23rd Annual Chukkers for Charity “Divots & Downton” to Return on Saturday, Sept. 7

4:29 pm | Thursday, Jun 13th

Nissan returns as title sponsor of the signature polo match and classic car show at Riverview Farm

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Nissan’s Chukkers for Charity returns on Saturday, Sept. 7 for the 23rd annual polo match and car show held in Franklin, Tenn. This year’s theme, “Divots & Downton: An afternoon of Polo & Ponies,” will celebrate award-winning British historical drama Downton Abbey. Chukkers for Charity raises funds for Rochelle Center and Saddle Up! and has raised $3.3 million throughout the last 23 years.

“We are so excited for another year of Chukkers for Charity,” said Debbie Chadwick, president of Rochelle Center. “This family-friendly outdoor event directly supports the work of our programs and the programs at Saddle Up!, and it’s a pleasure to be a beneficiary.”

Chukkers for Charity is the largest polo event in Middle Tennessee and features a vintage car show parade during half time, a silent auction and cabana decorating competition. Guests are encouraged to participate in celebrating the theme through the décor of their individual cabana tailgating headquarters, as well as through their attire. Chukkers for Charity will feature a best dressed contest to highlight guests that are able to embrace the “Divots & Downton” theme most successfully.

Executive Director of Saddle Up! Laurie Kush added, “Saddle Up! is honored to share one of Middle Tennessee’s favorite fundraising events with non-profit partner, Rochelle Center. The proceeds from the event ensure that Saddle Up!’s special equestrians, ages 2-24, are able to access quality and safe therapeutic programming that uses the unique power and motivation of the horse.”

Matt Paco and Nina Lindley return as Chukker’s for Charity co-chairs for the second year in a row. Along with Nissan as title sponsor, additional sponsors include Canyon Ranch, Colonial Hill Farm, Ironhorse Farms, 12^th Street Asset Management, LBMC, Williamson Medical Center, Jack Daniel Distillery, Tennessee Equine Hospital, Jackie and Barry Alexander, Publix Super Markets Charities, Ortale Kelley, Bank of America Private Bank, Lipman Brothers – R.S. Lipman Company, Ingram Entertainment, Lithographics, Nashville Geek, D’Andrews Bakery, and Outdoor Classic Structures.

The gates for the event will open at 1 p.m. for tailgaters and 2 p.m. for patrons. The opening ceremony will be held at 2:45 p.m. with the polo match beginning around 3 p.m. Following the polo match, dinner will begin in the Patrons Tent at 5:15 p.m.

Fieldside Patron Tables are available for $2,500 per table of 10. Standard Patron Tables are available for $1,750 per table of 10 or $175 per individual ticket. Tailgating cabanas are available for $300, which includes six wristbands and a cabana, two additional wristbands per cabana available for $50 each. To purchase tickets, please visit www.chukkersforcharity.net.

Chukkers for Charity is hosted by Lee Ann and Orrin Ingram at Riverview Farm in Franklin, Tenn. For more information, call 615-794-1150 ex. 320 or visit https://bit.ly/2MFjwDE to purchase tickets.

ABOUT ROCHELLE CENTER

In 1968, long time area educator W.R. Rochelle, began the foundation for the agency to offer support for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This support enhances skills necessary for these individuals to become as independent as possible in our community. Today’s Rochelle Center continues that mission with community integration, employment, in addition to residential services. For more information, visit www.rochellecenter.org.

About SADDLE UP!

Saddle Up! provides children and youth with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational and recreational activities with horses. Our programs include Adaptive Riding, Therapy Services (including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy), Advanced Rider Equestrian Club, Equine Assisted Learning, Interactive Vaulting, and the Alumni Transitions Program. Since 1991, our programs, education, and outreach make a measurable impact in the lives of Middle Tennessee youth from 11 counties, with more than 50 types of documented disabilities. Saddle Up! is Middle Tennessee’s largest and oldest Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Premier Accredited Center. saddleupnashville.org.

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Flavor of Franklin

6:00 pm | Friday, Aug 24th

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Want to enjoy some of the amazing food available in and around Franklin?

Check out the “Flavor of Franklin” on August 24th. The Flavor of Franklin opens up the Great Americana BBQ weekend with a celebration of the area’s best food and beverages. Over 20 local restaurants and specialty food vendors will be on hand to give you a taste of some amazing food. Imagine sampling tasty appetizers from one restaurant, a bold entre from another and a decadent dessert from a small specialty food vendor. All this while enjoying the evening with friends on the grounds of beautiful Harlinsdale Farms. Live music will be paying on the main stage for your entertainment. Craft beer and cocktails will be for sale at the Flavor of Franklin Bar.

Proceeds from Friday nights Flavor of Franklin will benefit local culinary arts programs. The Franklin BBQ Society is committed to helping local students who dream to become culinary professionals and want to develop the necessary cooking techniques and other skills essential to success in the industry. Tickets for the Flavor of Franklin will be available for $20 online as well as at the gate.

The Flavor of Franklin is hosted by The Franklin BBQ Society and The Franklin Noon Rotary Club (FNRC). The FNRC has dedicated over six decades of service to its community and has distributed over two million dollars to local charities. FNRC continues to produce The Franklin Rodeo, Williamson County’s longest running annual event, celebrating its 70th year.

Williamson County Fair

6:00 pm | Friday, Aug 3rd

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Recognized among the best anywhere by its peers at the state and international levels, with last year’s event winning awards from the Tennessee Association of Fairs and the International Association of Fairs and Expos, the Williamson County Fair is supported by more than 1,800 volunteers, numerous sponsors, its home county and surrounding communities. Featuring numerous attractions, entertainment, and competitive events, the Fair has grown each summer and continues to be a beacon for agricultural education in Williamson County.

The 2018 Williamson County Fair runs August 3rd through 11th at the Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN, 37064.

Monday – Thursday: 6:00 PM. – 10:00 PM

Friday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday: 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.

Christmas Parade

6:43 pm | Sunday, Nov 19th

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Franklin Kiwanis Christmas Parade – Holiday Events in Historic Downtown Franklin, TN

The Franklin Kiwanis Christmas Parade is held annually the first Saturday in December. Winding through the streets of Historic Downtown Franklin, TN, the parade is a community celebration of the traditions of the Christmas season.

All entries must be decorated in the spirit of the theme.

Sat, December 2, 2017

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM CST

LOCATION

Jim Warren Park – Participant Check In / Line up

705 Boyd Mill Avenue

Franklin, TN

Williamson County Animal Center

8:32 pm | Thursday, Jun 1st

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The Williamson County Animal Center uses donated dog and cat food or donated funds to provide Williamson County’s elderly recipients of the Meals on Wheels program food for their pets.

Food such as bird seed and dog and cat treats are packaged by volunteers at Williamson County Animal Center and delivered to 4 Meals on Wheels sites, who then deliver to the residents on their routes. Orders go out the 1st of each month.

To learn more about this program please visit Friends of Williamson County Animal Center www.friendsofwcac.com/home.html

Round Table with Eric Jacobson

8:51 pm | Wednesday, Sep 14th

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The Battle of Franklin Trust will host the Franklin Civil War Round Table featuring key-note speaker Eric A. Jacobson on Sunday, Oct. 9 at Carnton Plantation’s Fleming Center.
“The Civil War Round Table is a great way to educate the community about topics pertaining to the Civil War and the Battle of Franklin,” said Eric A. Jacobson, CEO of the Battle of Franklin Trust. “The story of General George Wagner’s life and his role at the Battle of Franklin is one of great complexity, and I look forward to sharing that story with our local community.”
Jacobson is the author of three books on the American Civil War, “For Cause & For Country,” “The McGavock Confederate Cemetery” and “Baptism of Fire.” He has been the CEO of the Battle of Franklin Trust since 2014, leading the non-profit organization in continued preservation of the Franklin battlefield, Carnton Plantation and The Carter House.
The Franklin Civil War Round Table meets monthly at Carnton Plantation’s Fleming Center, located at 1345 Eastern Flank Circle. The event begins at 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For more information on Franklin Civil War Round Table, email cwrt@yahoo.com, or visit http://www.franklinscharge.com/round-table.
About The Battle of Franklin Trust The Battle of Franklin Trust is a 501(c)3 management corporation acting on behalf of Franklin’s battlefield sites to contribute to visitors’ understanding of the November 30, 1864 Battle of Franklin. The Trust is organized for the charitable and educational purposes of preserving, restoring, maintaining and interpreting the properties, artifacts and documents related to the battle to preserve this important part of the nation’s history.

Williamson County Fair Recap

8:43 pm | Wednesday, Sep 14th

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Crowds young and old flocked to the AgExpo Park from August 5-13 for the 2016 Williamson County Fair, with the “Barnyard Mardi Gras” themed event offering something for everyone. And while a rainy August provided some logistical challenges, the 12th annual Fair set a number of records while making a significant impact on the community.

The Fair proved to be successful in many ways again this year, including a considerable increase in the number of competitive entries. With over 6,600 total entries across multiple categories, 43 winners placed in the top three and earned a cash premium. Categories including the quilt, sheep and cattle shows saw a record number of entries, with over 300 head of each shown as part of the livestock exhibits.

Despite battling rain and the forecast of bad weather, attendance remained relatively steady.

“Our traffic counts were down a bit due to the rain and forecast of rain throughout the Fair, but we’re very pleased with the event overall,” Fair Board Chairman Rogers Anderson said. “Every year, we try to introduce new features, and adding the online sales and accepting credit cards at the gates made the experience that much more convenient for our visitors. New and expanded partnerships with Page, Ravenwood and Centennial high schools helped the ticket booths, ride entries and parking system run smoothly.

“We especially want to thank our volunteers, vendors, the business community and an army of volunteers for their generous support of the Fair. Another way we highlight giving back to the community is our annual ‘Pay It Forward Night, Benefitting GraceWorks Ministries,’” Anderson said. “Williamson County residents and visitors brought in over 6,000 pounds of donations, including various canned foods and household items, such as diapers and laundry detergent. These donations helped to fill a huge need for GraceWorks and the people they serve. Once again, the willingness of our Fair visitors to step up and support their neighbors reminds us of what a special place we live in.”

GraceWorks Food Pantry Coordinator Phil Rutledge said the donations are much needed, particularly at this time of year.

“This will fill in many of the empty shelves we have and allow us to provide nutritious baskets of food to our neighbors in need,” Rutledge said.

The Williamson County Fair will return August 4-12, 2017 and Anderson said the Fair Board is looking for community-minded individuals who might have a desire to serve in a leadership capacity.

“Many of our committee chairs have been fulfilling their roles for the past 12 years, and we welcome folks who want to become more involved as an event chairman in a number of different areas,” Anderson said.
For more information, visit www.williamsoncountyfair.org.

Turkey Trot this Fall

8:41 pm | Wednesday, Sep 14th

Living

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No worries about gaining Thanksgiving pounds this year if you sign up for the Turkey Trot 5K.

Early bird registration is now open at www.turkeytrotfranklin.com for the Thanksgiving morning event that benefits GraceWorks. The race, in its 16^th year, is now the largest stand-alone 5K in Tennessee with more than 3000 runners last year.

Early bird fees are $30 per runner until 11:59 p.m. Oct. 31. Teams receive an additional discount. The cost increases to $35 per runner from Nov. 1-21. Registration Nov. 23 and 24 at D1 will be $40 per runner.

The 5K Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m. Nov. 24 at D1 Sports Training, 7115 S. Springs Drive, just south of the CoolSprings Galleria. The course is USATF certified and winds through the area surrounding the mall. A Kids Fun Run for ages 9 and younger will start at 9 a.m.

Awards in the 5K will be presented to the top three male and female overall, Top Three Masters male and female, and Top Three male and female runners in age groups 9 and under, 10-14 and in five-year increments up to age 80 and over.

GraceWorks is a Williamson County nonprofit providing immediate and long-term resources to people in need since 1995. Through a network of committed volunteers, community partners, and donors, GraceWorks provides programs such as food, utility and rent assistance, senior transportation, weekend healthy food items for at-risk youths and other services. In 2015 GraceWorks served 50,069 needs valued at $4.5 million.

Great Americana Barbecue Festival

7:51 pm | Tuesday, Jul 26th

Living

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On August 27th, 2016 the air in Franklin, Tennessee will be filled with the sweet aroma of hickory smoke and simmering sauce for the inaugural ‘Great Americana Barbecue Festival’ at Harlinsdale Farm. Visitors will enjoy some of the most “finger licking good” barbecue around, prepared by professional pit masters and iron chefs from across the country.

The BBQ festival is hosted by The Franklin BBQ Society and The Franklin Noon Rotary Club (FNRC). The FNRC has dedicated over six decades of service to its community and has distributed over two million dollars to local charities. FNRC continues to produce The Franklin Rodeo, Williamson County’s longest running annual event, celebrating its 67th year.

Barbecue will take center stage with vendors, grilling demonstrations, a whole hog smoking contest, and a Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) sanctioned barbecue competition featuring 60 teams competing in five categories for over $8,000 in total cash prizes. Festival goers will be able to join in on the judging by selecting the “People’s Champion”.

Front Street Craft Beer Celebration

7:39 pm | Tuesday, Jul 26th

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The Celebration is dedicated to the enjoyment of the best craft beers around. Guests will have the opportunity to sample 30+ craft beers, with many of these brews coming from the best Southern craft and micro-breweries around. This rain or shine event will take place under a tent, at the lake on Front Street in Westhaven Town Center.

Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door until sell-out. Doors open at 4:30 pm and runs until 9 pm. Tickets include a samples of some of 30+ craft beers, five ounce souvenir glass, brewer’s list card. Designated Driver tickets are also available for $5. All proceeds raised from the event will benefit The Westhaven Foundation’s Excellence in Education efforts.

Tickets for the VIP area are $75 and include entry to an exclusive lounge with private taps and limited food from 5 – 7 pm, and your very own porta-potti. What a deal!

Food truck vendors will be on-site and Bellaterra fine cigars will be available for purchase. Attendees at the event must be 21-years of age or older, and no children, strollers or pets will be allowed in the Beer Garden.

For Sponsorship opportunities, please contact Shaun Rowles at (865) 803-3453 or Mark McCutcheon.

This is a tented event and will be held rain or shine.