On Sunday, October 1, 2023, Adam David Welsh (center photo) of Gordonsville will make history when he becomes the third son of Mark and Sebrena Welsh to receive the coveted Eagle Scout Award.  Vance Lackey, Deputy Scout Executive of the Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America reported that having three Eagle Scout siblings in a family is a rarity.  David Bass, Eagle Scout and local Scout leader could not find another such family in the records of Smith County Eagle Scouts. 

The public is invited to attend the 3 PM Eagle Court of Honor at the Carthage United Methodist Church which charters Troop 367 Scouts BSA.  Eagle Scouts Chris Welsh (left in picture) and Daniel Welsh (right in picture) will pin the award on their brother’s uniform.   

A major requirement for earning the top rank of Eagle Scout is the selection and oversight of a community service project.  Adam made improvements to his church (Gordonsville UMC) by selecting and assembling new playground equipment and placing a bench nearby and assembling and placing benches at the church front entrance as well as the lower entrance.   

Adam graduated Gordonsville High School in May of 2022, and turned eighteen in September of that year which ended his membership in Scouts BSA; however, his earned moniker of Eagle Scout will perpetually cause him to stand out among his contemporaries.  As an accomplished second year student at Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), he has found that company owners are impressed when they see Eagle Scout listed on his resume. (Note:  The military automatically enlists Eagle Scout inductees at the next level pay scale.) 

Kudos to the Welsh Family for choosing to rear their sons in Scouting, distinguished by its plethora of outdoor activities interspersed in a program steeped in time-honored values embodied in the Scout Oath and Law.  

Could this be the extra curricula activity for your son, grandson, or nephew who is between ten and seventeen years of age? Discuss this with Scoutmaster Josh Pedigo 615-633-2080.   

Girls and boys, kindergarten through age nine, are welcome in the family-oriented Cub Scout Pack 367.  Cubmaster Ronnie Butler, Jr. (615-489-7412) will be happy to discuss that program with you.  You may join at any time of year. 

The Spot, located at 108 Ward Avenue will host a Yard Sale and Silent Auction on Saturday, September 30th from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. All proceeds will benefit youth programs at The Spot.

The Spot is a Youth Center open to students in 7th – 12th grade. The Spot aims to establish the kinds of relationships that cultivate responsible young men and women to become productive assets to our community. The Spot offers a safe place to be who they are, a place to feel valued and accepted, and an atmosphere for positive reinforcement of life skills.

The Spot provides After School Programs, Music Workshops, Young Adult Life Skills, Choosing to Change and more to the youth in Smith County.

Submitted by Bill Woodard, Executive Director, Smith County Chamber of Commerce

Carthage, TN – Get ready to step back in time and celebrate the rich heritage of Carthage, Tennessee, at the upcoming 2023 William Walton Days Event on Saturday September 30th on the Historic Smith County Courthouse Square. This annual festival, deeply rooted in the community’s history, promises a day of fun, entertainment, and a profound connection to the past.

The event schedule is packed with exciting activities that will transport attendees to the pioneer days of Smith County. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:

8:00 am: The day begins with vendor setup as local businesses and artisans prepare to showcase their wares and talents.

9:00 am: Vendors open for business, offering a wide array of goods, crafts, and delectable treats for festival-goers to explore and enjoy.

10:30 am: The solemn Walton Gravesite Ceremony, (At the Walton Gravesite located on Myer Street which is the driveway before Sonic on the right) presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), pays homage to the festival’s namesake, William Walton.

10:45 am: Boy Scouts Cub pack will perform flag raising ceremony.

11:00 am: Mayor Mason officially opens the festival, setting the stage for a day of celebration.

11:15 am: Don’t miss the DAR presentation that will provide valuable insights on William Walton the man who inspired this remarkable event.

11:45 am: The festival continues with live music by the band Sycamore, led by the talented Austin Kannapel and Kie Blackburn.

12:30 pm: Amanda Crawford takes the stage, adding her unique musical flair to the festivities.

1:00 pm: The Smith County High School Theater Group presents a captivating historic reenactment, bringing the past to life through their talent and dedication. Led by Mr. J.R. Smith

1:30 pm: The delightful Callie Drennan enchants the audience with her musical performance.

2:00 pm: Get ready for a delightful surprise as the Ukulelers from The Spot showcase their musical prowess, adding a touch of whimsy to the event, led by Mr. Don Kannapel.

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Join in the fun at the Sigma Phi Cakewalk, a beloved tradition that promises sweet treats and good times for all. They will have a booth where you can buy confections all day.

3:45 pm: Experience history coming alive with a historical reenactment featuring Tilman Dixon as John Oliver, offering a unique perspective on the region’s past.

4:00 pm: The highlight of the day, the Harvest Queen Pageant, takes the stage. Once again, Mrs. Jeri Lynn Vaden Malone brings together a wonderful group of contestants from our local area to compete for the honor of Harvest Queen. This prestigious event is made even more special with musical stylings by Don Kannapel.

6:00 pm: FREE Concert featuring Tennessee Outlaw Country, an electrifying Southern Rock/Outlaw Country band from Smith County TN.

The 2023 William Walton Days Event promises to be a day filled with entertainment, education, and community spirit. As you explore the historic courthouse square in Carthage, you’ll witness demonstrations, exhibits, and reenactments that provide a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the early settlers who shaped this region.

From savoring delicious food and exploring unique shopping opportunities to enjoying thrilling rides and live performances, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Rackley Roofing will once again bring back the ever-popular Zip Line to the main street. Zero Gravity will be in the street with their reverse bungee jump. The City of Carthage and The Carthage Baptist Church will both have inflatables for the kids.

William Walton Harvest Festival – a brief history

William Walton Harvest Festival traces its origins back to the Fall Heritage Festival, an inspired creation of Dan and Mayor Sabra Hodge in the mid-1990s, a festival that thrived until 2003. The Fall Heritage Festival was designed to offer our local residents a captivating glimpse of our past, featuring immersive displays, historical reenactments, and an array of vendors and craft booths. From 2004 to 2011, The Rendezvous on the Square festival graced our streets as a lively local street fair, boasting captivating crafting exhibits, sensational entertainment, and a diverse selection of delectable food booths. William Walton Harvest Festival emerged as an evolution that artfully combines the essence of these two preceding festivals. Through its evolution, one unwavering mission has endured: to invigorate our local merchants and present our cultural heritage and our local history to our residents each year.

Watch for next weeks article on Captain William Walton and some of our local history.

We would like to extend our gratitude and thank our Sponsors: Nyrstar, DTC Communications, Citizens Bank, Smith County Bank, Riverview Regional Hospital, The Carthage Pavilion, and Wilson Bank & Trust, for their support of this community festival.

If you would like more information on the William Walton Harvest Festival please contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce or visit our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/williamwaltonharvestfestival.

A GLOW WALK honoring National Recovery Month will be held on Thursday, September 28th at 6:30 p.m. This is a FREE event, no need to register. Just meet at the Rails to Trails in South Carthage at the Gazebo across from the Town Hall. 

It is a glow walk, so we will be giving away glow sticks and have the path lit up. But if individuals want to bring their flashlights there may be dark areas on the trail. 

We will have vendors, such as the TN Health Dept and Riverview Hospital that will be giving out items and have door prizes. There will be opportunity to talk with one of our Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists about Overdose Reversal Training as well. It’s a great time to come out and walk with your family and show support to the recovery community in Smith County! This is all about breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and supporting those doing their best to overcome it! 

Living Water Ministries will host a Crawfish Boil on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce from 5-7 p.m. Dine-in or to-go plates will cost $10 each. All proceeds will benefit the Pregnancy Resource Center in Carthage, TN

The Alexandria Lion’s Club will host the Joe Hearn Memorial Scholarship Poker Run on Saturday, September 30th 20223. Hot Rods, Bikes, etc. are welcome. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the run will depart from102 Fairgrounds Road, Alexandria,TN.

Registration is $25 per entry and $10 per passenger (additional hand). A BBQ lunch is included. Prizes will be given for overall highest and lowest scoring hand. In case of inclement weather a rain date of October 1st has been set. Contact Brad or Chris at 615-529-2580 for more information.

In 2018 a memorial scholarship fund was setup by the Alexandria lions Club in memory of Joe. The scholarship is awarded to a high school vocational student each year. Joe was an avid Ford Mustang lover and longtime member of the Alexandria Lions Club. The run is a just one way the Alexandria Lions club continues to show their love to Joe and give back to the community.

The Pregnancy Help Center of Smith County will be bring the river to Main Street once again to raise money for the clients that the Pregnancy Center serves. This is the 2nd year the Biggest Little Duck Race will be held as part of the William Walton Harvest Festival on September 30th.

Small Rubber/Plastic Duckies will “swim” down a 16’ miniature Lazy River to determine winners in both the BIG race and smaller duck races during the day. The BIG race promises a minimum of $1,000 to the winner or 40% of the proceeds raised from adopted ducks (whichever is greater). Ducks can be adopted for $10.00. Additional prizes for subsequent places will also be awarded. There will be a “Pluck a Duck” opportunity for smaller children with age-appropriate prizes.

You can adopt duck(s) on the Pregnancy Help Center website at at the Pregnancy Help Center in Carthage during business hours, Smith Co. Chamber of Commerce, all local branches of Citizens Bank, Smith County Bank and Wilson Bank & Trust, Smith County Drug Center, Gordonsville Drugs, Hackett’s Discount Drugs , and from PHC board members – Martha Hinton, Tim Frank, Gary Ferrell, Michael Manor, Robin Underwood, Heather Underwood, Amy Buckner, and Sandra Vaden and at the PHC booth on the day of the race.

Adoptions/Tickets for the BIG Race are $10.00 each. Tickets for the smaller races will be purchased on race day only.
For more information about the race, rules or to adopt your own ducks go to https://www.prcsmithcounty.org/duckrace or text the PRC at (615) 281-8054.

The PHC is a Christ-centered ministry offering life affirming, compassionate care to women, men and children who face pregnancy related issues. They are there for you to help you understand the choices available to you and your families. Free and confidential. To learn more about the PHC go to https://www.prcsmithcounty.org

Our ducks are in a row and we’re about ready to send them down the river!

Local artist Sarah Caum, known for her unique exploration of emotions through her artwork, is set to mesmerize art enthusiasts and the local community alike with her debut solo art exhibition. The highly-anticipated event will take place on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the historic Carthage Junction Depot located at 185 Gordonsville Hwy, Brush Creek, TN 38547.

Sarah Caum, hailing from art.caum, is thrilled to showcase her talent from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This dual time frame allows the community to immerse themselves in her captivating creations throughout the day and provides an opportunity for a date night activity that evening. The exhibition will feature eight installments of abstract art, each a testament to Sarah’s deep exploration and processing of human emotions through her work. Visitors can expect to be taken on a journey through the intricacies of the human experience, as each piece exudes raw emotion and thought-provoking symbolism. In addition to her paintings and mixed media art, Sarah Caum will also unveil three striking metal sculptures that further showcase her artistic versatility and creativity. These sculptures are certain to add a unique dimension to the exhibition, providing a multi-faceted experience for attendees.

The Carthage Junction Depot, with its rich history and architectural charm, serves as the perfect backdrop for Sarah’s thought-provoking artwork. Attendees can expect an immersive and emotionally resonant experience as they navigate through the various art installations and interact with the artist herself. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply looking for an inspiring experience, mark your calendars for September 16, 2023, and make your way to the Carthage Junction Depot. The debut solo exhibition of Sarah Caum promises to be an unforgettable event that celebrates art, emotions, and creativity.

Admission to the exhibition is free and open to the public, and art enthusiasts of all ages are welcome to attend.

Keep an eye out for upcoming events at the Depot! 

10/14 It Runs in the Family: Art by Leslie & Kittie Antle

11/ 11 Interconnected: Art by Patricia Tenpenny

12/9 Art Co-op Sale/Art Crawl

Donate blood in honor of 9/11. Plan to give blood at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce – Community Room on Monday, September 11, 2023 from 12-6 p.m., 939 Upper Ferry Road, Carthage, TN. You can schedule your appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering sponsor code Carthage19. Your pre-donation reading and health questions can be completed using your rapid pass visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass.

The Run4Don returns to Gainesboro for its 14th annual race on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Run4Don is a non-profit organization ran entirely by volunteers. Run4Don’s mission includes providing scholarships to young Christians and funding research to help find a cure for ALS while honoring Don Chaffin. During its history, it has provided $193,000 in scholarships to dozens of young people, and $117,200 has been donated to ALS research.

Registration for the 2023 Run4Don 5K & 15K is now open. You may race in person or participate virtually this year. Don’t want to run or walk? No problem. You may also support Run4Don by being a t-shirt patron.

Find out more information and register now on their website run4don.com. You may also visit their Facebook page.