It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Smith County and the Upper Cumberland area! As we continue into the Christmas season, several area Christmas Parades will be held for the public to enjoy!c

The Carthage Christmas Parade is the first in the lineup, beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 1st. The Gordonsville Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Look below to see a list of other Christmas parades happening in and around the Upper Cumberland:

Smithville – Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
Lafayette – Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
Watertown – Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
Woodbury – Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
Red Boiling Springs – Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Lebanon – Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Liberty – Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Alexandria – Sunday, December 14, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Hartsville – Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Mt. Juliet – Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
Cookeville – Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Know of any more Christmas parades in the area? Let us know! Send us a message on Facebook with the location, date, and time of the parade, and we will add it to our list!

Smith County Humane’s 4th Annual Paws-itively Magical Winter Ball is taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2024 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.

This formal gala is proudly presented to you by Smith County Animal Clinic. You will be welcomed to the ball on the red carpet with photos by Pheonyx Media Management, grab a cocktail at the bar presented by Cumberland Supply Co. and start your night with delicious hors d’oeuvres and dinner by What’s Cookin’ 615?. Enjoy listening to dinner music by Kenny Lee and
end the dinner hour with delicious desserts, sponsored by Chris Steele of Blackwell Realty and Auction. Have your bidding card ready to place your bids on unique and exciting items during the live auction sponsored by Josh Kirby of Blackwell Realty and Auction. But don’t forget to check your bids throughout the evening in the silent auction, sponsored by Michael “Woody”
Woodard of Discover Realty and Auction, where you can win exquisite items donated by many local businesses in and around Smith County. And what gala would be complete without dancing? Dance the night away on the dance floor sponsored by Tom Arnold Construction Co., with music by DJ Troy Productions, sponsored by Cumberland Cannabis Co. Tickets are $100
each and can be purchased at smithcountytnhumane.com/ball. Unlimited drink armbands can be purchased for an additional fee.

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 that helps stray community cats, food and care assistance to help pet owners keep their pets in the home and happy and healthy,and their newly expanded adoption programs.

“We have recently added a voucher program to our low cost spay and neuter services that is available to all Smith County residents, regardless of income. Our goal is to decrease pet overpopulation in our community and improve the lives of all pets in Smith County. 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!

Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with the “Life of Christ” Christmas Drive-Thru at Brush Creek Baptist Church on December 7-8, 2024. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique, drive-thru experience of the story of Christ’s birth, life, and sacrifice, with displays and live actors bringing key moments of the Gospel to life.

The event is free. All donations from the event will benefit Hats of Love Ministry.

Guests of all ages are invited to the Appalachian Center for Craft’s Annual Holiday Festival on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its campus in Smithville. The event will feature a discount in the retail gallery, free kids’ crafts and short workshops in the glass, metals, wood and clay studios.

Families and kids of all ages can participate in free kid’s activities in the Craft Center cafe. Activities include paper marbling, beaded ornaments, holiday cards and more. These drop-in crafts are free and available throughout the day while supplies last. Minors must be accompanied by parents or guardians at all times.

Holiday Festival workshops are now open for online registration. Participants will learn craft techniques and take home handmade wares that make perfect gifts. Workshops include blown-glass holiday ornaments, cold metalsmithing techniques for jewelry, textured ceramic trays and wood-turned bottle openers. Workshops are open to beginners and participants of all skill levels. The price to participate in a workshop ranges from $50 to $65 per participant. Visit the Craft Center website for registration and more information, including workshop times, descriptions and required age limits. Advanced registration is recommended due to limited seating, however workshop registrations are also available at the door, subject to availability.

All weekend, visitors can take advantage of a special Holiday Shopping discount in the Craft Center’s retail gallery. Handmade goods from local and regional artists will be 25% off, including handmade cards, jewelry, ornaments, glassware, textiles, prints, paintings and more. The gallery is open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

The Appalachian Center for Craft is located at 1560 Craft Center Drive in Smithville, Tenn. Learn more and register for workshops at tntech.edu/craftcenter/holiday or call 931-372-3052.

This holiday season, aCross Tennessee is once again bringing the true spirit of Christmas to neighborhoods across the state, marking its sixth year of spreading festive cheer with lighted crosses. The event, which has become a beloved tradition, encourages residents to light up their yards with the symbol of the cross, a powerful reminder of the reason for the season.

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., aCross Tennessee will kick off the holiday celebrations with a special giveaway event at Crump Paris Park in South Carthage. The first 100 families to arrive will receive a free five-foot lighted cross to display in their yards. The giveaway is on a first-come, first-served basis, with each family limited to one cross. This is a wonderful opportunity for local residents to participate in this meaningful event and bring a touch of light and hope to their communities during the Christmas season.

The aCross Tennessee initiative has grown steadily over the years, with participants from across Smith County and beyond joining in to light up their homes with these iconic crosses. Whether you’re driving down a country road or passing through a neighborhood, it’s hard to miss the glowing crosses, which serve as a visual reminder of the holiday’s Christian roots.

What started as a local event has since blossomed into a statewide movement, uniting communities in the shared message of faith, hope, and joy. This year’s official event will run from November 23, 2024, through December 31, 2024, with people across Tennessee decorating their homes and yards to celebrate the Christmas season.

For those interested in learning more about aCross Tennessee and its cross-lighting ministry, you can visit their website at www.aCrossTenn.com or find them on Facebook at aCross Tennessee.

As this heartfelt tradition continues to grow, it serves as a powerful reminder that Christmas is not just about decorations and gifts but about coming together in faith and sharing the light of Christ with the world.

Pursuant to Chapter 442, Tennessee Public Act of 1974, “The Sunshine Law” the Dale Hollow and Center Hill Rural Planning Organizations will hold a joint meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The meeting will be held at 9:30 AM (CST) at the Upper Cumberland Development District, located at 1104 England Drive in Cookeville.

The Dale Hollow RPO is responsible for comprehensive transportation planning for Clay, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Smith and Trousdale counties. The Center Hill RPO is responsible for comprehensive transportation planning for Cannon, Cumberland, DeKalb, Putnam, Warren, White and Van Buren counties.

This is an open public meeting. To request an agenda, please contact Mark Dudney at (931)476-4152 or via email at mdudney@ucdd.org.

Smith County Humane’s 4th Annual Paws-itively Magical Winter Ball is taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2024 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.

This formal gala is proudly presented to you by Smith County Animal Clinic. You will be welcomed to the ball on the red carpet with photos by Pheonyx Media Management, grab a cocktail at the bar presented by Cumberland Supply Co. and start your night with delicious hors d’oeuvres and dinner by What’s Cookin’ 615?. Enjoy listening to dinner music by Kenny Lee and end the dinner hour with delicious desserts, sponsored by Chris Steele of Blackwell Realty and Auction. Have your bidding card ready to place your bids on unique and exciting items during the live auction sponsored by Josh Kirby of Blackwell Realty and Auction. But don’t forget to check your bids throughout the evening in the silent auction, sponsored by Michael “Woody” Woodard of Discover Realty and Auction, where you can win exquisite items donated by many local businesses in and around Smith County. And what gala would be complete without dancing? Dance the night away on the dance floor sponsored by Tom Arnold Construction Co., with music by DJ Troy Productions, sponsored by Cumberland Cannabis Co. 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 that helps stray community cats, food and care assistance to help pet owners keep their pets in the home and happy and healthy, and their newly expanded adoption programs.

“We have recently added a voucher program to our low cost spay and neuter services that is available to all Smith County residents, regardless of income. Our goal is to decrease pet overpopulation in our community and improve the lives of all pets in Smith County. 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 2nd Annual Benefit Coon Hunt for Jude’s Hallelujah Story on Saturday, November 30, 2024. The event aims to raise funds for young Jude Thayer McCaleb, who was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder MPS1 two 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.

This holiday season, the “Lights of Long Branch” is set to transform Long Branch Campground into a winter wonderland with an enchanting drive-thru Christmas light display. Running from November 30th through December 23rd, this magical event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to soak in the festive spirit. Located at 478 Lancaster Rd., the event is brought to the community by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Tiger Football Booster Club, who aim to spread holiday cheer and bring families together in celebration.

Visitors are invited to drive through the light display, experiencing a dazzling array of festive lights and holiday decorations. The event is open Monday through Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Entry is $15 per vehicle, making it an affordable outing for groups.

On December 14th, the “Lights of Long Branch” will offer a special Walk-Through Night, featuring a live nativity scene and a visit from Santa Claus himself. This unique opportunity allows attendees to experience the display up close and enjoy the festive atmosphere on foot. Admission for this special evening is $5.00 per adult, while children ten and under get in free.

The “Lights of Long Branch” is not only a showcase of beautiful decorations but also a celebration of community spirit. Sponsored by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Tiger Football Booster Club, this event supports local causes and offers residents a chance to come together in the holiday spirit.

Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and don’t miss this festive experience in Lancaster, TN. The “Lights of Long Branch” promises a memorable evening filled with warmth, joy, and holiday magic for all.

By Katie Martin, Smith County Extension Agent

Are you always killing your poinsettias? Would you like to know how to make your amaryllis bloom year after year? Do you wish your mums lasted longer or your Christmas Cactus bloomed more reliably? Then you will not want to miss our final Lunch and Learn of 2024. Make plans to join us at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce on Monday, November 25th to learn about “Caring for Holiday Plants.” The Lunch and Learn will begin at 12:00 p.m. with lunch, followed by holiday plant care tips from Wilson County Extension Agent Lucas Holman. At the conclusion of the Lunch and Learn session, there will be an optional tour to dive deeper into the topic and see holiday plants in person at Southern Wholesale Foliage. The cost to attend is only $5 and does include lunch. The participation fee can be paid ahead of time at the Extension Office (67 Cookeville Highway, Suite 102 Carthage, TN 37030) or can be paid the day of at the door. We do ask attendees to pre-register by calling the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900 by Thursday, November 21st to give us an accurate headcount for lunch.

We hope you will make plans to join us for a good meal and a great speaker!