SMITH COUNTY HUMANE’S 2025 ANNUAL GALA Smith County Humane’s 5th Annual Paws-itively Magical Winter Ball is taking place on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the National Guard Armory, 101 Transport Drive, Gordonsville, TN 38563. This is their largest event of the year and aims to raise funds to support the programs offered to animals and families in Smith County.

Presented to you by Smith County Animal Clinic, join us for an unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment, and compassion. Capture your magical entrance on the red carpet with photos by Pheonyx Media Management. Sip on signature drinks from the bar presented by Cumberland Cannabis Co., and enjoy delectable hors d’oeuvres by What’s Cookin’ 615?, proudly sponsored by Haven House. Indulge in a delicious dinner by Helen’s Restaurant while enjoying live performances by Christian Recording Artist Natalie Brooke and Mitch Camp. End your meal on a sweet note with desserts sponsored by Chris Steele of Blackwell Realty and Auction. Then, raise your paddle for exciting finds in our live auction, sponsored by Josh Kirby of Blackwell Realty and Auction, and explore the silent auction featuring exquisite items from local businesses. Relax and monitor your bids from the Silver Sponsor Lounge presented by Tom Arnold Construction Co. And what gala would be complete without dancing? Finish the night on the dance floor sponsored by Raborn Insurance, with music by DJ Troy Productions—brought to you by Cedar City Title.

Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased at smithcountytnhumane.com/ball. Unlimited drink armbands can be purchased additionally. The Paws-itively Magical Winter Ball promises an unforgettable evening with all proceeds directly benefiting Smith County Humane’s various programs. Their programs include low cost spay and neuter services, a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program for community cats, food and care assistance to help pet owners keep their pets in the home and healthy, and their newly expanded adoption programs to help pets find loving homes.

“Our goal is to decrease pet overpopulation in our community and improve the lives of all pets in Smith County. We also want to help families keep their pets in the home. We need the help of the community to do this. So come join us for an elegant night out and help us raise money to Stop Pet Overpopulation,” states Jessica DiFiore, President and Event Chair for Smith County Humane.

The Paws-itively Magical Winter Ball is limited to 200 reserved seats. Get yours now!

The Willette Volunteer Fire Department in Red Boiling Springs, TN, will host the 3rd Annual Benefit Coon Hunt for Jude’s Hallelujah Story on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The event aims to raise funds for young Jude Thayer McCaleb, who was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder MPS1 three years ago, following years of testing, specialists’ visits, and prayers.

The hunt will feature a $500 first-place prize, with a $50 entry fee per cast. Participants can increase their chances by bringing in a coon, which earns them an additional entry for the cash prize. Sign-up runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and the hunt deadline is set for 11 p.m. Winners must be present to claim their prizes.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to support Jude’s ongoing medical journey. His treatment includes regular enzyme infusions at home and frequent visits to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Funds raised will help the family cover expenses associated with his condition.

For more information, call 615-735-7817 or 615-735-7796.

In response to the recent stoppage of SNAP benefits, Carthage Full Gospel Church is stepping up to help. The church will be hosting a free community lunch on Friday, November 8, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at 109 First Avenue, Carthage.

All are welcome to attend and share a meal together. The event aims to provide support and encouragement to local residents affected by the changes in SNAP benefits, while also fostering community connection.

Everyone is invited to the 2nd Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Smith County Ag Center.

This free event is open to all neighbors, family, and friends, offering a chance to enjoy a delicious meal together and celebrate the season of gratitude. It’s a great opportunity to gather as a community, share good food, and spend time with friends both old and new.

No reservations are needed, and everyone is welcome. Come hungry, bring your loved ones, and join the Smith County community for a warm and festive evening at the Ag Center.

The Town of Carthage invites you to gather for the annual Hometown Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 7th at 4:30 PM, marking the 226th Christmas since our founding. This beloved holiday tradition brings us together for an evening of music, lights, and cheer centered around the Historic Smith County Courthouse Square. The parade will begin in the parking area on Industrial Drive, proceed east on Highway 25, continuing south on Main Street to 2nd Avenue. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the Historic Courthouse to greet children at North Pole Main Street – Historic Courthouse. Entertainment & Festivities

• 3:30 PM – Performances on courthouse steps, River City Dreamin and Carthage Dance Studio.

• 4:30 PM – Parade begins from Industrial Drive.

• 5:00 PM (approx.) – Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the courthouse. (Visits Start Shortly)

• 5:15 PM (approx.) –tree-lighting ceremony Mayor Jeff Mason & Harvest Queen royalty.

• 5:25 PM (approx.) – The Smith County Playhouse presents a holiday performance. Parade float judging will award prizes of $100, $75, and $50, with winners announced during the evening.

Santa’s Visit Families will be assigned numbers upon check-in with Santa’s elf’s to ensure smooth and enjoyable visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. While waiting, attendees can enjoy live entertainment, music, and holiday treats around the courthouse square.

Float participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy as their entry fee, which will be donated for the children in our community. The rain date for the parade is Monday, December 8th at 6pm. In the event of inclement weather on both days, the parade will be canceled. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or volunteer details, please contact the Carthage Christmas Parade Committee. 615-735-2093

The Veterans of Smith County invite everyone to come out and show their support during the 2025 Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, November 9th, in Carthage, Tennessee.

The parade will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will feature local school bands, Scouting youth, emergency vehicles, antique cars, and area motorcycle groups. Parade line-up will start at 1:00 p.m. on Carmack Avenue, with the route proceeding down Main Street and ending at the Historic Smith County Courthouse.

Following the parade, a Veterans Ceremony will be held on the courthouse steps. This year’s Guest of Honor is SgtMaj Jon Henry, United States Marine Corps (Retired). A group photo of all veterans present will be taken after the ceremony.

All veterans are welcome and encouraged to participate in the parade. Those who own antique cars are invited to drive a veteran who may be unable to walk the route, while other veterans are welcome to ride on the parade wagons stationed on Carmack Avenue.

Come out and line the streets of Carthage in honor of the men and women who have served our country.

For those unable to attend in person, Smith County Insider will provide live coverage of the parade on our Facebook page.

The Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, in partnership with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Keep Smith County Beautiful, and the Cordell Hull Lake Community, would like to invite you for an exciting lakeshore cleanup day. On November 15th, please lend a hand to help preserve the beauty and health of our beloved lake. Afterward, enjoy a complimentary lunch, where the FOCHL will present their accomplishments and plans for 2026. This public meeting and luncheon are open to anyone interested in the FOCHL or those who volunteer for the cleanup day. To register, please visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/shore-line-cleanup

FOCHL alongside with U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Keep Smith County Beautiful and the surrounding communities are coming together on November 15th for our 3rd annual Lake Shore Cleanup. “I encourage everyone to join in on making our lake cleaner. Bring a friend, gather the family, and invite your church or club. If you can’t attend the lakeshore cleanup, please take a moment on Veterans Day in your own community and pick up some trash from our roadways. Everything we see on the side of the road leads to our creeks and finds its way into our beautiful lake. Every small thing we do matters.”

As part of the necessary preparations for winter and spring rains, each October, the USACE lowers the water in Cordell Hull Lake, which often results in plastic bottles and trash washing up on the shores. The cleanup event will be held at Wildwood Resort & Marina in Granville at 9:00 a.m. Participants will be divided into groups to focus on specific coves in the area. You are welcome to bring your boat or kayak and aid from the water. Trash bags and gloves will be provided.

The Community Lakeshore Cleanup will begin at Wildwood Resort & Marina 7316 Granville Hwy, Granville, TN 38564

• 8:00 – Light Breakfast
• 9:00-12:00 – Lakeshore Cleanup

• 12:00-12:45- Luncheon and FOCHL Presentation & Annual Meeting.

To register, please visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/shore-line-cleanup

About the Friends of Cordell Hull Lake
The FOCHL non-profit (501c3) is a collaboration of citizens, businesses and community leaders that are organized to protect and preserve Cordell Hull Lake and its environment. The FOCHL mission is to support the recreational and educational use of Cordell Hull Lake, to bring attention to the natural beauty and friendliness of the communities and businesses around the lake, and to protect and care for the lake and its surroundings for the benefit of generations to come. To learn more or to become a member of the friends group visit http://FriendsOfCordellHullLake.org.

NOTE: PLEASE BE SURE TO WEAR PANTS AND BOOTS OR STURDY SHOES FOR WALKING THE ROCKY SHORELINES.

A free community meal will be held in Carthage on November 1, 2025, offering soup, chili, and fellowship for everyone to enjoy. The event will take place underneath the Library on the square in Carthage and is open to all. Everything will be provided at no cost, including food, clothes, and good company.

Organizers hope to create a welcoming atmosphere where neighbors can come together to share a meal, find warmth, and build connections. The event’s theme, “Fill your belly and your soul,” reflects its purpose—to nourish both body and spirit while strengthening community bonds. Everyone is invited to stop by, enjoy a hearty bowl of soup or chili, and take part in an afternoon of kindness and fellowship.

The community is invited to the Amazing Grace Marketplace on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Gordonsville Christian Fellowship Church, located at 118 East Main Street in Gordonsville.

The fall-themed marketplace will feature a variety of local vendors, along with breakfast and lunch available for purchase. Guests can browse handmade crafts, seasonal décor, baked goods, and unique items while enjoying fellowship with friends and neighbors.

With autumn colors filling the air and local businesses and artisans gathering under one roof, the Amazing Grace Marketplace offers a great way to shop small and support the local community.

Make plans to stop by, enjoy a delicious meal, and find one-of-a-kind treasures at this year’s event!