Chocolate lovers will have a sweet opportunity to indulge while supporting local youth at the upcoming Smith County FCE Chocolate Extravaganza on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until items sell out, at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce. Attendees can purchase a variety of handmade chocolate treats, conveniently pre-packaged and sold by the dozen.

Organizers announced that all chocolate boxes will be pre-assembled this year, featuring an assortment of homemade candies and cakes. Each pre-packaged container will be available for $5 per dozen, making it an affordable way for the community to enjoy Valentine’s-season sweets. Event organizers also noted that the candies and baked goods may contain or come into contact with common allergens, including tree nuts and peanuts.

Shoppers are encouraged to arrive early, as quantities are limited and items are expected to sell quickly.

Proceeds from the Chocolate Extravaganza will benefit the Smith County 4-H Green Jacket Fund, supporting youth leadership and development programs in the community. For additional information, contact Smith County FCE at 615-735-2900.

U.S. Representative John Rose’s (TN-6) district staff will hold a series of local office hours for constituents to connect directly with caseworkers and receive assistance with federal agencies throughout the month of February.

During the local office hours, district staff will be available to answer questions and assist constituents with federal casework, such as social security and veterans’ benefits, steps for obtaining a passport, and more. Local office hours occur monthly. If you have questions, please contact one of Representative Rose’s offices so a staff member may help you.

“We are ready to assist constituents with federal casework and welcome anyone with questions to sit down with staff,” said Representative Rose. “My goal is to make the expertise of my staff and the resources of this office easily accessible to every person I represent.”

Details for local office hours can be found below and on Representative Rose’s website.

TIME: 1:00pm-2:00pm

WHAT: Smith County Local Office Hours

LOCATION: Smith Co. Chamber of Commerce, 939 Upper Ferry Rd., Carthage, TN 37030

WHO: Representative Rose will be represented by Field Representative Lou Nave during this visit.

Gordonsville, TN – Get Ready for the Ultimate Circus Adventure!

Mark your calendars because The Great Pages Circus is rolling into town February 27 and you won’t want to miss this action-packed spectacle!

Skip the line—grab your tickets online now! pagescircus.com

Turn family fun into a tradition! With jaw-dropping aerial acts, hilarious clowns, and incredible juggling feats, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget the four-legged stars: liberty ponies, majestic horses, and camels! And if you’re craving edge-of-your-seat excitement, the famous Pages Globe of Death might just rev up the adrenaline with some high-speed motorcycle madness!

Where: National Guard Armory – 101 Transport Dr Gordonsville, TN 38563

Showtimes:
Friday, February 27 | 7:00PM

Kids (12 & Under): 2 FREE with every paid adult!

Secure your spot here: pagescircus.com

The Carthage Junction Depot gallery will spotlight the photography of Nate Smith during a special one-day feature on Saturday, February 21. The event will highlight the work of the 17-year-old photographer, whose growing portfolio showcases both technical skill and a fresh creative perspective.

Though young, Smith has been developing his craft for the past three years. His interest in photography grew naturally out of a lifelong fascination with how things work. From mechanical parts and engines to electronics, that curiosity now fuels his approach behind the camera.

“Although I am a young photographer, I have been honing my skills for about three years,” Smith said. “I have always enjoyed tinkering with mechanical parts, engines, and electronics since I was a kid. This interest in how things work naturally led me to photography, where I focus on capturing authentic moments and emotions, working to get the best shot.”

Smith embraces technical challenges as part of his creative process, often designing and 3D-printing custom camera attachments for his vehicle or using drone photography and videography to capture unique angles. Describing himself as a perfectionist, he relies on a wide range of technology to achieve the results he envisions. His work is presented under the name ShotByNate Studio, which reflects his commitment to quality and innovation.

Nate’s photography will be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, with prints available for purchase throughout the day at the Carthage Junction Depot gallery.

The Carthage Junction Depot continues its mission of bringing inspiring art to the community while highlighting local and regional artists. Community members are encouraged to follow the Depot’s Facebook events calendar for additional upcoming opportunities, including a call for entries for the Smith County Fair program cover contest and the March Youth Art Month exhibit.

The Carthage Junction Depot is located next door to the Crump Paris ball fields at 185 Gordonsville Highway in Brush Creek, Tennessee.

Baker Veterinary Services will host a Low-Cost Pet Shot Clinic on Saturday, February 7th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 334 Lebanon Highway in Carthage, TN.

The clinic offers an affordable option for pet owners to keep their pets up to date on essential vaccinations and preventive care. Services will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, visit Baker Veterinary Services on Facebook or call 615-706-3111.

The Smith County Humane Society will host its annual Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser on Friday, February 20, 2026, inviting the community to enjoy a hearty meal while supporting a great cause.

The event will take place at the Smith County Ag Center, located at 159 Ag Center Lane in Carthage, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Guests may choose to dine in or carry out, making it an easy option for families, groups, or anyone on the go.

Meals are affordably priced at $10 for adults and $6 for children, and each plate includes spaghetti with sauce, garlic toast, salad, a drink, and dessert. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Smith County Humane Society and help support its ongoing efforts to care for animals in need throughout the community.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to order ahead to ensure availability. Orders can be placed online at smithcountytnhumane.com/spaghetti-dinner or givebutter.com/spag2026. A QR code is also available on event materials for quick access to ordering.

The annual spaghetti dinner has become a beloved local tradition, bringing together neighbors, families, and animal lovers for an evening of good food and goodwill. Funds raised through the event help provide food, shelter, medical care, and other essential services for animals while they await their forever homes.

Community members are invited to mark their calendars, spread the word, and come hungry. Whether dining in with friends or picking up a meal to take home, every plate served helps make a difference for animals in Smith County.

For more information or to place an order, visit the Smith County Humane Society online and join in supporting this meaningful cause.

The 23rd Annual Race for Jordan 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run will take place Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Cordell Hull Dam in Carthage, continuing a long-standing Smith County tradition that benefits children and families facing serious medical challenges.

Hosted by the Jordan Hackett Foundation, the event will begin with race-day registration at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5K Run/Walk at 9:00 a.m. A Kids 8-and-Under Fun Run is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., with awards to follow at 10:30 a.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

The Race for Jordan honors the memory of Jordan Cage Hackett, who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and passed away in October 2002 following his second open-heart surgery. Since its inception, the race has raised significant funds to support pediatric health causes and families in need.

According to the foundation’s 2025 impact report, donations included:

• $20,000 to Ronald McDonald House
• $20,000 to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital
• $14,000 in local scholarships
• Additional monetary assistance provided to families with children enduring extended hospital stays

The 5K course features a mix of gentle dips and rises, with water stations provided along the route. Runners, walkers, and strollers are welcome, and medals will be awarded to first, second, and third place finishers in each category for both male and female participants, including stroller and wheelchair divisions. Overall male and female winners will receive plaques.

Entry fees are $25 for a short-sleeve shirt or $30 for a long-sleeve shirt, with shirt availability guaranteed for participants who register by April 20. Toddler shirts are available for $10. A Virtual Race option is also offered, allowing participants to complete the 5K anywhere on May 2.

Teams of 10 or more participants will be recognized during the awards ceremony, with a trophy presented to the team with the highest participation. The Jordan’s Best Friend Award will also be announced during the awards presentation.

Proceeds from the event directly support the mission of the Jordan Hackett Foundation, which continues to give back to hospitals, families, and students across the region.

For more information, registration details, or to participate virtually, community members are encouraged to contact the Jordan Hackett Foundation or attend the event.