The McGavock Dinner is our special way of honoring major donors of The Battle of Franklin Trust. At this annual black tie event held at Carnton Plantation, guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a gourmet dinner. Reservations are required. Please contact Morgan Harris at (615) 794-0903 or morgan@battleoffranklintrust.org for more information.
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s The Big Payback is a 24-hour, online giving event to increase philanthropy in the 40 counties we serve. The Big Payback is on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 and will inspire Middle Tennesseans to come together, show their pride in their community, and contribute to support the life-changing work of local nonprofit organizations.
How it Works
For 24-hours beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, donors can make gifts to participating nonprofits that are located in or provide services in the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee. Donations will be amplified by incentives, bonuses and additional prizes. It will be a race to the finish!
Click here for FAQ’s about The Big Payback.
Contact Rebecca Finley at rfinley@cfmt.org or 615-321-4939 for more information.
“Jazz & Blues, Students & Pros”
Saturday, April 18th, 2015
The Factory at Franklin, Franklin, TN
In conjunction with Williamson County Cultural Arts Commission
General Information
The 2015 Franklin Jazz Festival is celebrating its twenty fifth year. The festival has the distinction of being not only one of the longest running, but also one of the top jazz festivals in the Southeast. The Franklin Jazz Festival stage will be located in Liberty Hall, along with arts, crafts, food and beverages. The art that will be displayed and sold is provided by this year’s nonprofit beneficiary, the Williamson County Cultural Arts Commission. The WCCAC exists to promote, encourage, educate, and advocate the cultural arts in Williamson County Tennessee. This year’s festival has moved to the spring to facilitate this year’s theme, “Jazz & Blues, Students & Pros”, which shines the light on middle Tennessee’s school jazz programs. School groups will perform during the day and professional groups will perform in the evening.
Activities for Kids and Family in Franklin, TN
Please join The Franklin Tree Commission and the City of Franklin Parks Department for tons of fun in the trees with opportunities in tree climbing, kids’ activities, food, information and free tree saplings at Pinkerton Park in Franklin from 10am-2pm.
Master tree climbing instructor Tim Kovar, from Tree Climbing Planet will guide individuals into the crown of a tree for a public tree climb with several stations, all certified equipment will be provided during this annual family friendly event. Participants will ascend into the tree using the same rope-and-saddle method that canopy researchers use. “Getting up into a tree – being surrounded by the branches – is just a great way to explore nature,” said Tim Kovar. “Not only is it just plain fun, it connects us with the natural world in a way that not many people are exposed to.”
The tree climb is free and open to the public. Participants must be at least six years old and be wearing closed-toe shoes. For more information please check out the website or email specific questions to parksinfo@franklintn.gov
A Vintage Affair – Meet The Vintner Preview Party and Main Event
5:30 pm | Friday, Apr 17th
Meet The Vintner Preview Party – Friday, April 17th
Our annual Meet The Vintner Preview Party (formally the Sommelier Preview Party) will be held in the courtyard outside Jamison Hall from 5:30 to 7 p.m. It will feature fine cigars, special wine tastings from Cederquist Wine Company, Robledo Family Winery, Trifecta Wines, Anderson’s Conn Valley and Barnett Vineyards, champagne and hors d’oeuvres by Red Pony Catering. Guests of the MTV Preview Party may begin viewing the silent auction items prior to the start of the Main Event. Tickets are $125 and includes admission to the Main Event. Business casual attire.
2015 Main Event – Friday, April 17th
The doors of Jamison Hall will open at 7 p.m. for the Main Event featuring numerous wine tasting stations, several fabulous food stations and many wonderful live, silent and wine auction items to bid on, including hundreds of wines. Feature food stations include: Catering and Events by Suzette, Olivia Olive Oil, Southern City Flavors, among others. Featrued wine stations: Brinkmanns W&S. Red Dog W&S, Moon W&S, Arrington Vineyards, TennSouth Distillery, & Robledo Family Winery
Visit website for more information.
A Vintage Affair is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to raising money for Williamson County charities benefiting women and children in need. AVA hosts various events throughout the year which include: wine, spirit & food tastings, live and silent auctions, A Fashion Affair, and The Grape Stomp.
A Vintage Affair Goes Country – Thursday, April 16th
On Thursday, April 16, AVA patrons will gather at Green’s Grocery in Historic Leiper’s Fork for “A Vintage Affair Goes Country.” This event was formerly known as “Vintage Champagne and Vintage Country Music.”
At this boots and blue jeans event, guests will taste wonderful California wines, TN BBQ s and cold beer in an old Tennessee atmosphere. Entertainment will be provided by Brooklyhn Woods. Tickets are $75. Doors open at 6pm. Cowboy/country attire.
Visit website for more information!
A Vintage Affair is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to raising money for Williamson County charities benefiting women and children in need. AVA hosts various events throughout the year which include: wine, spirit & food tastings, live and silent auctions, A Fashion Affair, and The Grape Stomp.
MAIN STREET FESTIVAL RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN; XFINITY AS TITLE SPONSOR
One of the Southeast’s Most Popular Events Expected to Bring Over 130,000 to Williamson County
FRANKLIN, Tenn — The Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County is pleased to announce the return of Main Street Festival, scheduled for April 25-26 in Historic Downtown Franklin. With Xfinity as the annual event’s title sponsor, organizers say spring’s premier celebration will be bigger and better this year
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and to expect a full weekend of arts and crafts, music and dance, children’s activities, food and fun.
With Main Street closed to traffic from First to Fifth Avenues, Xfinity Main Street Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 25; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 26. Admission is free.
“We are thrilled to welcome Xfinity as the title sponsor of this year’s event,” said Mary Pearce, executive director of the Heritage Foundation. “This is a relationship that has been developing for a while, and we are so happy that it has culminated in this title sponsorship. Franklin’s reputation as a destination to shop, eat and play is a natural fit with Xfinity’s entertainment brand. With their support we are able to offer an even better lineup of entertainment for the whole family at the Xfinity Main Street Festival.”
“We are proud to be the title sponsor for the 32nd annual Main Street Festival in Franklin,” said Sara Jo Walker, Director of Public Relations for Comcast. “Comcast has been dedicated to investing in technology infrastructure in Franklin and Williamson County for many years, but this sponsorship underscores our ongoing commitment to the community as well.”
The centerpiece of Xfinity Main Street Festival is a juried arts and crafts show featuring some 200 vendors with original and hand crafted wares. Original paintings, pottery, jewelry, furniture, woodworking, ornamental iron, stained glass, photography, home and garden accents, leatherwork, and much more will be showcased on Main Street from First to Fifth Avenues. Arts and crafts will be on display from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, and again from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday
Free entertainment will be offered continuously on two stages. The Xfinity Stage on the Public Square will feature local bands playing a variety of genres: Indie, Country, Rock, Bluegrass, Gospel and more. Eric Heatherly and his “Goats of Kudzu” will headline a Saturday night street dance on the Public Square from 8:30 – 10 p.m. The Heritage Stage located on Fourth Avenue North will feature a variety of local dance groups, including the Ann Carroll School of Dance, Tommy Jackson’s Rocky Top Revue and the Nashville Ballet.
A beer tent on Fourth Avenue South will feature pub-style entertainment such as karaoke and corn hole. A kids’ zone on Third Avenue South will offer a variety of inflatables, train and pony rides, a petting zoo, bungee jump and other activities for a small fee.
Returning this year is the very popular carnival component, located this year on Second Ave. N., on the Harpeth Square development site. Carnival activities kick off at 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Off-site parking and shuttle bus service will be available at The People’s Church on Hwy. 96 and Harlinsdale Farm on Franklin Road on both Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, off-site parking will be available only at Harlinsdale Farm. Shuttle service to downtown Franklin will be available for $1 per person per ride. Food, beverage, pets and non-folding strollers are not permitted on the trolleys.
For more information and a complete line up of entertainers, visit franklinmainstreetfest.com.
About The Heritage Foundation
The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the historic resources in Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee. The Heritage Foundation produces eight event series and festivals each year to attract visitors to downtown Franklin, and to promote the benefits of historic preservation. To learn more, go to www.historicfranklin.com.
A Vintner Dinner – Wednesday, April 15th
Sperry’s Restaurant in Cool Springs will be the setting for this 5 course wine maker dinner. Each course will be served with a specially paired wine, with a chance to hear from the wine maker. This is a VIP dinner for our top sponsors. There are very limited tickets available for individual guests who wish to join this very special evening.
- Todd Anderson of Anderson’s Conn Valley
- William Date of Barnett Vineyards
- Dan Cederquist of Cederquist Wines
- Pablo Nyarady of Trifecta Wines
$275 per guest. Cocktail hour at 6pm. Dinner at 7pm. Business attire.
Visit website for more information!
A Vintage Affair is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to raising money for Williamson County charities benefiting women and children in need. AVA hosts various events throughout the year which include: wine, spirit & food tastings, live and silent auctions, A Fashion Affair, and The Grape Stomp.
Giving on the Green Golf Tournament
6:30 pm | Tuesday, Apr 14th
High Hopes Development Center in Franklin presents its 12th annual Giving on the Green Golf Tournament on May 11, 2015 at Brentwood Country Club.
Giving on the Green is one of three major fundraisers held each year benefiting the 501(c)3 non-profit inclusive preschool and clinic. This year’s event begins with a noon shotgun start and includes 18 holes of golf, box lunch by Chick-fil-A, and buffet dinner catered by Brentwood Country Club. Event chairs expect this year’s event to not only provide golfers a fun and relaxing day of golf but to also raise money for the quality programs High Hopes offers to children. “A visit to High Hopes will inspire any golfer to join us for this great day of golf. The programs and services that the preschool and clinic offer are life-changing for these children and this is certainly an enjoyable way for golfers to make a contribution,” said Jim Gray, former High Hopes board chair and avid golfer. Foursomes play in honor of a current or former High Hopes child. With team names like “Team Abbott” and “Team Hunt”, who wouldn’t enjoy a round of golf while supporting great kids?
High Hopes Development Center offers a specialized and focused approached to serving children utilizing two programs: The Preschool at High Hopes and The Therapy Clinic at High Hopes. The Preschool provides early childhood education and childcare in an inclusive environment that equips children with the confidence to explore and try new things. The Therapy Clinic provides exceptional Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Feeding Therapy for children from birth to age 21.
About High Hopes, Inc.
High Hopes Development Center offers a specialized approach to serving children with special needs and chronic diseases. We accomplish this unique service through our pediatric therapy clinic and inclusive preschool. High Hopes is the only preschool in Williamson County with an on-site pediatric therapy clinic. In addition, High Hopes is the only child care provider in Williamson County equipped to serve children with a plethora of special needs so that parents can work, and at the same time, ensure their child is receiving the quality therapeutic care, educational enrichment, and emotional support needed. High Hopes’ approach to early intervention is a proactive philosophy of serving children at a younger age, to increase growth potential and reduce the future need for reactive services. High Hopes’ mission is to equip children and youth with the skills necessary to achieve success through education, rehabilitation, and loving support.
For more information about High Hopes or to register to play in Giving on the Green, call Bonnie Richardson at 615-550-1443 or visit www.HighHopesForKids.org
The Franklin Rodeo takes place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Ag Expo Center in Franklin. Last weekend, historic downtown Franklin hosted the annual Franklin Rodeo Parade.
Check out the photos!
Here is a glipse behind the history of the Franklin Rodeo from FranklinRodeo.com:
For 65 years now, cowboys and cowgirls have stampeded to Franklin, Tennessee in early May to participate in what is billed as the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi. The Franklin Rodeo is a project of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club, which has now celebrated over six decades of excitement since its beginnings.
The Franklin Noon Rotary Club was chartered January 13, 1948 with 14 members. Judge Jim Warren served as the club’s first president. Despite its humble beginnings, today the club has almost 150 members representing a large cross section of business backgrounds in one of Middle Tennessee’s favorite places to live.
For most members of the newly formed Franklin Rotary Club, this truly was their first rodeo
Soon after its creation, the newly formed club began looking for a fundraising project. Long-time Franklin Rotarian Jim Hayes remembers hearing about it. “Someone hit on the idea of having a rodeo, but there was a small problem. We had one man, Dr. Harry Guffee, who had actually seen a rodeo and a couple of other people who had migrated up from Texas,” Hayes relates. “Dr. Guffee, along with transplanted Texans John and Preston Fowlkes and Bob Corley were principals in carrying the torch,” according to Hayes. “Another significant person was Ed Moody, who managed the rodeo from the 1950’s until 1984.”
The first rodeo was planned for Saturday, May 6, 1949 with a parade leading up to it and was a rousing success. It was led by then Tennessee Governor Gordon Browning, local Rotarians and visiting cowboys. Bands from Franklin High School and the Columbia Military Academy also participated. About 1,000 4-H kids and their parents were in town and they joined in too. Many county residents rode their horses to town for the event so they also joined the parade. That started a tradition that goes on to this day.
Hayes said the rodeo’s first years were tenuous. “There were several times during the early history of the rodeo when the Rotary Club toyed with canceling it. They’d have one year where they’d make money and one where they’d have bad weather and lose money.” But the event went on, and Hayes attributes that to the character of Rotarians. “There were some strong beliefs among some members of the club that the rodeo would be a good long term event.”
During the past six decades, the rodeo has produced over two million “bucks”
Over the past 64 years, over $2.5 million has been raised for community causes, including everything from college scholarships to medical care. Hayes said, “In the ‘60’s, there was a shortage of physicians, dentists, and trained nurses in our county. For many years the Franklin Noon Rotary Club gave scholarships to medical, dental and nursing schools. That financial aid produced a number of good doctors, dentists, and nurses.” Funds often also went to buy band uniforms and library books for the public schools. Following the 1950 rodeo, the Review Appeal newspaper printed, “Not only will the reader have the time of his life (at the rodeo), but he is assured that his 60 cents (admission) will be spent wisely – adequate uniforms for the FHS band.”
Hayes believes the rodeo is part of the fabric of the community. “We were an agrarian community—we were farm oriented, and for rodeo week, it became the main thing we did and the biggest event to happen in Franklin year round.”
Hayes added that even though the population of Williamson County has grown exponentially and has shifted away from agriculture, the rodeo is still woven into the fabric of the community.
Today’s rodeo looks a lot different than the first one held in 1949. The event spans three nights, is held inside an air conditioned arena and attendance exceeds the entire 1949 population of Franklin. And the sixty-cent admission of that first rodeo won’t even buy a soft drink today.
But two things do remain the same—fans still have a good time and the community still benefits from the work of the Franklin, Tennessee Noon Rotary Club.