GHS Alumni Fundraising Meal
Attention: Pre-sale Tickets are now available For The Tiger Football Booster Club Alumni, Family and Friends Supper on June 20th @ the Ag Center in South Carthage. This is going to be a Special Night for our Booster Club as we celebrate the past and present Alumni, Families, Friends. The Tiger Football Booster Club invites you to come and enjoy. Mr Mark Medley will be the MC and we have some great Speakers that will be there. Doors open around 5 pm and supper will start around 6 pm. Tickets can be purchased online on Tiger Football Booster Club Facebook Page by Venmo or Cash App or by contacting Booster Club Members. You can contact Eddie Sykes or Penny Kinslow for tickets. Tickets are limited so make sure to get yours. This is a Fundraiser Event for the Tiger Football Booster Club as we support the High School Jr High, and Flag Football Teams Tickets are $25.00 for the event. We will also offer Gordonsville Merchandise For Sale and Family Membership to the Booster Club can be purchased for $25.00 that night. The Tiger Football Booster Club in working with the School are trying to provide all we can to help these young athletes to have the best experience during their time at Gordonsville. History runs deep in our community and we are always looking to do things better and leave it better than we found it. Come on out and Enjoy this Event. Again Saturday June 20th at the Ag Center in South Carthage doors open around 5 pm Thanks Tiger Football Booster ClubDefeated Creek Bluegrass Festival
Make plans to attend 2 nights of entertainment. The proceeds go to support the Defeated Creek Volunteer Fire Department. These men do a terrific job supporting their local community, so come out & support them! Eat, relax & listen to some good ole Bluegrass music. Don’t miss it. Location is the Defeated Creek Park
Defeated Creek Bluegrass Festival Returns June 12-13
Music lovers, families, and bluegrass fans are invited to gather for a weekend of entertainment and community spirit at the annual Defeated Creek Bluegrass Festival, set for June 12-13, 2026, at 160 Marina Lane, Carthage, TN 37030.
This family-friendly event filled with live bluegrass music, dancing, and fellowship offers live music and supports a good local cause. The event continues to be a favorite annual tradition, offering an environment for families to spend time together while enjoying some bluegrass entertainment. Friday night’s lineup will feature Bluegrass Solutions and Avery Trace, while Saturday night’s performances will include Mountain Ridge Five and Clearview. Festival-goers can also enjoy dancing both nights by the Evermean Evergreens, adding even more excitement to the weekend festivities.
As in previous years, all proceeds from the festival will benefit the Defeated Creek Fire Department, helping support the department’s ongoing efforts to serve and protect the community.
Mark your calendars, invite friends and family, and come out for two days of music, fun, and support for a worthy cause. The Defeated Creek Bluegrass Festival is an event not to be missed.
Underwood Hometown Realty to sponsor Foam Party at 2026 Gordonsville PLAY Day
Families in Gordonsville are invited to enjoy a day of excitement, learning, and community spirit at the Gordonsville Play Day Touch-A-Truck Event, hosted by the Gordonsville Police Department and the Gordonsville Events Committee. The free event will take place at Ivy Agee Park on Saturday, June 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Designed for children of all ages, the event offers a unique opportunity to get up close to a variety of emergency and service vehicles. Guests can see, touch, explore, and even honk the horns of vehicles from local agencies, including law enforcement, fire and rescue services, EMS, the National Guard, utility providers, and other community organizations.
To ensure an inclusive experience, a special sensory-friendly hour will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for children with special needs or sensory sensitivities.
In addition to the vehicles, attendees can enjoy a foam party sponsored by Underwood Hometown Realty, along with food, a bounce house, face painting, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Organizers encourage guests to bring a towel and a change of clothes, as the ladder truck will be spraying water during the event.
The Gordonsville Play Day Touch-A-Truck event is a celebration of community connections and a chance for residents to meet their local heroes while enjoying a fun-filled summer day. Admission is free, making it a perfect outing for families across Smith County and the surrounding area.
Smith County Events Committee Seeks Sponsors for 2026 Back-to-School Bash
The Smith County Events Committee is inviting local businesses, organizations, and community members to become sponsors for the upcoming Smith County Back-to-School Bash, scheduled for July 18, 2026.
The annual event is designed to help local students prepare for the new school year by providing school supplies and supporting school pantry programs throughout Smith County. Organizers say sponsorship contributions will directly benefit students and families while helping ensure children have the resources they need to start the school year successfully.
The Smith County Events Committee, which operates under the umbrella of Smith County Living, is known for organizing community events such as the Hometown Halloween celebration and the Back-to-School Bash. The committee’s efforts focus on strengthening community connections while supporting local families.
Several sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations wishing to support the event:
- Eraser Sponsor – $100
Includes social media and email recognition. - Pencil Sponsor – $250
Includes logo placement on event pens. - Sharpie Sponsor – $500
Includes verbal recognition during the event. - Notebook Sponsor – $1,000
Includes logo placement on the event banner. - Lisa-Frank Sponsor – $5,000
Includes special recognition, a banner displayed at the event, and verbal recognition. - Backpack Sponsor – $2,500
Includes logo placement on the main committee banner displayed at all events.
Organizers encourage businesses to partner with the event and invest in the educational success of local students. Every sponsorship helps provide essential school supplies and stock school pantries, making a positive impact on children and families across Smith County.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to become a sponsor, interested individuals and businesses are encouraged to contact the Smith County Events Committee.
The Smith County Back-to-School Bash will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, and community members can look forward to an event focused on preparing students for a successful school year while celebrating the spirit of giving and community support.
Joy Story VBS at Carthage Church of Christ
• Monday — Joy in Trials (James 1:2-4)
• Tuesday — Joy in Serving (Mark 10:45)
• Wednesday — Joy in Fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25)
• Thursday — Joy in Seeking the Lost (Luke 15:7)
• Friday — Fun & Games Night
Republican Gubernatorial Candidate John Rose to Visit Smith County on his Tennessee True Tour
Congressman John Rose (TN-06, R), Republican Candidate for Governor, will visit Smith County on his Tennessee True Tour on Friday, May 29th with media availability at the event. Congressman Rose is hosting a series of townhalls across the state to listen to voters’ concerns, coupled with working alongside everyday Tennesseans to learn more about their work and the issues they face on a day-to-day basis. Media are welcome to join.
Gordonsville Play Day Touch a Truck Event
Families in Gordonsville have an exciting opportunity to kick off summer with a hands-on community event: Play Day Touch-A-Truck. Hosted by the local police department and events committee, this free gathering invites children and adults alike to explore emergency and service vehicles up close.
Taking place on Saturday, June 27th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Ivy Agee Park, the event promises a fun and educational experience. Guests can see, touch, and even honk the horns of police cars, fire trucks, and other specialized vehicles. A special quiet hour from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM is reserved for children with sensory sensitivities, ensuring an inclusive environment for all.
Attendees will also have the chance to meet local heroes from organizations such as law enforcement, emergency medical services, and rescue squads. Beyond the trucks, the event features family-friendly activities including food, a bounce house, and face painting.
With water-spraying fire trucks in the mix, organizers recommend bringing a towel and a change of clothes. Best of all, admission is completely free, making it a perfect outing for families looking to enjoy a day of discovery, learning, and community spirit.
TWRA News: Tennessee’s Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day June 6
Tennessee’s 2026 Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day is set for Saturday, June 6. 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, continuing through the following Friday, June 12.
Every year since 1991, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has offered an annual free fishing opportunity, aiming to introduce children and families to fishing and outdoor recreation. TWRA’s Fisheries Division manages public waters across the state to ensure high-quality and exciting fishing for participants. Fishing is a great family activity that provides an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the natural environment.
TWRA, numerous communities, and partner organizations have planned special fishing events across the state on Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day and other days. 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.
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 apply 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 the facility.
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.
2026 Smith County Fair Schedule of Events
The 2026 Smith County Fair on the River will return June 26 through July 4 at the Smith County Ag Center in Carthage, with nine days of events planned including pageants, motorsports, concerts, livestock shows, carnival rides, competitions, and nightly entertainment.
Returning attractions include the Demolition Derby, Truck Pull, carnival rides, Fairest of the Fair pageants, livestock events, music performances, and nightly cash giveaways. Several new events are also planned this year, including a Back Seat Driver Competition, Lawn Mower Rodeo, Rally on the River, and a Birthday Cake Competition.
Below is the 2026 schedule of events currently listed by the fair.
Friday, June 26
- Gate opens at 3 p.m. (No carnival)
- 4 p.m. — Archery Competition
Saturday, June 27
- Gate opens at 3 p.m. (No carnival)
- 7 a.m. — Warrior By The River Mud Run
- 9:30 a.m. — Dog Show
- 10:30 a.m. — Cat Show
- Noon — Antique Car, Truck, Bike Show and Swap Meet
- 5 p.m. — Senior Fairest of Fair
- 5:30 p.m. — Elite Fairest of Fair
- 6 p.m. — Miss Teen Fairest of Fair
- 6 p.m. — Antique & Farm Stock Tractor Pull
- 6:30 p.m. — Draft Horse & Mule Show
- 7 p.m. — Miss Fairest of Fair
Monday, June 29
- Gate opens at 4:30 p.m.
- Carnival opens at 6 p.m.
- 3 p.m. — Decorated Round Hay Bale Competition
- 5 p.m. — Opening Ceremonies featuring the Gordonsville High School Band
- 5 p.m. — Veterans U.S. Flag Retirement Service
- Boots, Bows & Bling pageants begin at 5 p.m.
- 6 p.m. — Flat Track 4-Wheeler Races
- 6:30 p.m. — Carthage Rotary Music Stage featuring Roger Reeves
- 6:30 p.m. — Kids Olympics
- 8 p.m. — Wilson Bank Stage featuring Double Take
- 9:30 p.m. — $500 Cash Giveaway
Tuesday, June 30
- Sav-Way Free Admission Night
- Gate opens at 4:30 p.m.
- Carnival opens at 6 p.m.
- 5 p.m. — Miss Junior Fairest of Fair
- 6 p.m. — Open Poultry Show
- 6:30 p.m. — Carthage Rotary Music Stage featuring Kempville Choir
- 7 p.m. — Four-Wheeler Rodeo
- 7 p.m. — Miss Petite Fairest of Fair
- 8 p.m. — Wilson Bank Stage featuring Eldorado
- 9:30 p.m. — $500 Cash Giveaway
Wednesday, July 1
- Gate opens at 4:30 p.m.
- Carnival opens at 6 p.m.
- Fairest of Fair Boys & Girls competitions begin at 5 p.m.
- 6 p.m. — Open Beef Show
- 6:30 p.m. — Carthage Rotary Stage featuring the Smith County Men’s Chorus
- 7 p.m. — Back Seat Driver Competition
- 8 p.m. — Lawn Mower Rodeo
- 8 p.m. — Wilson Bank Stage featuring Mourning Farm Report
- 9:30 p.m. — $500 Cash Giveaway
Thursday, July 2
- Fireworks sponsored by Underwood Hometown Realty
- Gate opens at 4:30 p.m.
- Carnival opens at 6 p.m.
- 6 p.m. — Hog Show
- 6:30 p.m. — Carthage Rotary Music Stage featuring David Turner
- 7 p.m. — Concert featuring Terry McBride
- 7 p.m. — Demolition Derby
- 8 p.m. — Wilson Bank Stage featuring Total Rewind
- 9:30 p.m. — Fireworks immediately following the cash giveaway
- 9:30 p.m. — $500 Cash Giveaway
Friday, July 3
- Gate opens at 4:30 p.m.
- Carnival opens at 6 p.m.
- 5:30 p.m. — Meat Goat Show
- 6:30 p.m. — Horseshoe Pitching Competition
- 6:30 p.m. — Carthage Rotary Stage featuring Ghost Town Bullets
- 7 p.m. — Demolition Derby
- 8 p.m. — Wilson Bank Stage featuring TN Outlaw Country with Joss Winfree
- 9:30 p.m. — $500 Cash Giveaway
Saturday, July 4
- Gate opens at 9 a.m.
- Carnival opens at 6 p.m.
- Junior Breeding Sheep Show begins at 11 a.m.
- Baby Fairest of Fair competitions begin at 11:30 a.m.
- 1 p.m. — Commercial Ewe Show and Market Lamb Show
- 2 p.m. — Corn Hole Tournament
- 6 p.m. — Birthday Cake Competition
- 7 p.m. — Truck Pull
- 7 p.m. — Rally on the River
- 8 p.m. — Wilson Bank Stage featuring The Victors with Randy Harris
- 9:30 p.m. — $1,000 Cash Giveaway
General admission is $5 for ages 5 through adult, while children ages 0-5 are admitted free. Season tickets are available for $20. Parking will be available at Crump Paris Park, Smith County Middle School, and UCEMC, with shuttle service provided by UCHRA.
