More than a dozen restaurants, an acclaimed local songwriter, one-of-a-kind artwork and plenty of equestrian-themed entertainment will greet attendees at the Fourth Annual “Raise the Roofs” on Saturday, August 15th at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm.
The event, presented by Farm Credit Mid-America as a fundraiser for the non-profit Friends of Franklin Parks, takes on special significance in its fourth year as the community celebrates the new multi-purpose equestrian arena at Harlinsdale. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., attendees will be treated to a taste of Williamson County courtesy of 14 local providers, music by Nathan Picard, a handful of exquisite auction items and more.
Participating culinary partners include Catering and Events by Suzette; Ching Asian Bistro; Chuy’s Tex-Mex; Circa; Franklin Chop House; the Franklin Noon Rotary BBQ Team; Granite City Food & Brewery; Juice Bar Franklin; Lyrics in The Factory; Nothing Bundt Cakes; Pearls & Spurs Luxury Trail Rides; Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant; Saffire; Sperry’s; and Whole Foods. Lipman Brothers is providing beer, wine and a specialty cocktail as part of the celebration.
The auction will present a handful of curated items, including an original commissioned oil painting by local artist Rachael McCampbell titled “Ready to Roll,” which commemorates the horse’s return to the pastures of the legendary Harlinsdale Farm.
Once again, Bill Harlin of Harlinsdale Farm in College Grove is donating a horse to the live auction from the line of the grand champion Midnight Sun – the two-year-old sorrel gelding named Rowdy Rapture will make the perfect pleasure horse for one lucky family. Also included in the live auction is a horse or dog photography session from Kathy Ziegler Art & Photography.
As the sun sets, Franklin’s own Nathan Picard, a singer-songwriter whose work has been heard on hit television shows, in feature films and on stages across the nation, will serenade the crowd with a string of acoustic hits.
And then there’s the horses – patrons always look forward to the demonstrations of various equestrian breeds that have played a role in the history of Williamson County, and will be featured when the new multi-purpose arena is completed later this summer. Docents will be on hand to give tours of the facility and historic barns around the arena, and event chairs Lisa McInturff and Theresa Menefee promise more fun surprises.
Other event sponsors include Berry Farms; Country Financial; Suzy Heer; James Parker/Morgan Stanley; Amy Cross Nance, Attorney at Law; Theresa and Albert Menefee; Tennessee Equine Hospital Memphis; and Williamson Medical Center.
Tickets are $75 per person and reserved tables for eight or 10 guests are available. Purchase tickets online at www.2015raisetheroofs.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Mindy Tate at (615) 794-0998 or by email at mindy@franklintomorrow.org.
Friends of Franklin Parks was founded in 2011 with a mission to enhance Franklin’s city parks with private dollars. Over the course of three years, the non-profit has raised more than $1 million from individual, corporate and organizational partners toward the construction of the new arena at Harlinsdale. To learn more, visit www.friendsoffranklinparks.org.
15 Williamson County Fair will be held August 7th through the 15th at the Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park. Join us for a 9 days of fun, full of live entertainment, fair rides, food and much more!
The 2015 Williamson County Fair will be held August 7th through the 15th at the Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park. Join us for a 9 days of fun, full of live entertainment, fair rides, food and much more!