The Smith County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting vendor registrations for the 13th Annual William Walton Harvest Festival, scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. in downtown Carthage. The annual celebration attracts visitors from across the region and transforms the historic downtown district into a vibrant community gathering featuring arts and crafts, food, entertainment, educational exhibits, commercial displays, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. During the festival, the downtown historic district will be closed to traffic from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., creating an inviting environment for shoppers and festival goers to explore vendor booths and enjoy the festivities. Vendor setup will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Vendor take down will begin at 5 p.m. with the streets cleared by 6:00 p.m. Vendor spaces are available for artisans, crafters, businesses, organizations, and food vendors. Each booth space measures 10 feet by 10 feet and is located outdoors. Vendors are responsible for providing their own tents, canopies, tables, and other display materials as needed. This year’s vendor layout will place exhibitors along Main Street between 3rd Avenue and Ward Avenue, positioning vendors in the heart of the community’s most concentrated business district. Food vendors will be located on 3rd Avenue north of the courthouse, creating a dedicated area where attendees can purchase meals and enjoy seating while taking in the festival atmosphere. Limited electrical hookups are available for non-food vendors for an additional $10 fee. Electrical spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and vendors must provide their own extension cords and adapters.  The festival will be held rain or shine, and no refunds or credits will be issued due to inclement weather. The Smith County Chamber of Commerce encourages vendors to reserve their spaces early, as booth assignments and electrical accommodations are limited and will be awarded based on availability and registration date. The deadline to register is September 18, 2026. For more information about vendor opportunities, contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce at 615-735-2093. The Smith County Chamber of Commerce looks forward to welcoming vendors and visitors for another exciting and successful William Walton Harvest Festival celebration.  

 

Music lovers in Carthage and throughout Smith County can enjoy live entertainment this summer as American Legion Post 57 continues its 2026 Concert Series.

The concerts are held every third Saturday from through September, with performances taking place outside the Old Courthouse in downtown Carthage from 6 to 9 p.m.

The 2026 lineup include

• August 15: Don Knappel and Band
• September 19: Sting Ray and the Highway

The concert series offers an opportunity for the community to gather, enjoy live music and spend a summer evening in downtown Carthage. Mark your calendars and make plans to attend these free community concerts presented by American Legion Post 57. Bring your family and friends and enjoy an evening of music and fun under the stars.

 

Residents, former students, and friends of the Pleasant Shade community are invited to reconnect and celebrate local history during the Pleasant Shade School & Community Reunion on Saturday, September 19, at 6 p.m. The gathering will be held at the Pleasant Shade Community Center and is open to everyone.

The evening will feature guest speaker Ozzie Dickerson, who will share stories and memories celebrating the rich heritage of the Pleasant Shade community.

Organizers encourage attendees to bring a covered dish to share for the community meal, as well as any old photographs of Pleasant Shade. Historic photos will be displayed during the event, giving guests an opportunity to reminisce and preserve the area’s history for future generations.

In addition to celebrating the past, the reunion will also look toward the future. Donations collected during the event will support the development of a future community park and walking track, helping create a lasting legacy for Pleasant Shade residents.

Whether you attended the Pleasant Shade School, have family ties to the community, or simply want to learn more about its history, organizers say everyone is welcome to attend.  Spread the word and join in an evening dedicated to celebrating Pleasant Shade’s past while investing in its future.

 

Chris Wood, Program Director of the Center for Avian Population Studies at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Director of eBird, has been selected as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Tennessee Biodiversity Summit. Over the past two decades, Chris has helped build eBird into one of the world’s largest biodiversity data resources, with more than two billion bird observations contributed by over one million participants worldwide.

Wood’s keynote will explore how community science, artificial intelligence, and global biodiversity data are transforming conservation, helping scientists and decision-makers better understand where conservation actions can have the greatest impact.

“Birds are one of the clearest windows into the health of our environment. By understanding where birds are thriving—and where they’re struggling—we gain the knowledge needed to conserve biodiversity for generations to come,” said Wood.

“We are pleased to have Chris kick off the great line-up of speakers at this year’s summit,” stated Josh Campbell, Chief of Biodiversity with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Last year’s inaugural summit attracted nearly 650 attendees from across the state. The event, held at Middle Tennessee State University, is expected to attract a larger crowd in 2026. It will take place on October 21. The complete agenda and more about this year’s theme, “Moving the Needle, Wins in Conservation,” can be found on the state’s webpage.

This is the second year of the Tennessee Biodiversity Summit, whose mission is to celebrate and advance biodiversity conservation across the state. Chris’s work demonstrates how participatory science and cutting-edge data analysis can generate the information needed to guide effective conservation decisions.

Chris focuses on connecting participatory science with advanced analytics to generate actionable information for bird conservation. He works closely with governments, NGOs, and research institutions worldwide to turn massive biodiversity datasets into practical conservation solutions.

Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird is among the world’s largest participatory science projects. More than one million participants have contributed over two billion bird observations, creating an unparalleled resource for understanding bird distributions, migration, and population change. This supports thousands of scientific studies and conservation initiatives worldwide, including efforts to protect birds and their habitats in Tennessee.

The chief sponsor for the 2026 summit is the Greg A. Vital Center for Natural Resources and Conservation along with secondary sponsors Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

Community members are invited to enjoy an evening of family-friendly entertainment and important education at the Thrive Drive-In on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Ivy Agee Park.

The event will feature a free showing of the beloved family film The Sandlot from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. In addition to the movie, the evening will focus on educating youth and families about the dangers of impaired driving through a fun and engaging community event.

Hosted by the Thrive Youth Coalition and the Community Wellness Alliance of Smith County, the event aims to promote healthy choices while providing a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for local families.

Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, gather with friends and neighbors, and enjoy a night of entertainment while supporting the message of preventing impaired driving. The event is open to the community and offers a great opportunity for families to connect while learning about making safe decisions on the road.

 

August 3rd-7th is Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) week in Tennessee! FCS consists of four knowledge areas: Community Health, Consumer Economics, Human Development, Nutrition, and Food Safety. Smith County Extension offers programs in each area from Babysitting R.O.C.K.S. Day Camps, On My Own Simulations, Canning Colleges, and Drums Alive. FCS has a program that can benefit infants all the way to older adults.

To celebrate FCS week come visit the Extension office each day to learn more about what FCS has to offer.

• Mindful Monday: Children can create anger catchers at the extension office from 3:00-4:00 pm. This type of learning activity helps children with self-management. This game will help children learn different kinds of techniques that can be used when they feel upset and angry.
• Tasty Tuesday: Youth can stop by the extension office from 3:00-4:00 pm and create a fruit and yogurt parfait. This hands-on demonstration will teach children basic culinary skills while making a nutritious and delicious summer snack.
• Wellness Wednesday: FCS has many partners that help make our programs thrive. Learn more about our health and wellness partners through a partner scavenger hunt. Participants will start at the extension office at 2:00 to hear the rules and directions. The winner of the scavenger hunt will when a basket valued at over $200. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors for donating prizes from: Teresa’s Gifts, Lissa’s Nutrition, Stephanie McCaleb Interiors, Rokabilly Coffee, Acapulco Grill, Sav-Way, Smith County Health Department, Smith County Senior Center, Smith County Fitness Center and Highpoint Health-Riverview with Ascension Saint Thomas.
• Thoughtful Thursday: The community is invited to stop by the extension office for a game of Financial Bingo from 3:00-4:00.
• Family Friday: Stop by the extension office from 3:00-4:00 to get your family’s picture. The first 10 families that stop by will get a take-home popcorn bucket for an at home movie night. Be sure to follow https://www.facebook.com/UTExtensionSmith for tips on each of the FCS knowledge areas throughout FCS week and programs offered throughout the year!

Apple Dumplings

2 Granny Smith Apples (peeled, cored and quartered)

1 stick butter

8 oz refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

1 cup sugar

1 cup orange juice

1 teaspoon vanilla

Cinnamon

Wrap one apple piece in each roll. Place in a large baking dish. Set aside. In a saucepan bring butter, sugar and orange juice to a boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour over rolls. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Spoon liquid over rolls and serve warm. Submitted by: Gale Burns, Carthage FCE Club

The Forks River Fire Department is inviting residents to join them for their annual Community Appreciation Day on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Forks River Fire Hall.

This year’s event will be held a little earlier than usual and will feature several new additions for the community to enjoy. Attendees will be treated to a free meal catered by Little Creek BBQ, including hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, and drinks.

Families are encouraged to bring the kids to explore the department’s fire trucks and check out its new brush truck. Firefighters will be on hand to visit with community members and showcase the equipment they use to serve the area. Weather permitting, a bounce house will also be available for children.

The event is the department’s way of thanking the community for its continued support while providing an opportunity for residents to meet the firefighters who proudly serve District II.

Those wishing to support the department are welcome to make a donation if they choose. Donations may be mailed to:

Forks River Fire Department
P.O. Box 114
Elmwood, TN 38560

The Forks River Fire Department expressed its appreciation for the community’s support and remains committed to providing professional emergency services whenever they are needed.

Mark your calendars and come enjoy an afternoon of great food, family fun, and community fellowship on August 1 at the Forks River Fire Hall.

 

A new opportunity for support and encouragement is available in Carthage through Memory Café, a monthly gathering designed for individuals caring for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

Held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Memory Café meets at The Pavilion Senior Living Carthage, 130 Lebanon Highway, Carthage. The program provides a safe and supportive environment where caregivers can connect with others who understand the challenges they face.

To make attending easier for caregivers, care will be provided for their loved ones during the meeting, allowing participants to fully engage in the support group without worry. Each monthly gathering also includes a complimentary light lunch, creating an inviting atmosphere for conversation and fellowship.

Whether you are new to caregiving or have been caring for a loved one for years, the Memory Café welcomes everyone seeking support, encouragement, and practical resources.

Shoppers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to spend a fun-filled day at Defeated Creek Marina as the Defeated Creek Marina Flea Market & Craft Fair returns on Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event, held at 160 Marina Lane in Carthage, will feature a wide variety of local vendors, delicious food, live entertainment, and activities for children, making it a great destination for the entire family.

Visitors can browse booths offering everything from handmade crafts, soaps, baked goods, fresh eggs, antiques, collectibles, clothing, permanent jewelry, tie-dye apparel, candles, home décor, crochet items, Scentsy products, Tupperware, sublimation items, freeze-dried candy, and boutique merchandise. Yard sale vendors will also be on site, giving shoppers plenty of opportunities to discover unique treasures and one-of-a-kind bargains.

Several popular food vendors will be serving throughout the day, including Old School Dogs, Piper’s Choice Lemonade, Chef Don’s Mobile Eatery, Farmhouse Teas, and other local favorites.

Children will have plenty to enjoy as well, with bounce houses, face painting, and a petting zoo providing entertainment throughout the event.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Nettie & The Delta Boy will perform live music, offering a soundtrack of entertainment while visitors shop and explore the marina.  Mark your calendars for the Saturday, August 8th event at Defeated Creek Marina, 160 Marina Lane in Carthage.

Another exciting season on the soccer field will begin soon.  Fall soccer registration will be held on Tuesday, August 4th and Monday, Aug. 10, at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce.