The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Tiger Football Club will once again present Lights of Long Branch, a drive-through Christmas light display celebrating the holiday season.

Visitors can enjoy a drive through sparkling lights, beautifully decorated trees and festive Christmas scenes designed for the whole family. The display will be open November 28 through December 23.

Admission is $15 per vehicle. Lights of Long Branch is located at 478 Lancaster Road in Lancaster, Tennessee.

For more information, visit LightsOfLongBranch.com or find Lights of Long Branch on Facebook.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Tiger Football Booster Club.

The Smith County Heritage Museum is inviting individuals, families, clubs, groups and businesses to participate in its 2026 Decorated Christmas Tree Contest.

Participants must provide their own Christmas tree, and no lights will be allowed due to limited electrical outlets. Trees may be decorated at the museum on Oct. 22-24 and Oct. 29-31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitors will vote on the trees from Nov. 5 through Dec. 18. The tree receiving the most votes will win $25, and everyone who votes will be entered into a drawing for a 2026 Heritage Museum Christmas ornament. Winners will be announced Dec. 19.

To reserve a spot, call 615-735-1104 or email heritagemuseum@dtccom.net. The Smith County Heritage Museum is located at 107 Third Ave. N., Carthage, and is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Amateur radio operators and community members are invited to take part in the Ham Radio Go-Kit Challenge, an Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Field Day, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Carthage Courthouse.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. and focus on emergency communications, disaster preparedness and the role amateur radio can play when traditional communication systems are unavailable.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about several important aspects of emergency response, including rapid deployment of communications equipment, off-grid power, life-saving traffic communications and community resilience.

The event will demonstrate how amateur radio operators can help communities stay connected during emergencies and disasters, particularly when power outages or damaged infrastructure disrupt regular communication services.

Organizers encourage the public to come learn about emergency communications and discover ways to become better prepared for unexpected disasters.

The Go-Kit Challenge offers an opportunity to see emergency communications in action and learn how radio technology can support public safety and community preparedness.

On Tuesday, October 6^th, starting at 6PM, the Upper Cumberland Extension Team is hosting our Beef Summit at the White County Fairgrounds at 565 Hale St in Sparta!  Our speaker for the event is David Bilderback from UT’s Center of Farm Management and he will be talking about buying vs. retaining heifers in your herd.  There will be a free meal provided as well.  If you are interested in attending, please call our office at 615-735-2900 or email wherber4@vols.utk.edu for more information!

Willette Christian Church will host a Community Clothing Exchange on Saturday, October 10, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Pleasant Shade Community Center.

The event is being held to help anyone in the community who may be in need of clothing. All clothing will be available at no cost, giving participants the opportunity to find “new to them” items for themselves or their families.

Community members are also encouraged to bring clean, gently used clothing they no longer need or want. Those item can be donated to the exchange, allowing someone else in the community to put them to good use.

Donations will be accepted, and browsing is free. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether they have clothing to donate, are looking for clothing, or simply want to support the community effort.

The Pleasant Shade Community Center is located at 43 Pleasant Shade Hwy, Pleasant Shade, TN.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is encouraging youth across the state in grades K-12 to submit their original artwork of any Tennessee native fish for the National Art of Conservation: Fish Art Contest. The contest was created by the nonprofit Wildlife Forever to encourage youth to become connected to the outdoors.

The contest is free for participants to enter one 2D piece. All participants must enter original artwork of a Tennessee fish in a natural habitat and may not replicate another artist’s work. Photos or videos used as source material for inspiration of the artwork are allowed. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi are not eligible for this contest.

Additionally, TWRA has added a specialty award, The Bill Dance Signature Lakes Award – in honor of the legacy of fishing legend Bill Dance and the TWRA’s work to develop premier fishing destinations across the state. To be considered for the award, students should enter artwork of largemouth or smallmouth bass or art featuring bass fishing.

All submissions must be entered through an online entry form. More information regarding rules, submission form, and requirements can be found on the Wildlife Forever Art of Conservation website. The last day for submitting artwork is Feb. 28, 2027.

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.

The Pleasant Shade Community Center will hold its Large Fall Consignment Sale October 15-17, 2026.

The sale will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

A variety of new and used items in good working condition will be available, including kitchenware, furniture, clothing, toys, tools, machinery, jewelry and more.

Those interested in consigning items may contact Tammy Shoulders at 615-655-3548 or Wesley Rigsby at 615-677-6514 or 615-683-7525 for information and to receive a number for tagging items.

The Pleasant Shade Community Center is not responsible for items that are broken or damaged during the sale.

Congratulations to Scott Clemons on winning the door prize drawing at the Carthage Junction Depot’s latest event, The Wild Life: Art Celebrating the Outdoors and Outdoorsmen.  Scott won a beautiful Case knife provided by the show’s sponsor, Colby McKinney, real estate agent for Underwood Hometown Realty.

The Historic William Walton Harvest Festival will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, on the Historic Courthouse Square in Smith County.

The festival will feature local music, craft vendors, pioneer demonstrations, historical displays, a kids area, cake walk, and a “Dixie Man Call” competition. Visitors can also enjoy an authentic costume contest and a heritage quilt show and competition.

The event will also celebrate America’s 250th birthday, making this year’s festival a special opportunity to enjoy Smith County history, community traditions, and family-friendly activities.

The Pleasant Shade Community Center will host a fish fry on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the community center, located at 743 Pleasant Shade Hwy.

The meal will be cooked by Helen’s Rest and will include a choice of fish or chicken, hush puppies, two sides, dessert and a drink for $15.

A children’s plate is also available for children age 8 and under. The $10 plate includes two pieces of fish, hush puppies, French fries and a drink.

Everyone is invited to come enjoy a good meal and support the Pleasant Shade Community Center.