Celebration will move forward despite COVID-19 concerns

The Celebration Board of Directors announced on Wednesday that this year’s event will take place with a few COVID-19 accommodations to keep fans safe. {Photo Credit Shane Shiflet via The Celebration}

SHELBYVILLE — Organizers say they plan to move ahead with the 82nd annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Their board of director announced on Wednesday that they were in the process of finalizing plans for this year’s show slated to begin August 26.

Despite their intention to move forward, they will be making some changes to accommodate local, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. For example, if they prefer, box seat holders will be allowed to work with Celebration staff to move their seats to a less crowded area of the arena.

“The move will be a one-year temporary move and the customer will not lose the right to the original box they’ve previously had,” they stated. “Also, if the customer moves to a different location they will be refunded the difference in price if the new box is less expensive and charged the difference if the new box is more expensive than their original box.”

The Blue Ribbon Circle Club will continue this year but in a new, outside location in the front lawn of the current Blue Ribbon. Table tops inside the Blue Ribbon Circle Club will be spread out. Food selection may be limited and will no longer be self serve.

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, there will not be a corporate sponsors party this year. There will also not be any Celebration sponsored after-show parties or entertainment including live music.

“The board just didn’t feel comfortable with the current executive orders in place of having that many people in one confined location,” they said.

Individual barns can still have gatherings, food and normal customer entertainment but they won’t be allowed to bring in outside entertainment.

Also this year, organizers will require all entries to stable 48 hours prior to their performance. For more information about this year’s changes, visit The Celebration website bu clicking here. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}

Spotted Saddle Horse Show planned for Aug. 8

Organizers plan the annual Spotted Saddle Horse show for August 8. It benefits MCHS Project Graduation. {File Photo}

LYNCHBURG — The American Spotted Saddle horses blends Spanish-American type gaited pinto ponies with gaited horse breeds like the world-famous Tennessee Walking Horse. They are colorful and often favored for both pleasure and trail riding.

The Metro Moore County Volunteer Fire Fighters recently announced that they are making plans for their annual Spotted Saddle Horse Show in Wiseman Park. The event is slated to take place on Saturday, August 8.

It’s an annual fundraiser for Project Graduation. This year’s event will benefit the Moore County High School Class of 2021. They are currently looking for event sponsors. Sponsors names will be announced before the class of your choice including a full class sponsor, half class sponsor or ribbon sponsor.

For more information, contact the Class of 2021 by clicking here. You can also mail your sponsorship to MCHS Class of 2021 c/o Jill Stewart, 412 Dick McGee Road, Lynchburg, TN 37352. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}

5 Things to Do This Weekend

Friday – Fight Like a Girl Benefit for Breast Cancer at Twin Creeks Marina: Four female country music artist will play at Twin Creeks’ open air event center, The Honeysuckle, on Friday to perform for a good cause. Trick Pony’s Heidi Newfield, Anita Cochran, Suzanne Alexander, and Jamie O’Neal will play from 7-10 p.m. at the Fight Like a Girl Concert to benefit the Love Anchors Breast Cancer Fund. There will be limited seating due to social distancing. To get yours, click here. Doors will open at 5 p.m. For more information visit the event’s Facebook page.

Friday – Waterfall Photography Class at Old Stone Fort: Photographers love to take pics of waterfalls, but it’s a little more complicated than point and shoot. On July 10, David Duplessis of Tennessee Photographers will host an All Day Outdoor Waterfall Photography Class at Old Fort State Park in Manchester. Students should bring a DSLR camera, lenses, a tripod with shutter release, and wear clothing they don’t mind getting wet. There will be a small amount of hiking and since the class does not provide lunch or water, students should plan to bring their own. To learn more, click here.

Friday – Rolling Stones Havana Moon at Montana: In May 2016, the Rolling Stones played a historic concert in front of over 500,000 Cubans. It marked the first time a foreign rock band played an open-air concert in Cuba to a crowd that size. Director Paul Dugdale had the foresight to produce a concert film around it. That film, The Rolling Stone: Havana Moon, will play on Friday at the Montana Drive In. See our complete coverage here.

Friday – Night Hike to Stone Door: Hiking to Stone Door at South Cumberland State Park is always fun but a guided night hike under a new moon is sure to be special. Ranger Spencer will guide this two mile hike through the beautiful Savage Gulf area. This hike is limited to the first 10 people to register and is $10 per person. Please meet the ranger at the Stone Door Station about 15 minutes before the start of the hike to check in. To register, click here.

Saturday – Quarantine Chameleon opening at Tullahoma Art Center: The COVID-19 quarantine has brought out a lot of unique expressions. On Saturday, local artist Joy Snead will open her Quarantine Chamelon show at the Tullahoma Art Center. The self-taught artist will show her works inspired by her time at home during the global pandemic. The opening takes place from 12-2 p.m. at the TAC located at 401 South Jackson Street. Click here for more details.

Sunday – Beginners Cookie Class at Promise Manor: Tullahoma-based small business Sami Kay’s Cookies will host a Beginner’s Cookie Class on Sunday at Promise Manor from 1-4 p.m. Students will learn tips, tricks, and secret to creating gorgeous iced cookies with a summer theme. To register for the event, click here.

Tims Ford plans outdoor survival school

Learn the keys to outdoor survival at Tim’s Ford Forged at the Ford. {File Photo}

FRANKLIN COUNTY — Think you could survive for three days and two nights on an island in Tims Ford Lake with just a handful of gear? Then you should definitely register for Forged at the Ford Outdoor Survival School, which will take place July 17-19. Registration ends on July 10, and there are limited spots available.

A Tims Ford Park Ranger will teach campers a variety of survival basics using minimal equipment and resources. Participants will learn friction fire, shelter building, knots, and more. During the three days, campers will live off the land by learning wild edible plants, trapping, fishing, and outdoor cooking. Rangers designed the program for all skill levels but campers must be at least 14 years old to attend and campers 14-17 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

The list of required gear includes a fixed blade knife, ferrocerium rod, screw top water bottle, hatchet or axe, 8×10 tarp, 50 feet of paracord, a flashlight or headlamp, a small metal pot, a sleeping bag, fishing line with assorted hooks, and a extra set of clothes in a waterproof container. Optional gear will include a hand saw, insect repellent, and a small first aid kit. All campers will be inventoried upon arrival.

Forged at the Ford is a rain or shine event. The price is $200 per camper. For more information, contact the Tims Ford Park Office at 931-958-3536 or visit their website. To register for the event, click here. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}

Area state park plans waterfall photography class

Though they are a super popular subject, waterfalls can be tricky to shoot. Learn how at a outdoor and waterfall photography class on July 10. {Photo courtesy of Tennessee Photographs}

MANCHESTER — Photographers love to take pics of waterfalls, but it’s a little more complicated than point and shoot. You’ll need a DSLR camera, a tripod, and the patience for a long shutter release. On July 10, David Duplessis of Tennessee Photographers will host an All Day Outdoor and Waterfall Photography Class at Old Fort State Park in Manchester. Students should bring a DSLR camera, lenses, a tripod with shutter release, and wear clothing they don’t mind getting wet. There will be a small amount of hiking and since the class does not provide lunch or water, students should plan to bring their own.

“I was in this class and it was great. I highly recommend it. I had two or three, the light bulb went on moments in the first 15 minutes,” said J. Zalesak on the even’t Facebook page.

Students will meet at the Visitor’s Center at 8:15 a.m. and class will begin at 8:30 a.m. The state park is located at 732 Stone Fort Drive in Manchester. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page by clicking here.•

Southern Festival of Books goes virtual

The Southern Festival of Books will take place as planned in October but this year as a free, virtual event. {File Photo}

Books and other forms of the written word are helping us get through this global pandemic. It’s for that reason among others that the organizers of the state’s largest literary event will transition the annual Southern Festival of Books to a free, virtual event.

Organizers recently announced that this year’s Southern Festival of Books will take place virtually, and for free on October 1-11 in order to maintain the health and safety of not only the authors but also the hundreds that attend the annual Music City event. Humanities Tennessee will transform the three-day festival to virtual access during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will miss being at the beautiful Nashville Public Library and on War Memorial Plaza, with all of the buzz and energy that the Festival weekend brings. But the important traditions will carry on in new and exciting ways; the opportunity to hear writers read from and discuss their works, and the chance to engage in ideas and discourse that are vital today. Writers will join us from around the country, and we will also share some sites and literary history from Tennessee,” said Humanities Tennessee Literature and Language Program Director Serenity Gerbman.

“We are energized by the chance to reach audiences of all types who aren’t able to visit Nashville in person but who will be able to join the Festival from anywhere in the world. The celebration of the written word will continue, and we hope you will join us Oct. 1-11.”

Confirmed authors include actor, comedian, and writer Michael Ian Black, poet Nikky Finney, Devil in the White City author Erik Larson, author and Parnassus owner Ann Patchett, and former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethway. The full roster of 100 authors will be announced soon.

“Now more than ever we need to find ways to connect with each other and foster community. Ingram Content Group proudly supports Humanities Tennessee and its decision to virtually host the Southern Festival of Books this fall. The free programming offered during the festival and throughout the year is vital to the region as it prompts us to reflect upon stories and ideas of all kinds,” said Ingram President and CEO Shawn Morin.

By necessity, the Festival’s annual Authors In The Round fundraising dinner will also transition to a virtual format with details forthcoming.

“We look forward to all we will learn presenting this year’s Festival online, so that when we return in 2021 with the Festival and “Authors In The Round” dinner in person, both events will be energized to celebrate community, literature, and learning as never before,” said Humanities Tennessee Executive Director Tim Henderson.

For more information, visit the Humanities Tennessee website by clicking here. •

7 Things To Do July 4 Weekend

All Weekend — Going to the drive in is as American as baseball or apple pie. Southern, middle Tennessee is lucky to have one of our very own located in Estill Springs. The Montana Drive In will show a couple of vintage flicks this weekend that are perfect for a little socially distanced fun. They’ll play Gremlins (1984, PG), Batman (1989, PG-13), Curse of la Llorona (2019, R), Nightmare on Elm Street (1984, R), The Jungle Book (2016, G), and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015, PG-13) this weekend. Click here for showtimes.

Friday — Oh hello grandmother … kick off July 4th weekend with the musical styling and overall entertaining DJ Dusty D at Hard Dock Cafe at Tims Ford Marina from 5:30-8:30 p.m.. He’s a local fourth grade school teacher and Jack Daniel’s tour guide who also spins a few mean tunes. You’ll have a good time … we promise.

Friday — A July 4th weekend shrimp boil? Yes please. The Mercantile Cafe offers a Friday night shrimp boil each first Friday of the month and in July that lines right up with the July 4th holiday. The Shrimp Boil starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. and take out is available. Click here for more info.

Friday — The River Bistro is one of the hidden gems in the southern, middle Tennessee dining scene. Nestled in quaint downtown Normandy, they offer seafood, pasta, steaks, as well as a meat and three lunch menu. On Friday night, they’ll host live music by Rosenthal + Fox. Seating is limited due to social distancing and reservations are highly recommend. Click here for more details.

Saturday — Pssst. Come here and we’ll tell you a secret. A certain Moore County resident throws a huge Independence Day bash each year complete with fireworks. Though it’s a private event, the fireworks rival anything that a surrounding county puts on. You can view them from anywhere near the intersection of Highway 129 and Highway 55 on Saturday starting around sundown.

Saturday — There may not be a Frontier Days celebration this year but one Moore County tradition lives on. The Metro Volunteer Firefighters will be on the Lynchburg Square on Saturday with their famous roasted corn from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They will offer corn for a donation and all proceeds will go to Moore County-based non-profits.

Saturday — July 4th and fireworks go hand-in-hand. Drafts and Watercrafts Restaurant at Twin Creeks will host their annual Light Over the Lake event on Saturday at 9 p.m. Seats at the restaurant will be available via reservation only. Call 931-201-5516 to reserve your spot. Even if you don’t snag a spot, the fireworks will be visible at both the Dry Creek Boat Ramp and the Winchester Bass Club area. Click here for more information.

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Musict Fest, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}

Swiss Pantry donut Saturday

BELVIDERE — It only happens the first and third Saturday of each month … and it is absolutely worth the 30 minute drive to Franklin County. The Swiss Pantry plans another Donut Saturday for Saturday, July 4.

Swiss Pantry maple donuts are a southern, middle Tennessee tradition. {Photo Provided}

It’s a culinary event with an interesting history. An area family named the Millers owns the The Swiss Pantry. They are direct descendants of Jacob Hostetler, who immigrated to America in 1738 from the Schwarzenburg area of Switzerland. In 1987, the Millers moved to Belvidere from Virginia and discovered Belvidere’s rich Swiss and Mennonite heritage living among common Mennonite names such as Leichty, Zimmerman, Zauggs, and others. That’s when they decided to open a local bakery that blended their Swiss heritage with their new southern home.

They offer a wide variety homemade baked goods, soups, and pastas– many that are gluten free and/or sugar free. They also offer local honey, locally-produced beef, organic chicken, locally roasted coffee, Falls Mill products, and fresh Sunrise Dairy milke.

On Monday’s and Thursdays they make southern-style fried pies in nine different flavors. But it’s on Donut Saturdays that they really shine combining a favorite weekend breakfast food with southern, middle Tennessee foody tradition. They make vanilla, maple, and chocolate glazed donuts that are just (chef’s kiss) divine.

You can pre-order by calling 931-962-0567. They are $8.19 a dozen and flavors can be mixed and matched. Pre-ordering is definitely recommend because they often run out but they accept pre-order via phone only. The Swiss Pantry is located at 10026 David Crockett Parkway in Belvidere on Highway 64 between Huntland and Winchester. •

Library’s book club announces July selection

The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler is the Brown Bag Book Club’s July Pick. {Art Provided}

LYNCHBURG — The Moore County Brown Bag Book Club is back at it and they’ll be reading The Book of Speculation by Erika Swylar for their July pick.

The novel follows the life of a young, research librarian with an interesting family tree. His mother – long dead – worked as a circus mermaid and died mysteriously on July 24. One day a book arrives on his doorstep … fragile and water-damaged. It chronicles the life of a traveling carnival owner in the 1700s, who reports strange and magical things, including the drowning death of a circus mermaid. Since then, generations of “mermaids” in Simon’s family have drowned – always on July 24, which is only weeks away. Is his sister next?

According to Publisher’s Weekly, it’s a book, “in the tradition of Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants, Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, and Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian. The Book of Speculation – with two-color illustrations by the author – is Erika Swyler’s moving debut novel about the power of books, family, and magic.”

The Brown Bag Book Club meets every Friday at the Moore County Public Library. The group ends and begins a new book on the last Friday of each month. They will begin The Book of Speculation on Friday, June 26. •

Smokey and the Bandit playing at the drive in

Smokey and the Bandits screens at the drive in through June 25. {Graphic Provided}

ESTILL SPRING — Who would have ever imagined that a movie whose plot revolves around bootlegging Coors beer across the southeast would become a classic American film? But that’s exactly what happened with the 1977 American road comedy, Smokey and the Bandit.

The film’s a quaint nods to a bygone time of CB radios and souped up muscle cars, and follows two friends – Bo “The Bandit” Darville and Cledus “The Snowman” Snow – as they take off on a 28-hour run from Atlanta to Texarkana and back again to bootleg 400 cases of Coors beer.

It’s a plot line that is – interestingly enough – based on a true story. Famous Hollywood stuntman, Hal Needham, directed the film and once lived in Burt Reynold’s pool house. As he and Reynolds worked on the set of the comedy film, Gator, one of the driver captains keep sneaking cases of Coors onto the set. Neddham learned that due to archaic beer laws in was illegal to sell Coors east of the Mississippi River and thought, “that would make an cool plot to a movies” … and so a classic was born.

The film stars Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed, and a hilarious Jackie Gleason, who steals every scene he appears in. It managed to be the second highest grossing film of 1977 behind the original Star Wars and legend holds it was one of Alfred Hitchcock’s favorite films.

Smokey and the Bandit screens through June 25 at the Montana Drive In in Estill Springs. It plays on screen 2 at 8:30 p.m. followed by Fast and Furious. Both films are rated PG. For more information, check out the Montana’s website or Facebook page. •