Free Yard Sale at Pleasant Shade Community Center
A FREE yard sale will be held for anyone in the community looking for clothing, toys, home décor, and other useful items. Organizers say everything will be completely free and encourage people to come find items they may need or want.
Community members are also invited to donate items for the event. Donations of clothing, décor, household items, and more will be accepted during the following drop-off times:
- May 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- May 16 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Organizers hope the event will help families recycle gently used items while supporting neighbors in the community.
American Legion Post 57 Summer Concert Series
Music lovers are invited to enjoy live entertainment all summer long during the American Legion Post 57 Summer Concert Series in downtown Carthage. The family-friendly event takes place every third Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., running from May through September at the historic Old Courthouse.
The concert series promises an evening filled with music, food, fun, and community spirit. Residents and visitors alike can gather downtown to enjoy live performances, local vendors, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
Hosted by American Legion Post 57, the event aims to bring the community together while supporting local entertainment and creating a lively downtown experience throughout the summer season. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the festivities.
Flea Market / Yard Sale
Shoppers and small-business lovers won’t want to miss the upcoming Flea Market Yard Sale at the Smith County Ag Center in Carthage, happening June 16th through 18th. The three-day event promises a fun mix of antiques, vintage treasures, handcrafted goods, and unique local finds.
Visitors can browse a wide variety of vendors featuring handmade soaps and lotions, permanent jewelry, wreaths, home décor, and a popular hat bar. Food trucks will also be on-site, offering delicious treats and refreshments throughout the event.
Held at 159 Ag Center Lane, the market is designed to bring the community together while supporting local artisans and small businesses. With “something for everyone,” families and bargain hunters alike are encouraged to stop by and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Spring Fling is Coming to Carthage
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 16th from 10AM-2PM and come spend the day with us at TSC in Carthage, TN for a fun-filled Spring Fling Shopping Event!
We’ll have something for everyone including:
Delicious Food Trucks
Trendy Women’s Boutique Shopping
Laundry Detergent & Home Essentials
Permanent Jewelry
Hair Tinsel & Feathers
Custom Hat Bar
…and more local goodies!
Grab your girls, bring your mama, and come shop small, eat good, and treat yourself to a little spring fun!
This is the perfect chance to support local businesses while finding cute clothes, fun accessories, gifts, and unique items you won’t want to miss!
TSC – Carthage, TN
Saturday, May 16th
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
We cannot wait to see everyone there!
TWRA, Tennessee State Parks Partner with Paddlesports Leader to Offer Affordable “Kayaking 101” Classes to Launch Safe Boating Week
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Tennessee State Parks are teaming with paddlesports leaders across the state to offer low-cost beginner kayaking classes Saturday, May 16, which kicks off National Safe Boating Week.
Now in its fifth year, the initiative has helped hundreds of Tennesseans safely dip their paddles into kayaking for the first time. Last year, 108 students received training at Tennessee State Parks at the coordinated “Kayaking 101” event. The perennial, multi-state volunteer-led effort was recognized with the National Sale Boating Council’s Communications Community Impact Award. This year, volunteers are offering Kayaking 101 classes to the public on May 16 in 40+ locations across eight states.
The event is supported by paddling leaders from American Canoe Association (ACA) of Tennessee and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, as well as instructor volunteers across Tennessee who are certified to teach paddlesports.
Participating Tennessee State Parks:
- Big Ridge State Park
- Booker T. Washington State Park
- David Crockett Birthplace State Park
- Harpeth River State Park
- Harrison Bay State Park
- Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
- Long Hunter State Park
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
- Natchez Trace State Park
- Seven Islands State Birding Park
- Warriors’ Path State Park
All classes will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., rain or shine.
“Safe paddling is essential to enjoying Tennessee’s incredible outdoor resources, whether you’re exploring our rivers for recreation or heading out for a day of fishing,” said TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “Through this partnership with Tennessee State Parks and the ACA, we’re making professional instruction affordable and accessible so more people can build the skills they need to stay safe on the water. We appreciate the instructors and officers who work together to support this important initiative each year.”
“This event was started five years ago by the paddling leaders in Tennessee and State Parks is so proud to be able to partner with Tennesseans who are experts at paddlesports instruction to offer this training to the public again this year,” said Brian Clifford, Deputy Commissioner for Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). “With TWRA, ACA Tennessee, and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary as our partners, we are fortunate to be able to offer training statewide on a scale that none of us could accomplish alone.”
“Our volunteer instructors are excited to welcome newcomers to our sport and give them some hard-won insights about how to stay safe and keep everyone smiling when you go on your paddling adventures,” said Andrea White, ACA Southeastern Chair. “A great first experience can spark a lifelong connection to paddling and love for our waterways.”
Class Information
Each class costs just $15 per person, including kayak rental and all necessary gear – to receive training that typically costs between $75 and $150.
Each park’s session is limited to 15 participants. Instructors are ACA-certified Tennessee volunteers backed by experienced safety teams. Tennessee State Park Rangers and TWRA officers will be present at select sites to reinforce paddlecraft safety and awareness.
Returning for its fourth year, the Adaptive Kayaking 101 class at Booker T. Washington State Park offers specialized gear and instruction for individuals with physical disabilities.
For the second time, this event will also include Kayak Fishing 101 at Long Hunter State Park. Participants will need to have a valid Tennessee Fishing License to participate.
Supporting Organizations
Supporting organizations for the event include leaders from ACA Tennessee, volunteer instructors certified by the American Canoe Association; Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts; Bluff City Canoe Club; Chattanooga Therapeutic Recreation Services; Chota Canoe Club; East Tennessee Whitewater Club; Harpeth Conservancy, Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute; Outdoor Chattanooga, Team River Runner-Atlanta; Tennessee RiverLine; Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association; Tennessee Valley Canoe Club; Tennessee Kayak Anglers; TNBlueways, and West Tennessee Canoe and Kayak Club.
Space is limited. Registration begins April 27 at the Safe Boating Week page on the Tennessee State Parks website. A free online course is also available on the ACA Paddlesports site, but in-person instruction with a nationally certified instructor is strongly encouraged.
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.
Carthage Junction Depot features “Quilted Memories”
On Saturday, May 2 Carthage Junction Depot invites you to the Quilted Memories exhibit of handmade quilts with heartfelt stories. Quilts on display are shared with us by Lesa Manning, Shane Smith, Lisa Ingram, Tabatha Edwards, Ted Edinger, Anne Ramsey, Aundrenia Baker, Jana Apple Hawkins, and Keith Williams.
Contributor, Anne Ramsey has worked for many years restoring antique quilts and describes our connection with the handmade heirlooms beautifully: “Quilts may draw us in with their colors, textures, and patterns, but they can also provide insights into the lives of those who created, used, and treasured them. They are attached to memories and a powerful way to connect to those who are absent from us.”
There are examples of a variety of patterns and quilt styles represented in this exhibit from humble flour sacks fashioned into a quilt of beautiful, comforting practicality to a creative, modern interpretation created as a visual art piece. Each quilt was created with love and care.
This exhibit is free and open to the public from 10am-4pm, Saturday May 2. In addition to the gallery area, the Depot is also home to a small railroad museum of pictures and artifacts from the building’s history as well as a gift shop of work from local artists and craftsmen. The Carthage Junction Depot is located at 185 Gordonsville Hwy, Brush Creek, TN.
Smith County Animal Clinic to host Veterinary Outreach Day
Smith County Animal Clinic is hosting a Veterinary Outreach Day designed to support local pet families with accessible, high-quality care. Taking place on May 22 at their location on Ervin Drive in Carthage, Tennessee, the event offers free checkups and vaccinations for dogs and cats.
The clinic, led by Dr. Ricky Rankin, emphasizes compassionate care and community connection. By providing essential veterinary services at no cost, the outreach aims to ensure pets stay healthy while easing the financial burden on owners. Events like this also promote preventive care, helping identify health issues early and improve long-term outcomes for animals.
Serving families across Middle Tennessee, Smith County Animal Clinic continues to demonstrate its commitment to both pets and the people who love them. Residents are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to keep their furry companions safe and well cared for.
Upcoming Online Estate Auction
An exciting opportunity for collectors, decorators, and bargain hunters is coming soon with a major online auction hosted by Heartland Real Estate & Auction. This large estate sale, based in Alexandria, features an impressive variety of antiques, collectibles, furniture, and household items.
Bidding officially opens May 1 and will close on May 11 at 3 p.m., giving participants plenty of time to browse and place their bids online. A special in-person viewing day is scheduled for May 7 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., allowing interested buyers to see select items up close before bidding ends.
The auction includes a wide range of unique finds, from grandfather clocks and stained glass lamps to fine china, vintage furniture, tools, and even a Cub Cadet riding mower. Whether you’re searching for timeless décor pieces or practical household items, this event offers something for everyone.
Winning bidders can pick up their items on May 13 and 14 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the designated location in Alexandria. All bidding will take place online and items are sold as-is.
For those looking to discover one-of-a-kind treasures while participating in a convenient online format, this estate auction is not to be missed.
This is a huge sale with a lot of unique and interesting pieces!
The catalog will be up soon and bidding opens May 1st, so get ready to bid and check back at https://heartlandreandauctions.hibid.com/
Carthage Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast
The Carthage Rotary Club is serving up a community favorite once again with its 2026 “All-You-Can-Eat” Pancake Breakfast. Set to bring neighbors together over hot, fresh pancakes, the annual event promises a welcoming atmosphere and a delicious way to start the day.
Breakfast will be served on Friday, May 8, from 6:00 to 9:30 a.m., and again on Saturday, May 9, from 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. at the Rotary Pavillon on the grounds of the Smith County Ag Center. Guests can enjoy stacks of pancakes and classic breakfast fare while supporting local service initiatives led by the club.
As part of Rotary International, the Carthage Rotary Club uses events like this to fund community projects and charitable programs. Attendees not only get a hearty meal, but also contribute to efforts that make a meaningful difference locally and beyond.
Everyone is invited to come hungry, bring friends and family, and take part in this longstanding tradition of food, fellowship, and service.
Gordonsville Alumni Game Rescheduled
The Gordonsville Tiger Football Alumni Game has been rescheduled to 5:00 PM on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Turney Ford Field. The event will feature a fun flag football format, giving alumni a chance to reconnect and compete in a safer, relaxed setting.
Admission is $5 at the gate, with proceeds benefiting Project Graduation. Gates open at 4:00 PM, and attendees can enjoy BBQ, snacks, and drinks while cheering on their hometown players.
The updated date aims to boost participation and ensure a great experience for the whole community.
