Highpoint Health Wound Care – Riverview with Ascension Saint Thomas is excited to announce an upcoming Open House event on Tuesday, July 8, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The community is invited to explore the clinic and learn more about the advanced wound care services available close to home.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Paula Marshall, FNP-C, CWON, the dedicated wound care provider, along with the entire compassionate care team. Guests can also tour the clinic, designed for comfort and easy accessibility. Light refreshments will be served.

Chronic wounds, often resulting from accidents, diseases like diabetes, or infections, affect millions of Americans annually. When these wounds don’t heal on their own, specialized care is crucial. Highpoint Health Wound Care – Riverview offers high-quality, evidence-based treatment on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Their goal is to provide the support and advanced therapies needed for patients to recover as fully as possible, right in their hometown.

This Open House is a perfect chance to discover how Highpoint Health Wound Care – Riverview is helping to heal the community.

We extend an invitation to the media to attend this event and help spread awareness of this healthcare service right here in Smith County.

Community KidZ Choir
19th Annual Summer Music Camp
July 14-18, 2025
July 19 at 6:00 p.m. “My Own Backyard” Musical Presentation to the Community at the Smith County Ag Center

The Community Kidz Choir is celebrating its nineteenth annual music camp for elementary children entering grades 1-6 at the Smith County Ag Center the week of July 14. Registration is still open if you have a student who would like to participate. Registration by Friday, June 27 ensures your student receives a t-shirt.

Music camp offers children the opportunity to learn to sing in harmony with others at a young age and develop their own singing ability. The camp’s purpose is to develop these abilities in children to carry over into their teen and adult years for the strengthening of worship through music in area churches regardless of denomination.

After a week of games, crafts, music education, Bible study, and choral practice, the children will sing an original musical entitled “My Own Backyard” written by Smith County residents Lynn Sharenberger and Terri Lynn Weaver. The musical is about the wonders of creation and the Creator.

Overall music and drama instruction will be provided by camp directors, Joshua and Sarah Rebelak. Throughout the week, local music education guests Steve and Cindy Dowell and Jim Wilburn will demonstrate various musical instruments, drama education guest JR Smith will provide additional drama tips and coaching for skits, and Tina Craighead will lead youth Bible studies. 

During its history, the camp has collected donations for area ministries such as the Smith County Help Center, the Emmanuel House, the Pregnancy Help Center, soldiers serving overseas, and the backpack meals program. This year, as part of their community service project, campers will be collecting personal hygiene items for residents of the local senior assisted living center.

Click
HERE to register.

For His Glory invites the community to a delicious free BBQ lunch on Saturday, June 28th from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at lower level of the Library, across from Dominos, located at 215 Main Street, in Carthage, TN.

Guests can enjoy a free BBQ with sides. i

The Gordonsville Events Committee and the Gordonsville Police Department are excited to announce the upcoming Gordonsville Play Day & Touch-A-Truck event. This free event will take place on Saturday, June 28th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ivy Agee Park. There will be a special session from 10 to 11 a.m. for children with special needs or sensory issues.
This family-friendly event is an excellent opportunity for the community to come together and meet local heroes from various organizations. Attendees will have the chance to interact with representatives and explore equipment from the following groups:
Gordonsville Police
Smith County Sheriff’s Department
Smith County Rescue Squad
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)
Tennessee Highway Patrol
Gordonsville Fire Department
M & W Wrecker Service
State Road Department
TBI
Upper Cumberland Electric Corporation
Smith County EMS
Vanderbilt Lifeflight
National Guard
One of the event highlights will be the Gordonsville Fire Department’s ladder truck, which will be spraying water. Families are encouraged to bring a towel and a change of clothes for the kids who wish to participate in this activity.
Underwood Hometown Realty will be sponsoring a Foam Party beginning at 11am.
In addition to meeting local emergency and service personnel, the event will feature a variety of fun activities, including a bounce house, face painting, and food.
Don’t miss out on this exciting day of community fun and learning. The Gordonsville Play Day & Touch-A-Truck promises to be a memorable event for families and children of all ages.
For more information, contact the Gordonsville Events Committee or the Gordonsville Police Department.

The 2025 Smith County Fair on the River will be held June 30 – July 5, 2025, with some events taking place earlier. You can view the full schedule below or visit smithcountyfair.com or the Fair Facebook page for updates.

Don’t miss returning favorites like the Demolition Derby, Truck & Tractor Pulls, and Fairest of the Fair Pageants.

This year’s fair will once again feature nightly entertainment on the Carthage Rotary Club Stage and Wilson Bank & Trust Stage, a full carnival starting Monday, and daily cash prize drawings for lucky attendees. With food, fun, music, and contests for all ages, there’s something for everyone at the Smith County Fair on the River!

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Pre-Fair Events

Friday, June 27

• 3:00 PM – Gate opens (no carnival)
• 4:00 PM – Archery Competition

Saturday, June 28

• 3:00 PM – Gate opens (no carnival)
• 7:00 AM – Warrior by the River Mud Run
• 9:30 AM – Dog Show
• 10:30 AM – Cat Show
• 12:00 PM – Antique Car, Truck & Bike Show (Registration noon–2, judging at 4, awards at 5)
• 6:00 PM – Antique & Farm Stock Tractor Pull
• 6:30 PM – Draft Horse & Mule Show

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Daily (June 30 – July 5)

Ongoing exhibits each day include:

• Family & Consumer Sciences Exhibits
• Youth Exhibits
• Agriculture Exhibits
• Equipment & Antique Tractor Displays
• New Cars Displays
• Carnival (starting 6:00 PM)
  (Subject to change)

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Monday, June 30 – Veterans & Students Night

• 4:30 PM – Gates open
• 6:00 PM – Carnival begins
• 3:00 PM – Decorated Round Hay Bale Competition
• 5:00 PM – Opening Ceremonies & Flag Retirement Service (GHS Band)
• 5:30 PM – Miss Fairest of the Fair (Ages 16–20)
• 6:00 PM – Flat Track 4-Wheeler Races
• 6:30 PM – Carthage Rotary Music Stage: Caney Fork Bluegrass
• 6:30 PM – Wilson Bank Stage: Roger Reeves & David Turner
• 7:00 PM – Kids Olympics (Registration 5:30–6:45)
• 7:00 PM – Miss Teen Fairest of Fair (Ages 13–15)
• 9:30 PM – $500 Cash Giveaway (Russell Nixon Arena)

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Tuesday, July 1 – Sav‑Way Free Admission Night

• 4:30 PM – Gates open
• 6:00 PM – Carnival begins
• 5:00 PM – Miss Junior Fairest (Ages 10–12)
• 6:00 PM – Open Poultry Show (inspection at 5:00 PM)
• 6:30 PM – Carthage Rotary Music Stage: Kempville Choir
• 7:00 PM – Four‑Wheeler Rodeo & Miss Petite Fairest (Ages 7–9)
• 8:00 PM – Wilson Bank Stage: Eldorado
• 9:30 PM – $250 Cash Giveaway (Russell Nixon Arena)

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Wednesday, July 2 – Student’s Night

• 4:30 PM – Gates open
• 6:00 PM – Carnival begins
• 6:00 PM – Miss Tiny Fairest (Ages 4–6)
• 6:30 PM – Carthage Rotary Stage: Smith County Men’s Chorus
• 7:00 PM – Mrs. Fairest of Fair (Ages 21–55) – New Event
• 7:30 PM – 4‑Wheel Drive Mud Racing
• 8:00 PM – Wilson Bank Stage: Scott Steele
• 9:30 PM – $500 Cash Giveaway (Russell Nixon Arena)

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Thursday, July 3 – Fireworks Night

• 4:30 PM – Gates open
• 6:00 PM – Carnival begins
• 6:00 PM – Hog Show
• 6:30 PM – Carthage Rotary Stage: Packard Family Strings
• 7:00 PM – Concert: Buddy Jewell (with Boomtown Saints) & Demolition Derby
• 8:00 PM – Wilson Bank Stage: Morning Farm Report
• 9:30 PM – Fireworks sponsored by McDonald’s & $250 Cash Giveaway (Russell Nixon Arena)

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Friday, July 4

• 4:30 PM – Gates open
• 6:00 PM – Carnival begins
• 5:30 PM – Meat Goat Show
• 6:00 PM – Apple Pie Baking Contest
• 6:30 PM – Horseshoe Pitching (registration at 5:30 PM)
• 7:00 PM – Demolition Derby
• 8:00 PM – Wilson Bank Stage: The Victors with Randy Harris
• 9:30 PM – $250 Cash Giveaway (Russell Nixon Arena)

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Saturday, July 5 – Family & Kids Finale

• 9:00 AM – Gates open
• 6:00 PM – Carnival begins
• 11:00 AM – Jr. Breeding Sheep Show (with showmanship)
• 11:30 AM – Baby Fairest of Fair (birth–6 months)
• 12:00 PM – Baby Fairest (7–15 months)
• 12:30 PM – Baby Fairest (16–23 months)
• 1:00 PM – Commercial Ewe Show / Market Lamb Show
• 2:00 PM – Cornhole Tournament (registration at 1:00 PM)
• 6:00 PM – Community Band of Smith County
• 6:30 PM – Carthage Rotary Stage: Ghost Town Bullets
• 7:00 PM – Truck Pull
• 8:00 PM – Wilson Bank Stage: TN Outlaw Country with Jos Winfree
• 9:30 PM – $250 Cash Giveaway (Russell Nixon Arena)

GORDONSVILLE, Tenn. — The Gordonsville Church of the Nazarene is inviting the community to a special three-night event titled “Yee Haw: Celebrating God’s Greatest Gift,” taking place June 18 through June 20 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. each evening.

Designed for all ages, this free event aims to combine fun, faith, and fellowship in a country-themed setting. Attendees can expect engaging activities, games, music, and Bible-based lessons focused on God’s love and generosity.

The event will be held at the Gordonsville Church of the Nazarene, located at 168 E Main Street in Gordonsville, Tennessee.

Organizers encourage families across the community to attend and share in this joyful celebration.

Saturday, June 21, The Carthage Junction Depot will host a one day exhibit featuring the work of four local artists with very different styles, but with one important thing in common: a love of watercolors.

Featured artists include Dana Gillett, Tara Armstrong, Anne West Towns and JoAnn Matthews

Dana Gillett is a new neighbor, recently moved to TN from Baltimore MD.

She is a mixed media artist who can bring energy and life to every subject from vibrant city nightlife to everyday objects. She loves portrait art and illustration. She has made a splash in the Nashville art scene, participating in events including the Tomato Arts Festival.  While she is excited  to start creating in her Cabin in the woods,  we are excited to include her in our growing art community!

 Tara Armstrong is primarily known for her portrait art. She has a knack for capturing likenesses and creating something new. She is often asked to include loved ones who have passed into new family portraits. She is versed in acrylic painting, charcoal, graphite and colored pencil. As for her personal art, she enjoys woodburning and is inspired by all aspects of nature. For this show, she has delved into a medium she set aside for far too long and the images she has created with watercolor are sure to inspire! 

Anne Towns was a manufacturing and retail illustrator for 34 years. Her career was encouraged by Smith County High School teacher, Lunette Gore. Following two years of training at the Harris School of Art, Anne not only learned the business of fashion and home furnishings, she built a network of artistic friends, including her future husband Harry Towns.

The Towns were able to travel internationally, giving her rich material for her watercolors of people and places which look quite different from Smith County, Tennessee!

While Anne has studied many mediums, her favorite is still watercolor and her favorite subjects are old houses and people in their native environment.

Originally from Iowa, JoAnn Matthews has travelled throughout the states, spending many years in the Southwest. The cowboyand his animals are themes well represented in her body of work. Cowboy riders gallop through clouds of dust across canvases that capture the action and adventure of each moment. Her images of horses convey all of their beauty, grace, and strength while beautifully capturing the sunlight falling on fields of swaying grass. JoAnn has exhibited her work in many previous one-woman exhibits across the nation.

Today, JoAnn calls Lebanon home and she continues to be a powerhouse of creativity, painting in all mediums and painting almost anything from portraits to landscapes. She has her work on display at the Artizan Gallery in Watertown, and regularly participates in the Off the Beaten Path Studio tour.

The Carthage Benevolent Lodge #14 will be hosting its 9th Annual 2 Man Golf Scramble on September 7, 2024.

Proceeds from the scramble will go towards assisting the Carthage Lodge with several charities, including the “Widows and Orphans Fund”, Local Angel Tree Donations, Shriners Hospitals, and many more! 

The scramble will be held at Southern Hills Golf & Country Club, located off of Baxter exit at 4770 Jared Rd, Cookeville, TN 38506. The event will begin at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start. 

• $60 per player
• Bring your own team
• 3 flights of prize money will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
• Meal Provided – Meat & 3
• Closest to the hole competition
• Straightest drive competition
• Tons of door prizes
• Mulligans
• 50/50 drawing
• Lucky Ball

To register call the Southern Hills Golf & Country Club 931-432-5149 or email CarthageLodgeGolf@gmail.com

The American Legion Post 57 will be hosting a BBQ fundraiser on the lawn of the old courthouse in Downtown Carthage from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The delicious barbecue fundraiser will support local veterans and the community causes sponsored by the American Legion.

Stick around afterward for the kick off the Summer Concert Series at the same location! The June concert begins at 6:00 p.m. and runs until 9:00 p.m., featuring live music from the crowd-favorite band, Sting Ray.

Come out and enjoy a summer evening of music, food, and fun right in the heart of Carthage!

The 2025 Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day is set for Saturday, June 7 in Tennessee. All state residents and visitors of any age may fish for free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters. Additionally, youth ages 15 or younger may fish for free the entire week, beginning on Free Fishing Day (June 7) and continuing through the following Friday, June 13.

Every year since 1991, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has provided the annual free fishing opportunity in hopes of introducing children and families to fishing and outdoor recreation. Each year, the agency stocks several thousand pounds of fish across the state to ensure high-quality, exciting fishing for participants. Fishing is a great family activity and helps bring awareness to the natural environment. 

TWRA, numerous communities, and partner organizations have planned special fishing events across the state. Visit the TWRA events page  for a full list of locations and details. A special thanks goes to Academy Sports + Outdoors for its continued statewide sponsorship for Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day.

Free Fishing Day is named in honor of Bobby Wilson who retired in 2022 after more than 40 years of service to the TWRA. He served in the Fisheries Division for 35 years, before being named TWRA Deputy Director in 2015 and Executive Director in 2020.

Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day and Free Fishing Week applies to Tennessee’s public waters, TWRA owned and operated lakes, and state park facilities. Some privately owned pay lakes continue to charge during this special day and week. Anglers will need to consult with those operators if there are any questions about a facility.