On July 17, RIFA announced that the featured entertainment for CANstruction 2016 would be Michael W. Smith. CANstruction Jackson will be built by 14 teams, the largest group to compete since it started 12 years ago. Two years ago it was moved from the Jackson Mall to the Carl Perkins Civic Center as interest had grown for the competition.
Read MoreThe West Tennessee Area Council-Boy Scouts of America conducted its annual Friends of Scouting Dinner at Hope Hall on the campus of Northside United Methodist Church. The featured speaker was Mr. Bobby Bell, All-American Outland Trophy winner from the University of Minnesota who played in Super Bowl I and IV. He was the first Kansas City Chief elected into the NFL’s Hall of Fame. The Boy Scouts appreciate the leadership of Dr. Keith Nord, who serves as Chairman of the Friends of Scouting campaign, and was responsible for Mr. Bell’s appearance and to Dr. Bob Carney, Council Advancement Chairman responsible for Eagle Scout recognitions.
Read MoreThe Hermitage Hotel, an American landmark since 1910 and the epitome of Southern elegance and five-star luxury, has been one of my favorite hotels for many years. My late mother adored this hotel and often while I was traveling across the state for a Tennessee governor she was a guest there.
Read MoreBilled as “The Largest Tailgate Party in Madison County,” Relay for Life took over the Farmers’ Market to celebrate the kickoff of the official Relay for Life 2016 season. Chairman A. J. Massey commenced proceedings with heartfelt thanks to his Event Leadership Team followed by a Ribbon Cutting. The survivor tent was full, each person having an emotional story about their battle with cancer. The survivor walk was greeted with deafening applause as they strode triumphantly through the Farmers’ Market, continuing laps for 30 minutes.
Read MoreAt least once a year, typically in October when VIP Jackson Magazine profiles Crockett County, I visit the Tennessee Safari Park. I enjoy driving down the country road that leads to Hillcrest, a Century Farm owned by the Conley family since 1858. Pretty peacocks preen and have full reign of the road. My car moves slowly as I try to avoid a run-in with a peacock.
Read MoreSixteen highly respected local artists from in and around Jackson graciously presented their impressive artwork at the 4th Annual Speaking of Art fundraiser to benefit the West Tennessee Hearing and Speech Center. Chandelier inside the Neely House, was a perfect venue for displaying various styles of art.
Read MoreThe 2nd Annual Bark For Life took place on Sunday, April 24th at Antonia's Paw Spa & Retreat. Antonia Haney, Chairperson of Bark For Life, along with her husband and co-chair Ron Haney and co-chair, Bonnie Chary (and spokes-pup "Juicy"), along with committee members - Gayle Gilbert, Troy Huffman, Chris Lay, Gina Long, Jackie Morgan, Dawn Perkins-Bannister, Melissa Roberts, Kaleigh Strickland, Kaley Humphrey and April Sweo, dedicated endless hours planning and executing this event.
Read MoreBreakfast for Babies, held by the March of Dimes at The Bakers Rack, featured a host of dignitaries who served the patrons. The buffet breakfast is an annual fundraiser for the March of Dimes. Diners were served by mayors, college presidents, TV anchors and volunteers from many businesses in Jackson.
Read MoreProfiles on Jackson Area Animal Shelters — Companion Pet Rescue, Downtown Dogs Group, Jackson-Madison County Humane Society, KEG Rescue, Loving Paws Rescue, Saving the Animals Together and Redemption Road Rescue.
Read MoreThe Jackson Symphony Association is proud to announce the outstanding performance lineup of its 56th season. In true style, the 2016-17 season will offer all the excitement and beauty of the past 55 years. Whether Bizet’s “Carmen Suites,” Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto” or Rachmaninoff’s thrilling “Paganinni Variations,” this season features giants of the orchestral repertoire. A full concert of Rodgers and Hammerstein and the brilliant Gypsy Jazz band “Velvet Caravan” will have you singing along while dancing in your seats.
Read MorePets require attention and dedication, but those are small prices to pay for the physical and mental benefits they bring into our lives. If you are debating whether to get a pet, the following reasons on why you should have pets will likely have you searching for your next furry (or not furry) addition to your home.
Read MoreJonathan and Fiona Harlan of Aeneas Internet & Telephone invited the public to their annual block party. The eagerly anticipated party was held in the lovely courtyard on the east side of the Aeneas building, which in years past was the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Read MoreDaryl Chansuthus, Executive Director of WRAP, and her team provided an entertaining night at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, where their largest fundraiser was held. The entertainment was provided by Mike Walker & Friends, whose theme of “The Sounds of Jackson” moved the audience. Smooth Jazz Progression was an accompanying music group that enhanced the night.
Read MoreThe Barn at Snider Farm was rocking to the sound of The Kimberlie Helton Band, intermingled with rounds of bingo, good food from Coyote Blues, wine from Party Mart and a silent auction. The Jackson Service League presented their 4th Annual Boots, Bands and Bingo event at the Barn at Snider Farm on April 8th to a capacity crowd.
Read MoreOnly the music of Jackson and West Tennessee could connect Memphis’ Beale Street and Nashville’s Music Row. Join the organizers of the AMP series as we celebrate the rich musical legacy of our region with the 2016 season of Jackson’s award-winning music venue—Jackson’s Amphitheater (AMP) at the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market.
Read MoreThe 18th Annual Fur Ball was held at the Jackson Country Club for a large group of supporters. Event sponsors included Bruce and Dottie Dorris, The City of Jackson, Antonia's Paw Spa and Retreat, and Kirkland's. Media sponsors were VIP Jackson Magazine, Golden Circle Graphics, The Jackson Sun, WBBJ-TV, Six in the City, and Forever Communications.
Read MoreThe Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame held the 31st annual banquet on the evening of April 7th. This exciting evening was to give recognition to many outstanding sports figures in our community.
Read MoreA native of Atwood, Tennessee, Darren Lykes has always had an artist’s eye. When he was merely 17 years old, his parents, Vivian and Bernard, gave their talented son a camera as a way for him to explore his creativity. Darren’s parents were not aware they had ignited a passion within their son that would soon be transformed into a lifelong dream and his future profession.
Read More“A Night of Hollywood Glamour” was held at the New Southern Hotel as a fundraiser for the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation. The downstairs lobby was the host center for a glass of champagne and meeting friends before going upstairs to the ballroom or the speciality tasting room. Food was located in various locations allowing guests to visit and mingle prior to the band playing.
Read MoreWhat an exciting time it is for downtown Jackson! Two years ago in my introduction to the Destination Downtown special section I related a story about a speech I gave at First Friday Forum around 1990 as the first Executive Director of Jackson Downtown Development Corporation (JDDC). I asked the attendees to close their eyes and dream with me about a bustling center city with numerous residents in homes, condos and apartments; a renovated New Southern Hotel; and busy retail shops and restaurants.
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Socializing Throughout West Tennessee!
