays, September 6-27 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The fee is $56. Registration is online at www.wcparksandrec.com (#12787). This class meets at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd.

 

Sticky Fingers Preschool Art Club

Enhance and celebrate your preschooler’s creativity by enrolling them in the Sticky Fingers Preschool Art Club at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. Ms. Shelley offers educational art experiences geared to young children (ages 3.5  to 6, potty-trained), with 2 to 3 works of art completed in each class. Choose Mondays, September 10-24 ($39 for 3 classes, #12780) or Fridays, September 7-28 ($52 for 4 classes, #12783). Both classes are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Register on line at www.wcparksandrec.com.

 

Music Lingua Spanish-Life on the Farm

Music Lingua is a unique thematic program that uses music, movement, storytelling, art and drama to teach Spanish to children ages 18 mos. to 4 years old. Caregivers attend with children who learn together while they sing and play. Meets Fridays, September 14-October 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd.   Register on-line at www.wcparksandrec.com, #13018, $75 ($65 for siblings).

 

Safe Kids 101

Kids think they are ready to stay home alone and parents wonder if it’s okay to let them. This home alone class will her your 9-13 year old take the next step in independence while giving you peace of mind. Topics include: responsibilities when staying home alone, simple first aid and abdominal thrusts for choking victims, how to navigate the online world, fire safety and what to do around an aggressive dog. Also, the truth behind abuse, abduction and stranger danger. Meets Sunday, September 16  from 1:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd.   Register on-line at www.wcparksandrec.com, #12878, $40.

 

Mindful Eating

Learn to control your eating habits in this two-part class.  Learn how important choosing the correct food is for your body and mind, and the difference in physical and emotional hunger. Each class includes teaching time, gentle mindful yoga and a Q&A session. Meets Mondays, September 17 and 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex at 1120 Hillsboro Rd. Register for activity #12747 at www.wcparksandrec.com.

 

Painting with Yara Stagner

Are you interested in finding your inner painter? Join the fun in this introductory class to oil and acrylic painting techniques. The class is offered on an ongoing basis on Mondays, starting September 10. Each class is $20 and no pre-registration is needed.  New students can join at any time. Call instructor for supply list: 615-485-9839. The class meets from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd.  

 

Piano

Private piano lessons are offered on Fridays in 30-minute time slots. Learn note reading skills, music theory and artistic technique.  For ages 4 through adults. Contact instructor James Weinberg to set up lesson times: 615-268-2296. Meet at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd.

 

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community.  Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. For program registration, pass purchasing or additional information, visit www.wcparksandrec.com.  You may also receive department information by “liking” Williamson County Parks and Recreation on Facebook; following us on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or Instagram at @willcoparksandrec or on Pinterest or YouTube.

 

 

 

 

Unique Children’s Toy Stores

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Are you doing a bit of last minute Christmas shopping? Check out these toy stores in Franklin, TN – Williamson County:

 

Brilliant Sky Toys & Books
1705 Mallory Lane, Brentwood, TN | 615-309-0557
franklintoystores.com

Learning Express
420 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin, TN | 615-771-3434
learningexpress.com/store/franklin

Little Kids’ Star Gear
1556 West McEwen Drive, Ste. 108 Franklin, TN | 615-771-9919

Nolensville Toy Shop
9895 Old Clovercroft Road, Nolensville, TN | 615-819-2949
nolensvilletoyshop.com

Parent-Teacher Store
1113 Murfreesboro Road, Ste. 203, Franklin, TN | 615-599-3477
parentteacherstoreusa.com

Pardoning of the Turkey

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Fun family events in Franklin, TN, Pardoning of the Turkey Franklin Farmers Market kids activities and things to do.Pardoning of the Turkey presented by Herban Market – November 19 @ 9:00 am12:00 pm

Our Pardoning of the Turkey event promises to be another family favorite event! Returning to the market will be the friendliest pet turkey from Earth Advocates Research Farm. Plans are in the works for a very special guest who will preside over the pardoning of Danny the Turkey. We will invite all children to write a letter to the market requesting the pardoning of Danny the Turkey this fall. Come enjoy the day!

TN Renaissance Festival

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Festivals in Tennessee

Travel back to 16th Century England. Our Village of Covington Glen comes alive with the bustle of a Renaissance Marketplace. Over 60 skilled Artisans from all over the country display their wares from silks to swords; from gems to jewels. Flavors, aromas and tastes of specialty foods and drinks greet the festival-goer. Hear the sounds of Renaissance musicians and merrymakers as they echo through the trees. Color, movement, and peals of laughter welcome those who thrill to the challenges of Games of Skill and Man-Powered Rides. Come join us at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival!

Visit Castle Gwynn at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, Nashville’s premier historical entertainment event!

2016 Running Dates
May 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, plus Memorial Day May 30!
Hours: 10am – 6:00pm

Free parking, and free admission for children 5 and under!

Order your tickets online:
Advance Tickets are now available!
Order now and your tickets will be mailed right to your door, or waiting for you at Will Call for when you arrive at the festival.

Just added!
The Daily Entertainment Schedule is now available online!

Group Sales:
The Tennessee Renaissance Festival offers discount admission tickets for groups of 15 adults or more. Inquire for more details by emailing us at info@tnrenfest.com or calling our office at (615) 395-9950. The deadline for Advanced Group Ticket Sales is April 15th. Group Discount Rates are available only by advance order, and are not available at the Festival Grounds Ticket Sales Booth.

Location:
Located off Highway 96 between the towns of Franklin and Murfreesboro, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival is easily accessible from I-24, I-65, and I-840, just 25 miles south of Nashville. The festival address is 2124 New Castle Road, Arrington, TN, 37014

 

Young Photographers display work in the Vice President’s Residence

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National Geographic Kids and Dr. Jill Biden, second lady of the United States, announced a new collaboration to celebrate young photographers by exhibiting their work at the Vice President’s Residence in Washington, D.C. The Bidens have always displayed rotating art in the Vice President’s Residence for guests to enjoy, and this new project will showcase the work of budding photographers.

Each month, National Geographic Kids editors will select top photographs from My Shot, National Geographic’s moderated photo community for kids that complies with federal regulations for children’s online privacy protection. Those photos will then be exhibited on a rotating digital frame at the Vice President’s Residence, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy multiple amazing photographs each month. Highlighted kids will also receive a digital “VP” badge for their Nat Geo Kids My Shot page.

“I’m thrilled to join Dr. Biden in congratulating these extraordinarily talented young photographers,” said National Geographic Society President and CEO Gary E. Knell. “National Geographic is committed to inspiring, educating and celebrating young people, because they are the leaders who will protect our planet in the future.”

“Joe and I are proud to bring the creativity of so many young photographers from across the country into our home and to see the world through their lens,” said Dr. Biden. “I am so impressed by the incredible talent and professionalism of these kid photographers, and I look forward to sharing their work with our family, friends and all those who visit the Vice President’s Residence.”

Dickens of a Christmas

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Step back in time with the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County when Dickens of a Christmas returns to Franklin’s Main Street December 12-13, 2015.

 

Sponsored this year by Nissan, the 31st annual free street festival will recreate the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s Victorian architecture as the backdrop.  Some 200 musicians, dancers and characters will fill the streets, including several from Charles Dickens’s stories.  Expect to see and interact with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim Cratchit with his parents from A Christmas Carol; and of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children.

 

“Dickens of a Christmas is the perfect event for our historic Main Street,” said Mary Pearce, executive director of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County.  “Downtown Franklin always exudes its own special magic, and yet this event adds an extra bit of sparkle.  It dovetails perfectly with our preserved Victorian architecture and our commitment to saving and showcasing our historical treasures. As more attention is turned toward downtown Franklin in both the local and national press, we encourage festival goers to dress in Victorian costume and to add to the ambiance as they stroll the streets.  Adding even a hat and scarf to modern attire helps set the scene and get everyone in the holiday mood.”

 

This year’s event will reprise a crowd favorite from last year: it WILL snow at Dickens of a Christmas!  Come decked out in holiday style to capture that perfect family picture.

 

New this year will be the Lucky Scruff Wintery Whisker Revue, a competition among hirsute gentlemen for the finest facial hair.  Those taking advantage of No Shave November will want to hang on to their whiskers until the Sunday afternoon competition on the stage at the Public Square. Winners will take home fabulous prizes courtesy of Lucky Scruff, a new store at The Factory specializing in accessories for the bearded gentleman, and all entrants will receive gift cards. The judging will take place at 3pm. To enter this contest, visit the Dickens event page at HistoricFranklin.com.

 

Favorite Victorian-era activities will return, including sugar plums and roasted chestnuts being sold on the street. Other food vendors will offer heartier old English fare.  A variety of musical and dance performances will take place both on the street and on the stage at City Hall.  Horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo for children, live artisan demonstrations, and more than 70 vendors offering holiday arts and crafts will line Main Street from Second to Fifth Avenues.  Each day will conclude with a town sing of classic Christmas carols.  Saturday’s town sing will take place in front of the stage on the Public Square; Sunday’s town sing will be conducted inside the Historic Presbyterian Church at Five Points.

 

Dickens of a Christmas will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 12, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 13.  The event is free and open to the public; some attractions will involve a small fee.  More information and a schedule of events will be available at www.historicfranklin.com.

 

Producing Dickens of a Christmas is just one of the many activities of The Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County.  Since 1967 the non-profit group has been dedicated to protecting and preserving Williamson County’s historic, architectural and geographic resources; in short, saving the places that matter.

 

Franklin Tree Lighting Ceremony to happen December 3rd

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The city of Franklin is teaming with Spring Tree Media to light up the square this December 3rd at 6:45 to make the 2015 Christmas tree lighting spectacular!  The Freedom Intermediate School Honors Choir, the Centennial High School Chamber Choir, Music City Strings and other surprise guests will make an appearance.  This year the event is sponsored by Spring Tree Media, Hyundai of Cool Springs and Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation (MTEMC).  New this year, free photos with Santa, sponsored by Williamson Medical Center.  Everyone who wants a photo with the man in red will walk away with a free 5 x 7 photo with Franklin’s Santa!

 

The downtown Franklin Square will be closed for this event so attendees can view the movies and lights projected on the buildings and walk to the tree without worry of traffic.  The square will be closed from 5:459:00pm.

 

image001“Last year was such a fun event with close to 3,000 people in attendance! We are honored to have Hyundai of Cool Springs, Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation and Williamson Medical Center sponsor our activities this year.  In addition, Spring Tree media is donating their creative ideas, and services for Franklin families to celebrate our hometown Christmas tree lighting,” said City Administrator Eric Stuckey.  “We welcome back Freedom Intermediate and Centennial High School this year and are excited the Music City Strings are joining us as well!”

 

“The stage will be in the middle of the square this year with the monument and tree in the background.  It should be easy for everyone to see the performers and the projected lights on the building! We really want this to be a fun and memorable experience for all who attend and each year we’ll add something new and different, there will be surprises!” said Peter Vaqu

Pumpkins for a Purpose

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6th Annual Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser – October 3rd –31st

Pumpkins for a Purpose Franklin TN

Each year in October, an ordinary piece of land sitting at the corner of one of middle Tennessee’s busiest intersections, becomes a “pumpkin patch.” It’s not just any pumpkin patch…it’s THE place to buy your “Pumpkins for a Purpose.”

On October 3rd, Cooper Trooper Foundation will hold its 6th Annual Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser. It is the foundation’s primary fundraiser to support its mission of helping support families who have been diagnosed with childhood cancer.

The 501c3 non-profit organization began in 2009, after Rod and Missy Cook’s youngest son, Cooper, was diagnosed with Infantile Fibrosarcoma at only 8 weeks old. The couple saw quickly the impact that Cooper’s diagnosis had on the whole family, especially his two older brothers. In the midst of going through this, the Cooks decided to do something to encourage and support these often overshadowed “Heroes.” There are minimal resources for the well siblings of children diagnosed with cancer, yet they are the ones who suffer many of the adverse effects. Unfortunately, that is the nature of the disease and unintentionally, these siblings can feel left out. The Cooper Trooper Foundation wants them to know that they are not forgotten, even though much of the focus inevitably turns toward their sick sibling. With that in mind, CTF developed a “Courage Kit” which is given to well siblings. It includes items to celebrate the Heroes that they are, such as a t-shirt, medal, book, journal, and Huggable Hope duck.

Additionally, Cooper Trooper Foundation financially supports an endowed fund set up at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt specific to childhood cancer research. By September 2015, Cooper Trooper will have donated $100,000.00 to this fund.

Pumpkins and gourds of all shapes, sizes, and colors, as well as corn stalks are available. If you are going to buy your pumpkins, why not support a cause while doing so? You can feel confident that 100% of the profit from these pumpkin sales goes directly toward supporting its mission of helping these families whose lives have been turned upside down by cancer.

The Pumpkin Patch also offers a FREE Kid’s area every Saturday and Sunday, complete with an inflatable, trained face painters, corn trough, and games. Photo opportunities are also available any time. So, bring the family out and enjoy supporting a non-profit that is making a difference. The Pumpkin Patch is on the corner of Cool Springs Blvd and Mallory Lane – (in front of Walgreens).

To find out more information, visit their website www.coopertrooper.org and check out their Facebook page.