spring 2009, tn connections

Simply PeachyRecipes to welcome

the warm weather

Joust in Time

Champion teaches the medieval art of lancingtnconnections.com

tnSpring 2009

connectionsAn Official Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

traveler’s almanac

Travel tips and fun finds off the beaten path

HOME, SWEET HOMESTEAD MARKETWith its welcoming cedar storefront and flower-lined front porch – and the aroma of fresh-baked bread and pastries wafting through the air – it’s no wonder family-owned and operated Yoder’s Homestead Market has been called the best country store in the Lawrenceburg area.

Folks from miles around stop in at the market – on Highway 20 between Summertown and Hohenwald in Tennessee’s Amish country – for bread, pies and other baked goods, as well as sliced meats and cheeses from Yoder’s deli case. Tables inside make Yoder’s Market a favorite spot to gather for morning coffee and hot-from-the-oven donuts. The porch – which doubles as a display for the cedar lawn furniture the Yoder family builds and sells – is a great place to enjoy a home-style deli sandwich.

The store also carries local, handmade baskets and gifts. Yoder’s Homestead Market is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

g Call (931) 796-1646 for more information.

A SQUARE MEAL AT SQUARE MARKET Get in touch with your inner gourmet at Square Market & Café, located on the square in downtown Columbia. You won’t find any greasy burgers or fried foods here, say owners Liz Lovell and Debra Mann.

Instead, you’ll find roasted pear salad with bleu cheese and glazed walnuts; portobello panini sandwiches with feta cheese and caramelized onions; and tomato artichoke soup.

The Tennessee Hot Brown and chicken salad dotted with cranberries also rank among customer favorites, along with desserts such as blackberry cobbler, strawberry shortcake and chocolate decadence.

On Friday and Saturday nights, the Square Market presents an upscale dinner menu and live music, and nationally renowned singer/songwriters perform in the restaurant’s intimate atmosphere at special dinner concerts the fourth Thursday of each month (reservations recommended).

g Visit www.squaremarketcafé.com or call (931) 840-3636 for more information.

TEAPOTS 24/7 City Hall in the west Tennessee town of Trenton is the unlikely home of the world’s largest collection of porcelain veilleuse-theieres, or nightlight teapots. Originally devised to keep liquids warm and cast soft light in sickrooms and nurseries, the simple, functional warming pots that sat atop candlelit pedestals gradually evolved into elaborate works of art.

Dr. Frederick Freed, a native of Trenton, garnered some 525 rare, ornate 18th- and 19th-century teapots during 40 years of world travels. He donated his prized collection to the city in 1976 with the stipulation that the teapots remain on public display day and night so folks can see them anytime. The Trenton police department next door to City Hall admits visitors who show up after business hours.

Every spring, the city hosts the Teapot Festival, which kicks off with a ceremonial lighting of the pots and, after a week of festivities, culminates with a parade. This year’s festival is scheduled for April 26-May 2.

g Visit www.teapotcollection.com for more information.

Spring 2009 tnconnections.com | 1

table of contents

online contents | tnconnections.com

table of contents

online contents | tnconnections.com

tnconnectionsFEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Simply PeachyRecipes to welcome

the warm weather

Spring 2009

tnconnections

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Watch a VideoCheck out Uncle Lester and his dancing shoes or take a virtual ride on a miniature train in our online video gallery.

Find a RecipePrint or e-mail a recipe from our online recipe file.

Enter a Contest

Find entry forms and rules for contests, sweepstakes and other special promotions.

Browse the ArchivesView past stories, photos and magazine covers in our online archives.

Virtual MagazineFlip through the pages of the magazine without leaving your laptop. Print and e-mail articles and instantly link to advertisers.

Spring 2009 Edition

Editor Rebecca Denton

Contributing Writers Carol Cowan, Jessica Mozo, Jessy Yancey

Creative Director Keith Harris

Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto

Senior Photographer Brian McCord

Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, J. Kyle Keener

Photography Assistant Anne Whitlow

Production Project Managers Melissa Bracewell, Jill Wyatt

Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams

Graphic Designers Jessica Manner, Marcus Snyder

Ad Traffic Jessica Childs, Marcia Millar, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty

Sr. V.P./Sales Carla H. Thurman

Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester

V.P./Editorial Director Teree Caruthers

V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester

Production Director Natasha Lorens

Associate Production Director Christina Carden

Controller Chris Dudley

Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Beth Murphy

Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson

Distribution Director Gary Smith

Accounting Moriah Domby, Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens

Custom/Travel Sales Support Rachael Goldsberry

Tennessee Connections is published quarterly by Journal Communications Inc. for participating members of the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. TMEPA represents 61 municipal power distributors in Tennessee, which serve more than 2 million customers. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067. Phone: 615-771-0080. E-mail: [email protected].

For information about TMEPA, contact:

Tennessee Municipal Electric Power AssociationPaddock 1, Suite C-13 229 Ward Circle Brentwood, TN 37027Phone 615-373-5738 Fax 615-373-1901 tmepa.org

Executive Director Mike Vinson

C U S TO M M A G A Z I N E M E D I A

©Copyright 2009 Journal Communications Inc. and Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

ON THE COVER:

Candied peaches over vanilla bean ice cream by Jeffrey S. Otto

tnconnectionsFEATURES

Joust in Time 4

Champion teaches medieval lancing at his Westmoreland farm.

Put Your Feet Up at the Patch 9

Normandy country inn offers plenty of peace and quiet.

Easy and Breezy 10

Brentwood resident puts a wind turbine in his backyard.

Simply Peachy 12

Celebrate spring with a meal fit for company.

DEPARTMENTS

Municipal Power Perspective 3

Spring Activities in Tennessee 14

Connect to Tennessee Products 17


MembershipAlcoa Electric Department

Athens Utilities Board

Benton County Electric System

Bolivar Energy Authority

Bristol Tennessee Essential Services

Brownsville Utility Department

Carroll County Electrical Department

Electric Power Board of Chattanooga

CDE Lightband – Clarksville

Cleveland Utilities

Clinton Utilities Board

Columbia Power & Water System

Cookeville Department of Electricity

Covington Electric System

Dayton Electric Department

Dickson Electric System

Dyersburg Electric System

Elizabethton Electric Department

Erwin Utilities

Etowah Utilities Department

Gallatin Department of Electricity

Greeneville Light & Power System

Harriman Utility Board

Humboldt Utilities

Jackson Energy Authority

Jellico Electric & Water Systems

Johnson City Power Board

Knoxville Utilities Board

LaFollette Utilities

Lawrenceburg Utility Systems

Lenoir City Utilities Board

Lewisburg Electric System

Lexington Electric System

Loudon Utilities

City of Maryville Electric Department

McMinnville Electric System

Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division

Milan Department of Public Utilities

Morristown Utility Systems

Mount Pleasant Power System

Murfreesboro Electric Department

Nashville Electric Service

Newbern Electric Department

Newport Utilities

City of Oak Ridge Electric Department

Paris Board of Public Utilities

Pulaski Electric System

Ripley Power and Light Company

Rockwood Electric Utility

Sevier County Electric System

Shelbyville Power System

Town of Somerville Utilities

Sparta Electric System

Springfield Electric Department

Sweetwater Utilities Board

Trenton Light & Water Department

Tullahoma Utilities Board

Union City Electric System

Weakley County Municipal Electric System

TMEPA is working to protect your interests

Looking to the

It’s been a hectic few months since the General Assembly adjourned last year. We’ve been busy tracking all the newspapers and periodicals to stay abreast of the changing legislative, economic and electric industry issues facing Tennessee and our nation.

It was announced in December 2008 that the United States is officially in a recession, the auto industry is asking for “bail-out” loans, the mortgage industry has already received billions of dollars and is expected to get more, and a Democratic Congress took over in January 2009 with promises to solve all the issues facing our nation. Congress certainly has our support in this herculean effort, but regardless of good intentions, our economic future is hazy.

Your municipal power provider is doing all it can to assist in these areas already.

Here in Tennessee, we have a Republican majority in both the Senate and House for the first time since Reconstruction. Our 106th General Assembly is now composed of 19 Republicans and 14 Democrats in the Senate, and 50 Republicans and 49 Democrats in the House. It’s a majority for sure, but not an overwhelming majority, and a few absentees could easily affect a bill’s outcome. We’ll be

busy this session meeting with the new folks, but we certainly won’t forget all our past friends (Republican and Democrat) in our Legislature who understand and support the municipal systems and public power specifically. We’re thankful for each of them.

One of the areas we typically address each year is pole-attachment fees. Last year a rumor circulated that your cable or telephone bill was higher as a result of the pole-attachment fee imposed by the municipal electric systems. Let’s put that in perspective. As an example, let’s say that a particular system has an $18 annual attachment fee. Please note it says “annual,” not monthly. Since most municipals are high density, the cable provider likely has three or four customers on each pole, so the actual “monthly” pole-attachment cost per cable customer is only 37 to 50 cents per month. Not a lot of money is it?

Keep in mind that the electric company has the responsibility of maintaining the pole, trimming the right of way and seeing to all the safety issues involved with a distribution system, including the attachments of other companies.

Rest assured that TMEPA will be doing its part in watching over the interest of the 2 million citizens of Tennessee served by the local municipal electric systems. After all, this is our state, our economy and our home also.

We pray that you will have an outstanding and prosperous new year.

MIKE VINSONExecutive Director Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association

Future

Doing His JobChampion teaches medieval tradition at Tennessee farm

Joust

4 | tnconnections.com Tennessee Connections

Story by JESSY YANCEYPhotography by BRIAN McCORD

Each Memorial Day weekend, hundreds of spectators gather in Triune to watch the jousting tournament at

the annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival. The crowd cheers as knights – dressed from head to toe in heavy metal armor – enter the arena. Atop their horses, the knights position their lances, hoping to score enough points to be crowned the tournament champion.

But most onlookers don’t realize the event isn’t choreographed; there’s no predetermined winner.

The knights vie for thousands of dollars in prize money and, more importantly, recognition as a jousting champion.

And many of them have Roy Cox to thank.

A NATURAL EXTENSIONCox didn’t plan to become a

competitive jouster.“I was in the wrong place at the

wrong time,” he says.For Cox, a California native,

that so-called wrong place was New York City, where he was doing stunt work. He helped a man unload a horse from a trailer, and the man liked the way Cox

handled the horse. When the man’s partner didn’t show up, he invited Cox to joust in his place.

“Like a fool, I said OK,” Cox says. “But I worked with him for a few months, and I learned why his partner didn’t show up.”

More jousting offers followed, and Cox decided to work jousting into his own project – the Cimmerian Combatives Co., founded in 1978.

“We were already doing stunt work, and the horses were a natural extension,” he says.

In 1992, the jousting faction of the group was established as the Free Lancers, after a medieval term. Hired by Renaissance festivals

Champion jouster Roy Cox gives some pointers to Gesa Wellenstein, a jousting student from Germany, during a seminar at the Free Lancers training school in Westmoreland. Left: Jousting student Cody Powell gets ready for some full-contact action during a two-week session.


across the country, the group traveled for up to 10 months a year. Cox also competed in the heavy-armor division at the World Championship Jousting Association. He’s a 10-time U.S. champion and two-time world champion.

FREE LANCINGDuring this time, Cox married

and bought a 66-acre farm in Westmoreland, just south of the Kentucky border in Middle Tennessee.

“The neighbors were a little curious,” he recalls. “But I invited them out for some demos, and they were intrigued to find out what I do.”

Cox teaches two-week jousting sessions at his farm several times a year, depending upon interest. The seminar attracts people from all walks of life, including Gesa Wellenstein, a self-proclaimed horse fanatic from Biberach an der Riss, Germany. She traveled all the way to Tennessee for jousting lessons.

“I did not have a lot of expectations,” says Wellenstein, who has done everything from barrel racing to bull riding. “I was planning to show up and learn. My first shock was that Roy’s jousting is full contact. When you get hit, you feel it.”

Wellenstein is among the few women who participate in the sport, so they often compete against men. Cox’s wife, Kate, was ranked second in the nation after him, until she had an accident due to field conditions.

Still, he says that injuries are actually quite rare and that real jousting is safer than the choreographed performances.

“What matters is technique,” he says – a mantra evident in all his workshops.

Cox sticks to a strict schedule, but it’s all for the benefit of his students.

“I went from knowing nothing,” Wellenstein says, “to feeling comfortable participating as a knight in a jousting event.”

The first week of a jousting seminar focuses on riding safely with weapons, while the second week of 12-hour days adds heavy armor to the mix. Draft horses are usually used in jousting, since they can support the additional weight of the armor – about 110 pounds.

“They’re our livelihood,” Cox says of his horses. “I’m a staunch believer that horses are our partners, our friends and magnificent animals. And they enjoy it. They gallop into the arena with a fire in their eyes and thunder in their hooves.”

A CULTURAL RENAISSANCE

Cox takes pride in the fact that his jousting lessons are historically accurate, from the points system used (Henry VIII’s) to the type of armor worn by the nights. Wellenstein – whose hometown was founded in the 800s – shares that fascination with history. So does Mike Freeman, owner of Castle Gwynn – a real castle that drivers can see along State Route 840 between Murfreesboro and Franklin.

During the month of May, Freeman’s property in Triune –

Right: Students Cody Powell, Gesa Wellenstein and Leland Coleman work on their sword technique. Above: Jousting students in full armor practice with lances and horses.


about 25 miles south of Nashville – is transformed to look like 16th-century England for the Tennessee Renaissance Festival. Cox runs the jousting events, which take place each weekend and come to an exciting conclusion with the Gath of Baal National Combat Jousting Tournament on Memorial Day weekend.

“The tournament consists of people from different countries and states who have worked with Roy in some capacity,” says Leland Coleman, one of Cox’s students.

Coleman serves as the festival’s marshal mediate, an emcee who

IF YOU GO:The Tennessee Renaissance Festival in Triune takes place every weekend in May, including Memorial Day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – rain or shine. Visit www.tnrenfest.com for details.

explains the rules to the crowd and keeps everything going if someone gets knocked off a horse.

These days, Cox stays behind the scenes, recording performances to ensure accuracy in judging. “I just fill in when needed. It’s hard to worry about competing when you’re running the show.”

But it’s much more than a show. It’s a true competition in the centuries-old style. And Cox is doing his part to make sure the tradition lives on. g Visit http://freelancers.faire.net

for more information about the Free Lancers and jousting training sessions.



Story by JESSICA MOZOPhotography by JEFFREY S. OTTO

If it weren’t for the black and white sign along Highway 269 in Normandy, you’d never know Parish Patch Farm & Inn existed down the adjacent country road. And that quiet seclusion

is exactly what draws people to this peaceful estate, where guests can take a nap in a hammock, read a book in the library, fish for trout in the Duck River and even get married in the chapel.

“People will be here 15 minutes and say, ‘I can’t believe how quiet it is,’ ” says David Hazelwood, who owns Parish Patch with his wife, Claudia. “They also comment on how great the stargazing is because there are no city lights around.”

Nestled on a 300-acre working farm in the rolling hills of Bedford, Parish Patch attracts wedding parties, family reunions, corporate and church groups, and couples seeking a romantic getaway. The operation consists of a country inn with 21 guest rooms, a conference center, a 120-seat limestone wedding chapel and Cortner Mill restaurant, which is housed in an 1825 gristmill and specializes in fine dining.

Parish Patch has hosted several notable folks since it opened in 1982, including Merle Haggard in the early years and the Dixie Chicks, who stayed at the inn for a weeklong songwriting retreat with writers from Nashville.

The Cortner Mill restaurant is another important facet of Parish Patch and has become a popular dining spot with Bedford County residents. It’s open by reservation, and entrees average about $19 per person.

“We feature things from a farm or out of the river – trout, catfish, grilled duck breast, frog legs,” Hazelwood says. “We use all fresh produce – nothing canned or frozen – and we even make our own ice cream.”

Although there’s plenty to do at Parish Patch, guests who want to venture off the property won’t be disappointed. Two wineries are located less than 20 minutes away, and the quaint historic towns of Wartrace and Bell Buckle are a short jaunt down the road. The city of Lynchburg and Jack Daniels Distillery are just a 30-minute drive.

Most people, however, are perfectly content to stay put at the Parish Patch.

g For more information, call (931) 857-3017 or visit www.parishpatch.com.

at the PatchCountry inn offers plenty of peace and quiet

Put Your Feet Up

Guests can take a dip in the pool, nap in a hammock or find other ways to soak up serenity at the Parish Patch Farm & Inn in Normandy.

Story by CAROL COWANPhotography by JEFFREY S. OTTO

Wilbur and Lucy Sensing’s pastoral, 1830s Brentwood estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and with a name like Windy Hill Farm, the Sensings

figured it was ideally suited for a windmill. About six years ago, they began exploring the idea

in earnest.“My wife liked the old farm windmills that pump

water for the farms, so we started out with that kind of windmill in mind,” Wilbur Sensing explains. “But we found out that those kind of windmills are all gone with the wind.”

And while he had a hankering for a new-fangled, electricity-generating wind turbine, she didn’t like the looks of the space-age propeller.

“We delayed our project about four or five years waiting on her to change her mind,” he says.

In the end, Lucy Sensing relented, as evidenced by the slim, slightly curved blades gently slicing the sky from their perch atop a sleek, silver tower built on the high point of Windy Hill Farm.

Following the installation, Sensing set about getting power from his turbine flowing into the Nashville Electric Service grid – a process that included putting in a transformer next to the tower and running a line underground to a set of meters on the back side of an old-fashioned red barn.

One meter shows the power generated by the

windmill. He gets 15 cents per kilowatt hour for any power generated. Another meter keeps track of power used, and he is charged about 12 cents per kilowatt-hour.

It’s a good deal when the wind blows. “I tell people that so far we’ve gotten about $25 worth

of electricity and $25,000 worth of publicity. We’re just hoping for more wind,” Sensing says with a laugh.

It’s true that middle Tennessee isn’t the windiest part of the state, but the Sensings’ SkyStream 3.7 residential turbine – which retails for around $5,000 and, with installation costs, can total more than $10,000 – is capable of producing power anytime wind speed reaches at least eight miles per hour. In windy weather, it has a potential output close to 1,000 kilowatt hours per month.

So far, his is the only wind turbine on the NES system. “We’re kind of pioneers in this,” Sensing says.Of course, not everyone can erect a wind turbine

in the backyard. But the Tennessee Valley Authority, through its Green Power Switch Generation Partners program, will purchase 100 percent of power generated by a qualifying photovoltaic (solar) or wind power system installed at a residence or business. (Participation is subject to the discretion of the local power distributor.)

Folks who can’t generate power but still want to support renewable energy can sign up to purchase green power in 150-kilowatt blocks – roughly 12 percent of the average household’s monthly usage – for an extra $4 per block purchased.

g Visit www.tva.gov/greenpowerswitch for more information.

BreezyResidential wind turbine generates interest and electricity

Easy and

A wind turbine on Windy Hill Farm in Brentwood stands tall behind owner Wilbur Sensing. His wind turbine is the first on the NES system.



Food preparation and styling by NASHVILLE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CULINARY ARTS PROGRAMPhotography by JEFFREY S. OTTO

Balmy breezes, dogwood blossoms, a sprinkling of green to brighten the gray. Spring is on its way, and that means it’s almost time to break out the grill and sample some lighter fare.

Grilled pork chops with bourbon-peach barbecue sauce offer a hearty main course with sophisticated flair – but without too much fuss. Tender spring turnip greens and potatoes complement the main course, and candied peaches over vanilla bean ice cream bring the meal full circle.

Peachy MoodCelebrate spring with a meal fit for company

In a

GRILLED PORK CHOPS WITH BOURBON-PEACH BARBECUE SAUCE

3 lbs. boneless pork loin

1 tablespoon oil

Salt and pepper as needed

4 fresh peaches

6 ounces ketchup

4 ounces bourbon

1 ounce honey

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper


SPRING TURNIP GREENS WITH PINE NUTS AND SPICY PEPPERS

3 bunches turnip greens, cleaned and trimmed

2 slices bacon

1/2 onion, diced

3 ounces toasted pine nuts

2 poblano peppers, diced

Salt and pepper to taste

Dice raw bacon and render the fat over low heat in saucepot. Add onion and sweat until translucent. Add poblanos and greens and sauté until greens are wilted. Cover with enough water to submerge. Add salt, pepper and pine nuts and simmer until greens are tender.

CANDIED PEACHES OVER VANILLA BEAN ICE CREAM

1/2 gallon vanilla bean ice cream

3 whole peaches, peeled and pitted

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

Bring water to a simmer and slowly whisk in sugar. Simmer until mixture has thickened slightly. Slice peaches into equal wedges and add to simmering syrup until just softened. Remove peaches to cool and save syrup. Place 1 or 2 ice cream scoops in a dish and place 3 cooled wedges of peach on top. Drizzle 1 ounce of cooking syrup over ice cream and serve.

SPRING POTATO WEDGES3 large russet potatoes, cut into wedges

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

4 ounces canola oil

Toss potatoes in all other ingredients and bake at 350 degrees until tender with a golden crust.

Clean and slice the pork into 6 pork chops. Season with salt, pepper and a little cooking oil. Place wrapped in fridge. Peel and pit peaches, puree peaches until smooth and pass through a strainer, reserving juice. Place in sauce pot with crushed pepper and heat well. Add bourbon and allow to burn off, then add ketchup and honey. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove chops and lightly mark on grill. Place in pan. Brush liberally with sauce and roast at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until chops reach 145 degrees internally. Serve with additional sauce on the side.

WE HAVE A WINNER!Vivian Christman of Clarksville (CDE Lightband) is our soup contest winner with her recipe for Tuscan Bread Soup. Runner-up is Judy Hartz of Clarksville with her Roasted Butternut Squash Soup recipe. Visit tnconnections.com to print these winning recipes.

A hearty thanks to all who entered!

This listing includes events of statewide interest scheduled in March, April and May as provided by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Dates were accurate at press time but are subject to change; please call the contact listed before traveling long distances to attend.

Additional information on Tennessee events is also available online through the department’s Web site, tnvacation.com.

MARCHMARCH 12-146TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE FAIREStrand Theatre, Hohenwald – Selected vendors from middle Tennessee and beyond will bring their antiques and collectibles to Hohenwald. Quilt show, appraisals and more. CONTACT: John Ford, (931) 796-4519, www.memoryjunctionantiques.com

MARCH 13-14LONE STAR RODEOTennessee Miller Coliseum, Murfreesboro – Features bareback bronc riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, cowgirls barrel racing, team roping and more. CONTACT: Shana Risinger, (615) 494-8879

MARCH 20-21OLD TIME FIDDLERS’ CHAMPIONSHIPClarksville – This 34th annual state championship features authentic old-time music. Competition in 12 events with monetary prizes awarded. CONTACT: Tad Bourne, (931) 552-6149, www.tnfiddlers.com

MARCH 2147TH ANNUAL WEARIN’ OF THE GREEN IRISH DAYErin – From the Grand Parade, leprechauns and banquets to carnival rides, pageants and arts and craft booths, there is entertainment all around. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, (931) 289-5100

MARCH 28-29 HISTORIC MANSKER’S STATION SPRING ENCAMPMENTHistoric Mansker’s Station, Goodlettsville – Observe how people lived on the frontier in the late 1800s. Costumed interpreters and re-enactors will camp around Mansker’s Fort. CONTACT: (615) 859-FORT, www.manskersstation.org

APRILAPRIL 2-4CONFERENCE ON SOUTHERN LITERATURE Tivoli Theatre, Chattanooga – The Arts & Education Council’s Conference on Southern Literature has been bringing writers to Chattanooga since 1981. The three-day

literary celebration is an opportunity for writers and their fans to come together and enjoy the written word. CONTACT: (423) 267-1218, www.artsedcouncil.org

APRIL 2-5MULE DAYColumbia – One of the biggest mule celebrations in the world, this includes mule sale, mule pulling, mule shows, pancake breakfast, flea market and parade. CONTACT: Mule Day Office, (931) 381-9557, www.muleday.com

APRIL 4WOOLLY DAYRocky Mount Museum, Piney Flats – Rocky Mount’s annual spring event focuses on 18th century wool processing and other agricultural activities. Come and see sheep shearing, spinning and weaving, and living history tours of the Cobb House and grounds. CONTACT: (423) 538-7396, www.rockymountmuseum.com

APRIL 4HERB AND WILDFLOWER DAYTownsend Visitors Center – A tribute to the beauty and fascination of wildflowers, ferns, trees, and herbs. Visit with expert botanists, photographers, and naturalists. CONTACT: Townsend Visitors Center, (800) 525-6834

APRIL 4-5WILDFLOWER WEEKENDFall Creek Falls State Park, Pikeville – Explore the park and see wildflowers and breathtaking views. Features a variety of hikes, workshops, driving tours and more. CONTACT: Betty Dunn Nature Center, (423) 881-5708, www.tnstateparks.com

APRIL 16-19MARDI GRAS RIDEEast Fork Stables, Jamestown – Cajun food, Cajun music, Mardi Gras parade, costume prizes, beads and bingo. CONTACT: (800) 978-7245, www.eastforkstables.com

APRIL 18SPRING MILE-LONG YARD SALE AND EXCURSION TRAINWatertown – Ride the train to the huge yard sale, which features arts and crafts, entertainment and more. CONTACT: Jim Amero, (615) 237-1777, www.tcry.org

APRIL 18DISCOVERY FESTWartburg – Features rock-climbing wall, hiking, paddling, horseback trail riding, ATV rides, kayaking clinic, children’s activities, food, arts and crafts, live music and more. CONTACT: (423) 346-5740, www.morgancountychamber.com


spring activities in tennessee

APRIL 1833RD ANNUAL CANNONSBURGH PIONEER DAYCannonsburgh Village, Murfreesboro – Food, crafts and demonstrations of life in pioneer times. CONTACT: (615) 890-0355

APRIL 18THUNDER ROAD FESTIVALDowntown Rockwood – Includes activities for children, classic car show, antiques, craft booths, food and live entertainment. CONTACT: (865) 354-0175 ext. 823, www.roanealliance.org

APRIL 18ELKTON MILE LONG YARD SALEHwy. 31 South, Elkton – Mile-long yard sale. CONTACT: (931) 363-3789, www.gilescountytourism.com

APRIL 18-194 BRIDGES ARTS FESTIVALChattanooga – Enjoy a wide array of original, unique fine art and fine crafts, excellent food, kids’ art activities and live music. CONTACT: (423) 265-4282, www.4bridgesartsfestival.org

APRIL 20-26WORLD’S BIGGEST FISH FRYParis – More than five tons of catfish are on order to serve thousands of visitors at this fish fry. Includes IPRA rodeo, parade, catfish races and more. CONTACT: (731) 642-3431, www.paristnchamber.com

APRIL 25WHITE COUNTY RENAISSANCE FESTIVALSparta – A medieval renaissance festival with a human chess match, storytelling, food, masked ball and much more. CONTACT: Carol Lee Norris, (931) 738-9238

APRIL 25 & MAY 23MAINSTREET CRUISE-INCleveland – Join classic car enthusiasts around the Courthouse Square and see restored cars and cars of special interest. Shops, restaurants and entertainment add to the nostalgic atmosphere. CONTACT: Sharon Marr, (423) 479-1000, www.mainstreetcleveland.com

APRIL 25-2613TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CORNBREAD FESTIVALSouth Pittsburg – Live entertainment, juried arts and crafts, and food. This festival honors cornbread with the National Cornbread Cook-Off. Sample cornbreads and main-dish recipes. CONTACT: (423) 837-0022, www.nationalcornbread.com.

APRIL 26-MAY 2TRENTON TEAPOT FESTIVALTrenton – This celebration is centered around the theme of the World’s Largest

Collection of Rare Porcelain Veilleuses. The festival begins with a ceremonial Lighting of the Teapots and culminates in the Annual Grand Parade. CONTACT: (731) 855-2013, www.cityoftrentontn.com

APRIL 30 CASEY JONES DAYJackson – Celebrate the anniversary of the legend of Casey Jones, the world’s most famous railroad engineer. Tour his original 1890’s home in Casey Jones Village. CONTACT: (731) 668-1222, www.caseyjones.com

MAYMAY 1-2OLD TIMERS DAY FESTIVALHolland Park, Dickson – Everything from a liars contest to Miss Old Timers Talent Contest. Includes parades, crafts and quilt shows, live entertainment, dancing in the street and more. CONTACT: Rhonda Adams, (615) 446-2349, www.dicksoncountychamber.com

MAY 1-2TENNESSEE RENAISSANCE FESTIVALTriune – Sixteenth-century England comes to life with full contact jousting, food, crafts and artisans. CONTACT: (615) 395-9950, www.tnrenfest.com

MAY 3-972ND ANNUAL WEST TENNESSEE STRAWBERRY FESTIVALHumboldt – One of the oldest festivals in the state. Events include parades, carnival, horse show, live entertainment, barbecue cook-off, concerts, contests, fireworks and more. CONTACT: (731) 784-1842, www.wtsf.org

MAY 6-838TH ANNUAL DAYS ON THE FARMSam Davis Home, Smyrna – Come find out what life was like on a farm 100 years ago. This popular living history celebration will feature over 25 demonstrations such as blacksmithing, sheep herding, spinning, butter churning and lye soap making. CONTACT: (615) 459-2341, www.samdavishome.org

MAY 94TH ANNUAL HENDERSON COUNTY FOLK FESTIVALLexington Courthouse Square – Features live bluegrass and folk music, folk exhibits, contests, games, antique car show and food. CONTACT: (731) 968-3239

MAY 924TH ANNUAL FLAG POND RAMP FESTIVALOld Flag Pond School, Flag Pond – Authentic Appalachian celebration with gospel and bluegrass music, crafts,

children’s events and tempting ramp dishes. CONTACT: Edgar Rice, (423) 743-6185

MAY 9-10STRAWBERRY WEEKENDRitter Farms, Rutledge – An agritourism event features homegrown strawberries, tomatoes, recipe contest and local bluegrass music. CONTACT: (865) 767-2575, www.ritterfarms.com

MAY 9-1662ND ANNUAL TENNESSEE STRAWBERRY FESTIVALDayton – A celebration of small-town life with hayrides, ice cream, exhibits, food vendors and delicious strawberries. CONTACT: (423) 775-0361, www.tnstrawberryfestival.com

MAY 15-16GOOD OLE DAYS OF CANNON COUNTYCourthouse Square, Woodbury – Features an array of music from country, gospel, bluegrass and rock. There will also be plenty of food booths, craft booths and local vendors. CONTACT: Christy Wimberly, (615) 563-5518, www.goodoledaysofcc.com

MAY 15-16TN52 YARD SALEFrom Portland to Celina – Tennessee’s second-longest yard sale with over 550 sellers. Spans 95 miles and passes through four counties. CONTACT: (888) 301-7866, www.tn52.com

MAY 15-16BLOOMIN’ BARBECUE & BLUEGRASS FESTIVALSevierville – Tennessee State Barbecue Championship, bluegrass concerts, arts and crafts, food, and authentic mountain crafts. CONTACT: (888) 766-5948, www.visitsevierville.com

MAY 15-16OLD TIME BLUEGRASS FESTIVALDyer County Fairgrounds, Dyersburg – Two days of bluegrass-picking and great food. CONTACT: Freeman Dudley, (731) 285-2681


MAY 16STRAWBERRY JAM FESTIVALMaple Lane Farms, Greenback – Features food, fun and entertainment for the entire family. CONTACT: (865) 856-3517, www.maplelanefarms.com

MAY 16-1715TH ANNUAL IRIS FESTIVALGreeneville – Juried arts and crafts show offering more than 150 crafters, storytelling, dance stage, Merchants Market, entertainment stage, food, Miss Iris Festival Pageant and more. CONTACT: (423) 638-4111

MAY 16-1735TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF BRITISH & APPALACHIAN CULTUREHistoric Rugby – Continuous British Isles and Appalachian music and dancing, traditional arts and crafts demonstrations, storytelling,

historic building tours, children’s activities and delicious food. CONTACT: (888) 214-3400, www.historicrugby.org

MAY 16-1715TH ANNUAL SEIGE AT FORT WATAUGASycamore Shoals State Historic Area, Elizabethton – It’s 1776, and the colonies are in the throes of a Revolution and the frontier is in a state of chaos. Militant Cherokee are being armed by the British and threaten to attack the settlements. Come see how settlers of the Watauga Valley defend their lives, families, hearth and home at the “Seige.” CONTACT: (423) 543-5808, www.sycamoreshoals.org

MAY 16-17GATLINBURG SCOTTISH FESTIVAL AND GAMESGatlinburg – Scottish games and festivities including concerts, Highland athletics, bagpipe competitions, Highland dancing, food and demonstrations. CONTACT: (800) 568-4748, www.gsfg.org

MAY 20-2321ST ANNUAL SHERIFF BUFORD PUSSER FESTIVALAdamsville – Held in the hometown of the legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser of “Walking Tall” fame. People from all over the country come together to enjoy good music, food

and family fun. CONTACT: (731) 632-4080, www.sheriffbufordpusser.com

MAY 21-2339TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION SPRING FUN SHOWCalson Arena, Shelbyville – Early season preview of the top Tennessee Walking Horses across the country. Many will compete for world championship honors at the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration in August. CONTACT: (931) 684-5915, www.twhnc.com

MAY 23LIBERTY SQUARE CELEBRATION AND LESTER FLATT MEMORIAL BLUEGRASS DAYSparta – Features a full day of music, crafts, food, games, truck and car show and much more. Visitors from across the country come to pay tribute to bluegrass legend Lester Flatt, and enjoy an entertaining outing. CONTACT: (931) 836-3248, www.sparta-chamber.net

MAY 23APPALACHIAN DUMPLIN’ FESTIVALWinfield Municipal Center, Winfield – Includes games, crafts, live bluegrass music, horseshoe competition, carriage rides, antique car show, food and the largest variety of dumplings in the region. CONTACT: (423) 569-6139, www.appalachiandumplinfestival.com

MAY 2311TH GRANVILLE HERITAGE DAYGranville – Includes bluegrass festival, antique car and tractor show, craft demonstrations, food, storytelling and more. CONTACT: Randall Clemons, (931) 653-4511, www.granvillemuseum.com

MAY 23ROCKIN’ THE DOCKSLenoir City – Live bands, food, fireworks and children’s area, all on the banks of beautiful Fort Loudoun Lake. CONTACT: (865) 986-1223, www.visitloudoncounty.com

MAY 23-24LOG CABIN DAYSMcBays Log Cabin Village, Pikeville – Arts-and-crafts fair with craft demonstrations, live entertainment, living history reenactors and children’s activities. CONTACT: (423) 533-2732, www.logcabindays.org

MAY 30NATIONAL MOO FESTDowntown Athens – A day of historical and educational activities that highlight the important role the dairy industry plays in the community. Features tours of Mayfield Dairy Farms, crafts, food, homemade ice cream and live entertainment. CONTACT: Richard Newman, (423) 746-9041, www.nationalmoofest.com

MAY 16


A roundup of favorite finds

connect to tennessee products

A GIFT THAT GIVES BACKThistle Farms is a place of healing, in more ways than one. The nonprofit business is run by women who have survived lives of violence and abuse. By hand they create natural bath and body products that are kind to the environment and the body. All proceeds go back into supporting the residents of Magdalene, a two-year residential community in Nashville for women with a history of prostitution and drug addiction. Through Thistle Farms, these women learn job skills, responsibility and cooperation.

Thistle Farms’ beautifully scented, all-natural products include candles, salt scrubs, body balm, lip balm, lotions, room spray and more.

g Prices range from $3.50 for lip balm to $22 for a hand-poured candle. Visit www.thistlefarms.org or

call 615-298-1140.

PAINLESS POTLUCK PREPKnoxville author Cherie

Kimmons’ light-hearted handbook for beginning

and experienced cooks helps frazzled parents, volunteers,

event chairs and hosts feed the masses while keeping their

sanity. Her new recipe book, Potluck Survival Guide: Care &

Feeding of the Athletic Supporter, includes potluck favorites for all

TRY THIS TOPPINGTN Connections readers Becca and Jim Brasfield of Burns, Tenn., recommend Bell Buckle Country Store’s Burgundy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing for the ultimate springtime salad.

“It is delicious, and we always buy several bottles each time we visit,” Becca Brasfield says. “[Bell Buckle Café] serves it with fresh spinach leaves and strawberries, but we like to add red onion and blackberries or blueberries to the salads we make at home.”

g The Burgundy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing, which sells for about $5, can be found under the Simplify brand at many Tennessee Publix stores and Whole Foods Markets, and through the Web site. Visit www.bellbuckle.com or call (800) 707-0483 for more information.

A roun

A GIFT THAT GIVES BAA kinds of events – school, sports, scouting, band, social and church gatherings. It also offers buffet strategies, inexpensive decorating ideas, quantity calculations and fun menu ideas.

Published by Five Star Publications Inc., the book sells for $24.95. Visit www.potluckqueen.com for more information.

g Find Kimmons’ recipe for Strawberry Surprise – a light spring dessert – at tnconnections.com.

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PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLebanon Junction,KY 40150

Permit No. 222

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS725 COOL SPRINGS BLVD., SUITE 400FRANKLIN, TN 37067

As spring approaches and temperatures inch higher, the cost of cooling your home can rise, too. Here are some tips and reminders to help you save energy and money this spring.

■ Look Outside: Strategic landscaping can help make your home more energy efficient. Deciduous trees provide shade during hot months and let the sun shine in during cool months. For optimum energy conservation, plant trees or vines on the south side of your home.

■ Fire Up the Grill: Stoves and ovens are energy-hungry and add heat to your home, so grill dinner outside if possible.

■ Adjust the Temperature: A water heater setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended to help save energy. The savings can also add up when you turn up your central air conditioning thermostat to 78 degrees or higher.

■ Fans Are Cool: Ceiling fans help keep rooms cool without using a lot of energy. For the warmer months, adjust the fan blades so they create an upward airflow. (In winter, readjust the blades so they’ll force warm air downward.)

■ No Leaks Allowed: According to ENERGY STAR, preventing leaks by sealing and insulating the exterior of your home (i.e., doors, windows, walls, floors, and ceilings) is an easy way to save up to 20 percent on cooling and heating. Visit www.enerystar.gov for a do-it-yourself guide.

■ Keep It Clean: If you have central air conditioning, rinse debris off your outdoor condensing unit with a water hose – and don’t forget to have your unit serviced at least every other year.

■ Brush off your refrigerator’s condenser coils so the machine won’t use extra energy.

■ Consumers Who Conserve: If you’re due for new drapes, look for those that are insulated and thermal-backed; they will help keep your home cool. And if you’re seeking new appliances or windows for your home, products with an ENERGY STAR label are conservation friendly.

Spring Energy-Saving Tips

spring 2009, tn connections

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