Living Water Ministries to Host Free Backpack and School Supplies Giveaway
As the new school year approaches, Living Water Ministries is helping local students get off to a great start by hosting a Free Backpack and School Supplies Giveaway on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The event will take place at Living Water Ministries, 15 New Middleton Highway, Gordonsville, Tennessee, and is designed to provide students with free backpacks filled with essential school supplies to help them begin the upcoming school year prepared and confident.
Families are encouraged to attend while supplies last. The giveaway is part of the ministry’s ongoing commitment to serving the community and supporting local students as they head back to the classroom.
Community members are invited to spread the word and help ensure every child has the tools they need for a successful school year.
Citizens Bank Supports Friends of Cordell Hull Lake Singer Songwriter Festival as Silver Sponsor
Citizens Bank is demonstrating its continued commitment to the community by serving as a Silver Sponsor for the 2026 Friends of Cordell Hull Lake Singer Songwriter Festival.
The annual festival on September 12, 2026 evening celebrates talented singer-songwriters while bringing the community together to enjoy live music and support the ongoing efforts of the Friends of Cordell Hull Lake organization. Sponsorships from local businesses like Citizens Bank help make the event possible and contribute to its continued success.
Pictured above are Olga Beddingfield, representing Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, and Jared Goad, Assistant Vice President at Citizens Bank, recognizing the bank’s sponsorship of this year’s festival.
Smith County Events Committee Announces Upcoming Back-to-School Bash Details and Streamlined Process
Smith County Events Committee (SCEC) is excited to announce the return of its annual Back-to-School Bash! This beloved community event is gearing up to provide local families with resources and support as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
SCEC is currently working diligently to streamline the planning process to ensure this year’s Back-to-School Bash is even more helpful and efficient for all attendees. This year’s event is going to look different from previous years. We have taken time to factor in feedback and notes
from the last 4 years. There will be no waiting in line in the heat this year!! This year we will be opening an application ahead of supply pick up day.
Parents and Guardians will need to complete the application in order to utilize the supply drive. The criteria for receiving help remains the same: students must live in and/or attend school in Smith County. Applications will be processed in the same format as if you were showing up to wait in line: First Completed First Served.
Applications will open on Wednesday, July 15th. On or before July 28th you will receive an email with your “spot-in-line,” anticipated supplies to be provided for your student(s), and instructions for pickup date and time. Pick up day will be August 2nd, but the time frame for pick ups will vary for each family. Pick up format will be a drive-through method and supplies will be pre-gathered for you. You will be able to list alternate pick up adults on your application. You will need to show a valid government issue ID and either know your assigned number or have
your spot-in-line email ready to show our volunteers. Applications are relatively simple and only collect the information necessary for us to package and track the supply requests appropriately.
No financial or demographic information will be requested.
Recap:
-Applications Open July 15th
-Be on the look out for Spot-In-Line email by July 28th
-Be prepared to pick up supplies drive-through style August 2nd at assigned time
(Spot-In-Line emails will include anticipated supply support so families can utilize tax free weekend to obtain their other school supplies!)
There will NOT be a wait-in-line style event this year. You must fill out an application and pick up supplies at your assigned time. Applications will open to everyone at the same time on July 15th at 1:00 PM. The link will be posted on social media and on our website.
The success of the Back-to-School Bash relies heavily on the support of our community. SCEC is accepting the help of enthusiastic volunteers to assist with various tasks leading up to, during, and after the event. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to our community and be a part
of a positive and impactful event
Here is the link to the Smith County Events Facebook Page.
Smith County Events Committee Announces Upcoming Back-to-School Bash Details and Streamlined Process
Carthage, TN – Smith County Events Committee (SCEC) is excited to announce the return of
its annual Back-to-School Bash! This beloved community event is gearing up to provide local
families with resources and support as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
SCEC is currently working diligently to streamline the planning process to ensure this year’s
Back-to-School Bash is even more helpful and efficient for all attendees. This year’s event is
going to look different from previous years. We have taken time to factor in feedback and notes
from the last 4 years. There will be no waiting in line in the heat this year!!
This year we will be opening an application ahead of supply pick up day. Parents and Guardians
will need to complete the application in order to utilize the supply drive. The criteria for receiving
help remains the same: students must live in and/or attend school in Smith County. Applications
will be processed in the same format as if you were showing up to wait in line: First Completed
First Served. Applications will open on Wednesday, July 15th. On or before July 28th you will
receive an email with your “spot-in-line,” anticipated supplies to be provided for your student(s),
and instructions for pickup date and time. Pick up day will be August 2nd, but the time frame for
pick ups will vary for each family. Pick up format will be a drive-through method and supplies will
be pre-gathered for you. You will be able to list alternate pick up adults on your application. You
will need to show a valid government issue ID and either know your assigned number or have
your spot-in-line email ready to show our volunteers. Applications are relatively simple and only
collect the information necessary for us to package and track the supply requests appropriately.
No financial or demographic information will be requested.
Recap:
-Applications Open July 15th
-Be on the look out for Spot-In-Line email by July 28th
-Be prepared to pick up supplies drive-through style August 2nd at assigned time
(Spot-In-Line emails will include anticipated supply support so families can utilize tax free
weekend to obtain their other school supplies!)
There will NOT be a wait-in-line style event this year. You must fill out an application and pick up
supplies at your assigned time. Applications will open to everyone at the same time on July 15th
at 1:00 PM. The link will be posted on social media and on our website.
The success of the Back-to-School Bash relies heavily on the support of our community. SCEC
is accepting the help of enthusiastic volunteers to assist with various tasks leading up to, during,
and after the event. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to our community and be a part
of a positive and impactful event.
Individuals interested in volunteering their time and skills are encouraged to reach out to the
Smith County Events Committee directly at smithcountyevents@gmail.com.
Stay tuned for further updates and announcements regarding Smith County Events Committee’s
Back-to-School Bash!
About the Smith County Events Committee (SCEC):
The Smith County Events Committee is dedicated to organizing and supporting events that
benefit the residents and enhance the community spirit of Smith County.
Contact: Smith County Events Committee at smithcountyevents@gmail.com
Upper Cumberland Family History & Genealogy Festival Set for July 25 in Granville
Residents and visitors alike are invited to step back in time and explore their roots during the Upper Cumberland Family History & Genealogy Festival on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Granville United Methodist Church.
The festival will feature a full day of genealogy presentations, historical archives, preservation resources, and family research opportunities designed for both beginners and experienced researchers.
Special presentations throughout the day will include “No Birth Certificate? No Problem!” presented by Jeffrey Bockman at 10:30 a.m., followed by “How to Preserve Family History Without Genealogy Research” at 1 p.m. and “Genealogy Research: Beginners and Pros Alike Meet at the Dead End” at 2 p.m.
Festival organizers say attendees will have access to a variety of genealogy and historical archive resources, including cemetery restoration and preservation information, genealogy society booths, lineage societies such as DAR and SAR, Civil War resources, and family search assistance from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Several special family booths will also be featured, highlighting research and history connected to numerous Upper Cumberland families from White, Warren, Van Buren, Overton, Putnam, Jackson, and Smith counties. Hosts and featured family researchers include Jenifer Crone, LaChelle Norris, Suzanne Wheeley, and Brenda Cowan Francis.
This year’s event will honor the Woodard family, with Mike Maggart and Carmelita Woodard Walker serving as table hosts. Historical photographs of the Herman Woodard family making molasses in 1933 will also be displayed as part of the festival exhibits.
Admission fees are the same as standard Granville tour pricing, with adults admitted for $7, children ages 6-12 for $5, and children under 6 admitted free. Family pricing is also available.
For more information about the festival, visit Granville’s website or call 931-653-4151.
SCMBC Yard and Bake Sale
This year we have focused on teaching the youth in our church about stewardship, responsibility, and community. We’ve done this through various quarterly projects. The youth are having a yard and bake sale! All proceeds will go towards building and stocking a blessing box that will be built in South Carthage community. What better way to give back locally?!
There will be lots of good stuff and a little something for everyone.
*baked goods *lemonade *home goods *books *clothes/shoes for men, women, and kids of all sizes.
Saturday, July 18th – 8am – 2pm at the South Carthage Missionary Baptist Church fellowship hall front yard.
Artist Co-Op event at Carthage Junction Depot July 11th
The Carthage Junction Depot will host its annual Artist Co-op event this Saturday, July 11 from 10-4pm. Stained glass, jewelry, ceramics, paintings, drawings, photography, furniture and more handcrafted goods by local artisans will be available to shoppers to enjoy. The growing list of Featured artists include CubKnob Creations pyrography art and jewelry, Kadence drawings and more, Tetiana Suzi oil painting , Michelle McRae origami and crafts, Hershel Woodworks, Samantha Dettinger photography, Vine &Branch Sawmill cedar creations, Keith Williams photography and crafts, Anne Ramsey quilted fiber arts, 1447 Customs, Jim Hyde stained glass.
Rokabilly Coffee and the Overflowing Cup will also be on hand to keep shoppers refreshed. The Carthage Junction Depot is located right next door to the Crump Paris ball fields at 185 Gordonsville Hwy, Brush Creek, TN. Stop by and support our local art community!
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at Red, White, and Brews at Wildwood Resort
Get ready for an unforgettable Independence Day weekend as Wildwood Resort & Marina hosts Red, White, and Brews, a two-day celebration honoring America’s 250th Birthday with live entertainment, delicious food, fireworks, and family-friendly fun on the waterfront.
The festivities kick off each day at 3:00 p.m., giving guests plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful lakeside atmosphere before the evening’s entertainment begins. Live music will keep the celebration going on both Friday and Saturday nights, creating the perfect backdrop for a patriotic summer weekend.
One of the biggest highlights of the event will be the spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 p.m., lighting up the sky over the water in celebration of the nation’s milestone birthday. Throughout the day, visitors can also challenge friends and family to yard games including Giant Jenga, Cornhole, and more on the lawn.
TWRA to Host Second Annual Tennessee Biodiversity Summit
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has announced the second annual Tennessee Biodiversity Summit will take place on October 21, 2026, at Middle Tennessee State University. All wildlife enthusiasts, including experts, birdwatchers, hunters, and anyone interested in nature, are invited to participate in this experience packed with opportunities to learn about wildlife diversity, habitats, and conservation in Tennessee.
The theme of this year’s event is “Moving the Needle, Wins in Conservation.” Eight dynamic speakers will deliver presentations focused on successes in conservation work across the state. Participants will also hear updates on the State Wildlife Action Plan, a federally guided blueprint to prevent biodiversity decline, and on the Red-cockaded Woodpecker reintroduction plan, announced at the inaugural summit last year. The event also hosts 21 partnering agency booths where attendees can further learn about conservation efforts and ways to get involved in conservation efforts.
Because of the overwhelmingly positive response in the 2025 summit, this year’s event attendance has been capped at 900 participants. Josh Campbell, TWRA’s Chief of Biodiversity, stated, “We’re heartened by the overwhelming response to this event and the interest in the health of the state’s wildlife diversity. The 2026 summit will be equally captivating.”
Those traveling from out of town or those in the area the day before the event have the option to register pre-event hikes taking place at two locations. Registration is currently open and more information can be found on the more can be found on the Tennessee Biodiversity webpage.
Event sponsors include the Greg A. Vital Center for Natural Resources and Conservation at Cleveland State Community College, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
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.
Smith County Chamber Corner Show – June 2026
Check out the June 2026 edition of the Smith County Chamber Corner Show featuring Wild Bill and everything Smith County Fair.
This month’s show features local businesses, community organization and events going on in and around Smith County.
If you would like to promote your event or local business on the Smith County Chamber Corner Show, contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce by calling 615-735-2093 today.
Watch the full show below, or catch it on DTC3 TV.
