The 2016 “Toast of Jackson,” held at Jackson Fairgrounds Park, was a resounding success with a steady stream of people attending. The wine vendors were overwhelmed with the attendance. Numerous merchants provided additional venues for the visitors.

The 2016 United Way “Unitas” event featuring Peyton Manning was held at the Civic Center on July 29th. Manning was welcomed with a packed house and an eager audience. He spoke to the audience about hard work, dedication and never giving anything less than your best to any endeavor you decide to accomplish.

Heaven’s Cradle, formed by Abby Lackey after the loss of her baby at 20 weeks, is designed to assist families who lose premature babies. There is the grief and emptiness the family experiences, but for some families they are blindsided by no insurance coverage for stillborn babies.

The 29th Mid-South Charity Horse Show for “Eden of Youth Town” was held at the Pugh Bourne Park for the 5th year. This event is a preliminary competition for the annual Tennessee Walking Horse competition held in Shelbyville. Member Ed Cotter said “The Mid-South Horse Association is about 60 years old and one of, if not the oldest association in the country.” Through their charity events, funds are raised that go to benefit children assistance organizations like Eden of Youth Town.

Crowds gathered at the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market for the 2016 “Taste of Jackson.” There was a great variety of traditional, spicy and ethnic foods. The new Farmers’ Market manager is Tammy Buchanan, who came from City Hall. She is a tireless worker striving to make every event a great success.

The 2016 Leadership Jackson scholarship presentation was held at the JEA Training Center. High school student award winners and their families came to receive the $1,000 scholarship award for the college of their choice. These students were chosen from a group of 40 applications that had been received.

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.

The 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.

Billed 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.

Sixteen 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.

Breakfast 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.