Thompson's Station, TN July 2024

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For more information, visit WilliamsonHealth.org.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Sweet Summertime

Welcome to our July summer issue! As the summer sun warms the air and the days grow longer, we are thrilled to bring you a collection of stories and features that capture the essence of summer in all of its sun-drenched glory.

In this issue, we dive into some fun facts you might not know about the Fourth of July. We explore wildflower hikes and visit with the Allens of Allenbrooke Farms.

Our cover story features the iconic New Kids on the Block, who are back with a brand-new album and an exciting world tour. Learn about their journey from pop sensations of the '80s and '90s to their current resurgence, and get a sneak peek into their latest musical endeavors.

Additionally, this issue includes tips on summer gardening and keeping your lawn healthy. We've curated a range of articles to help you make the most of the sunny season.

Here's to a memorable and fun summer!

Fondly,

MARIA DINOIA, EDITOR @THOMPSONSSTATIONLIFESTYLE

Thompson’s Station Lifestyle is available for pickup at the following locations:

• Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery (Spring Hill)

• The Fainting Goat (Spring Hill)

• Spring Hill Public Library

• Sweet CeCe’s (The Crossings at Spring Hill)

• Parkway Wine and Spirits (The Crossings at Spring Hill)

• Local doctors and professional offices around the area

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Athena West | athena.west@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Maria Dinoia | maria.dinoia@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Karen Creason | karen.creason@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Emily Smith | emily.smith@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jenny Ferguson | jenny.ferguson@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Hailey Holloway

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kellie Walton, Ed Atlas, Sue Baldani, Hailey Halloway, Lindsay Ferrier, Jessica Wayman

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Does Your Dealer Do This?

mor e. With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only.

Expir es 7/31/24. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

was home to a special

Williamson County Fair Debuts New Website Design Amidst 20th Anniversary Celebration

In anticipation of the 20th Anniversary Williamson County Fair opening next month on August 2, the Fair Board has launched an interactive new website designed to enhance the user experience and offer seamless access to event information, tickets and timely updates. Visitors can also explore an array of new rides and attractions, such as the Amazing Wonderland Circus, a Stilt Walker and rides including the Autobahn, Runaway Train and more. WilliamsonCountyFair.org

Williamson Health EMS, Local First Responder Agencies Honored With Two Lifesaving Awards

Williamson Health EMS, along with other Williamson County first responder agencies, were honored with two lifesaving awards at the 16th annual Star of Life ceremony hosted by the Children’s Emergency Care Alliance (CECA TN) last May. The first honor was the Region Five Star of Life Award and the second was the Outstanding Achievement in Maternal and Neonate Emergency Response Award. The awards honor the accomplishments of first responders from all regions of Tennessee who provide exemplary life-saving care to adult and pediatric patients. WilliamsonHealth.org

The Williamson County Performing Arts Center Offers Tribute Series This Summer

Throughout July, August and September the WCPAC will host its Summer Tribute Series featuring new and returning musical groups who pay tribute to a variety of genres and artists. The series includes Homeward Bound: The Music of Simon & Garfunkel on July 13, World Turning: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac on July 27, Motor City Magic: Motown Tribute on August 17, Chi-Town Transit Authority: Chicago Tribute on August 24, and Forever Abbey Road: Beatles Tribute on September 7.   WCPACTN.com/tickets_and_events/ summer_tribute_series.php

No Farmers,

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Daniel Allen, a third-generation farmer, is proud to be carrying on his family’s legacy. Allenbrooke Farms in Spring Hill was founded in 2011 and has grown tremendously on its 120 acres. There’s organic produce, honey from on-site bee hives, U-Pick strawberries in May, Pick-Your-Own-Florals throughout the season, yoga that takes place with the full-moon cycle, glamping, a wedding venue, and so much more.

“We also have a farm store on site,” says his wife, Emily. “Daniel retired his CSA subscriptions once he built the store in 2022, but those same customers still buy farm-fresh boxes, which are no commitment and can be filled with their choice of produce.”

Depending on the season, these options may include tomatoes, potatoes, lots of greens, squash, peppers, cabbage, watermelon, and other fruits and vegetables. And everything is organic and never sprayed with any type of chemical.

“We don't even spray USDA-certified organic chemicals on our crops, so our soil and land are extremely clean,” she says. The Barn, its luxury venue, is 5,800 square feet and breathtaking. “We also have two glamping sites, and some of our more adventurous wedding guests like to book those because they can just walk to the venue.”

Emily and Daniel also like meeting and educating their customers. “My generation and the one before it have been completely removed from our food supply, and I think it's important that people are coming back to the land and to their roots. They now have a personal relationship with who's growing their food.”

In 2020, during the pandemic, the couple saw the need to expand one of their other crops. “Daniel's grown hemp since 2018, and today it’s our largest crop,” says Emily. Their brand, Sinsemilia’s ™ , includes tinctures, topicals and gummies, and they can ship to all 50 states.

CONTINUED >

“WE

DON’T EVEN S PR AY USDA CERTIFIED

, SO OUR SOIL AND L AND ARE EXTREMELY CLEAN. ” — EMILY

“Our Fangirl gummies are our biggest sellers followed closely behind by tinctures, which are sublingual, aka oral absorption, products.”

People are choosing these hemp and CBD products for medicinal and holistic reasons, she explains. “There's a big difference in blindly picking a product off the shelf versus knowing the brand is local and trusted, and we pride ourselves on being ‘seed to sale.’"

ALLEN

“We have products that people say help them focus, sleep, calm anxiety, and ease menopausal symptoms. People also tend to use them to deal with pain instead of taking opiates. We have a lot of Parkinson's patients and cancer patients using our products.”

Even before founding Sinsemilia’s, Emily was a patient advocate for natural relief due to her own health struggles with autoimmune disorders. “I wasn’t getting the help that I needed from the medical community, so I tried this alternative and it worked. I then wanted to offer this safe option to the people in our community, and let them know you don't have to suffer.”

Whether growing produce or hemp, Emily says Allenbrooke Farms works alongside nature, not against it. “We're ethical and regenerative farmers. We build soil health - we don't destroy it. We also support other local family farms that offer items we don’t grow. We believe ‘No Farmers, No Food, No Future.’" AllenbrookeFarms.com @allenbrookefarms | @Sinsemilias | #SeedToSale

Family Is The Foundation for John Maher Builders

ARTICLE BY KELLIE WALTON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON TOMBERLIN

Home prices have continued to skyrocket around middle Tennessee, and no one knows that better than local resident Jack Maher. Jack’s parents met while attending school at Middle Tennessee State University, and then both worked as school teachers in Franklin. His father, John, eventually wanted to pursue a new venture, so he tried his hand at home building in the community.

“He started building in 1985 in Franklin, and then started building in Spring Hill in 1990,” Jack shares. “The population at that time was around 1,400 people, and now it’s over 60,000.”

Jack and John Maher are embracing the influx of transplants arriving in the Thompson’s Station and Spring Hill areas, always maintaining a goal to build housing that meets the demands of the community. Sometimes that means starter homes, a million-dollar luxury home, or even a development of affordable condominiums.

But the brand doesn’t limit its community support to simply building beautiful spaces to call home.

“We’re super involved in the Chamber of Commerce and local schools,” Jack adds. “We just had a scholarship banquet for student athletes that we’ve done for 18 years in a row. We are committed to the community, that’s what we do.”

John Maher Builders is also a proud supporter of The Well Outreach, a local food pantry that feeds students in need across Spring Hill and neighboring communities. The team sponsors the Whole Hog Festival and recently helped them build out their second facility.

While philanthropy is a passion project for John Maher Builders, the team is continuing to build housing to support the community. An influx of new residents in the area coupled with high interest rates has led the demand toward affordable housing and long-term leases. In response, the John Maher team broke ground on a condo development in Thompson’s Station called Newport Station.

“Even though it’s a condo, we’re home builders at heart, so it’s going to feel like home,” Jack shares.

The builders partnered with the same contractors and suppliers they’ve used when building million dollar homes,

so expect a high level of craftsmanship in every unit: craftsman style trim, granite countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and high-end finishes. Plus, each unit will include a fireplace to round out the homey feel.

Newport Station will have one, two, and three bedroom floor plans available, some of which will have walk-in laundry, outdoor patios or balconies, and multiple stories.

“We blend relaxation and sophistication to create the ideal place in Thompson’s Station,” shares Susan Franklin, regional property manager with Freeman Webb, who is overseeing the property. She adds that wonderful apartment home living extends beyond your front door, which motivated the builders to incorporate premium amenities. The community will include a swimming pool, fitness center, bark park, and central clubhouse.

“We’ve crafted our charming and beautifully landscaped community for all lifestyles,” Susan adds. “You’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors in our shimmering swimming pool after a hard workout in our new fitness center. As avid animal lovers, we proudly welcome all sizes, shapes, and breeds that will love our community bark park.”

The 192-unit community is conveniently located off of Thompson’s Station Road East, close to restaurants, retail shops, and I-65. This is the second project of its kind for John Maher Builders – the first being Southaven at Commonwealth – and both frequently receive praise for feeling like a residential home and not a rental property.

Walk-ins are welcome for property tours, and units will be ready for move-in this summer. To learn more about Newport Station, visit NewportStationLiving.com

JohnMaherBuilders.com

GROWING SUCCESS

ARTICLE BY HAILEY HOLLOWAY | PHOTGRAPHY PROVIDED

Now in their fourth year of business, Spring Hill Garden Center is a family owned and operated garden center providing unique, quality plants to the community. We caught up with owners Eric and Ryan Wunderlin to better understand the passion and longevity behind their work.

What inspired you to open up this garden center?

Eric: I always wanted to do it since I was in college. It was just something we all agreed on eventually. We all had done landscaping in the past so it felt like it was a natural transition from the labor to selling.

In your opinion, what is the best aspect of your career?

Ryan: I think it's getting to use your own creativity. The personal touch with things versus going to the

commercial, bigger stores, that don't have creative touches. They’re all the same. Here, we can do that.

Eric: And I would say the same thing. We get to pick a lot of plants, it's almost like a zoo! So you can pick more exotic ones and find things that are more unusual.

What advice would you give to someone inexperienced with gardening?

Ryan: In Tennessee, mind the soil. Make sure where you plant is a well-drained area. We have challenges with the clay, but we have a lot of material that can help overcome that.

Eric: I would say the same thing. There’s a learning curve to it but once you get the hang of it, it's all uphill and very enjoyable. It's a very worthwhile hobby.

How do you ensure the quality and health of the plants you sell?

Eric: Last winter, we put in a $12,000 irrigation system, not including the labor portion of it. So between that and just constantly seven days a week checking on things, that's pretty much it.

Can you share any memorable experiences you've had with customers?

Ryan: Well, the first year or so to help get the business off the ground, we used to do landscaping, so there were a lot of customers that we got to go to their house and see where things were getting planted. Then if we’re driving by there, we’ll see a tree and we’ll see it doing well, so we’re proud of that. And the referrals. A lot of people will come in and they’ll bring their kids in and we’ll get to landscape their house and their friends and people on their streets. That's always kind of exciting.

@springhillgardencenter

“YOU CAN PICK MORE EXOTIC PLANTS AND FIND THINGS THAT ARE MORE UNUSUAL.” — ERIC WUNDERLIN

NKOTB TEARING UP FIRSTBANK AMPHITHEATER

Boy Band Love

ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“

“It’s very cool that we’ve been around this long. I mean it doesn’t happen very often.”

New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) is legendary. The boy band rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s, captivating a generation with their chart-topping pop tunes and coordinated dance performances. Born in Boston in 1984, NKOTB includes brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. Known for hits like “Hangin’ Tough,” “Step by Step,” and “You Got It (The Right Stuff),” the five guys became something of a cultural phenomenon, influencing the boy band genre for years to come. After a hiatus in the mid-90s, NKOTB made a successful comeback in 2008, continuing to tour and release new music, much to the delight of X-ers and Millennials everywhere. Now, in 2024, NKOTB is once again set to thrill “blockheads” (as they lovingly refer to their fans) with the release of their upcoming album, Still Kids. The boys have also wrapped the first leg of an extensive summer tour, aptly named the “Block Party Tour.” NKOTB continues to prove their staying power by bridging the gap between nostalgic charm and modern appeal, and reaffirming their status as pop icons. City Lifestyle got to chat with Joey McIntyre about life in the boy band then and now.

CL: When you first started out, you were barely 13 years old. I’m sure you never could have imagined a career that spans almost 40 years. How are you feeling about it now?

Joey: Grateful. I get to do what I love to do and be challenged. It’s a never-ending

odyssey. I am just grateful to be healthy and curious and challenged.

CL:  You have the new album coming out too. What was the recording process like for your first new album in 11 years?

Joey: We kept the fires burning with different songs. A few here, a few there. But to do a full album, it’s a big commitment. You got five guys with five different lives and careers and all kinds of stuff. We’re not showing up at the studio in the same room together every day, so that definitely presents its challenges but where there’s a will there’s a way and I think eventually we were all willing. I think Donnie kinda got going first, and was inspired to start writing and have a certain direction, and then I was sort of dipping my toe in and then I finally jumped in and ended up co-writing and producing like half the album, and Donnie kinda did the other half. Spinning the tracks around and getting people excited, or getting feedback and tweaking - it’s a process. It can feel delicate at times. But we’re lucky that we’ve been together this long, and we can benefit from the experience.

CL: Do you have a favorite song on the album?

Joey: Every time I’m asked that I always go to “Stay” and “Stay” is the last song on the album. And maybe I like it because I wanted it to be the last song on the album. It’s about a little bit of resignation, it’s about life isn’t perfect but we keep showing up for each other in our own way, and it has sort of like

This community is a part of our lives. It’s really family at this point. We call them blockheads. “ ”

an ‘off into the sunset’ vibe, but into the future as well, so all of those things combined I think kinda make it a good button to the album.

CL: You’re coming to Franklin in July for two nights. We’re excited to have you. Is there any city you just love visiting or stopping in while you are on tour?

Joey: I’d say Montreal right now. I’m shooting a movie there at the moment, but I always enjoy Pittsburgh. I do love Nashville for a lot of reasons, and that’s fun. Pittsburgh’s a great town because visually it’s pretty gorgeous. You got the three rivers, the bridges, the yellow bridges. Aesthetically, it’s really pleasing. They got the great new baseball stadium, the new football stadium, and then my favorite is the Andy Warhol Museum which is pretty spectacular in my opinion. I’ve been picking that one lately.

CONTINUED >

CL: You guys recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of ‘New Kids on the Block Day.’ How did you get a day dedicated just to NKOTB?

Joey: Do you want the real story? (Laughs) It is genuine though - who cares how you get there. Now it’s a full blown thing. The governor in 1989 made a proclamation. It was for one day in 1989. And then it became a thing. People were talking about it.

CL: It caught fire with your fans. It’s like a huge thing for you guys.

Joey: I think it’s lovely. Why shouldn’t we have a day that we can point to and celebrate? We have fun with it. We’re throwing a party and we’re celebrating what we had. We’re just an excuse for our fans to get together. It’s such a community, and they are there for each other in so many ways, and they just have a blast. It’s very cool that we’ve been around this long. I mean it doesn’t happen very often.

CL: Speaking of having a blast, you guys yourselves seem like you are having so much fun. Do you foresee doing this for another 10-20 years?

Joey: This community is a part of our lives. It’s really family at this point. We call them blockheads. We’re not going anywhere and they’re not going anywhere, and how we celebrate that and how we show up for that, physically, is a feat. It’s a tour at a time, it’s a day at a time, it’s a year at a time, and I think we’ve been able to keep it fresh and keep it exciting and that’s the point. So far so good.

CL: What about you, personally? You’re on a set, so you’re still acting.

Joey: Acting has always been a part of my life, even as a kid, before NKOTB. I love theatre - I’m a theatre kid, Broadway and all that. This movie I’m doing now is a sweet Christmas movie, and I wrote a song for it. I’m motivated and curious, so that’s my plan.  NKOTB.com

From Dust to Lush

RESTORING SUN-SCORCHED LAWNS IS ‘SECOND NATURE’ TO THIS FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS.

ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS

When the hot July sun becomes unbearable, you can find relief in the form of indoor air or an outdoor pool.

If only your lawn had it so easy. It takes a beating all season long. So what do you do if your turf has turned to toast, and your soil has become sand? “That depends on the relative condition of your lawn,” says Spencer White of Second Nature Lawn Care. “Most Middle Tennessee lawns are fescue, and if yours is struggling now, it’s probably because it’s needs are not being met. But it can be restored.”

Make no mistake; the window for converting an ugly, weedy “lawn” into one that’s in tip-top condition has closed for this season. But the window for having a lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood later this fall or next spring is wide open. White says that getting a healthy lawn is a journey that begins with nutrient-rich soil.

“This is the time of year that you should be introducing live microbes into the soil that eat dead plant material and organic matter,” he says. “In turn, the microbes produce the nutrients that will revitalize your soil and feed your turf.” White also notes that this year’s cicada emergence will provide an additional organic boost. The best thing you can do for a fescue lawn in the summertime is prepare it for aeration/overseeding in the fall. Waiting until spring will not give new fescue enough time to establish a mature enough root system to withstand the summer heat.

White says that diligent homeowners can do the job themselves with products purchased at any lawn and garden center. But he cautions, “There is a lot of nuance in lawn care treatments. It takes a lot of time, and the right products need to be applied at the correct time.

“The products you buy at the store will degrade over time, so a lot of people feel pressure to use them, even when it’s not necessary. If you apply too little you will

waste money, and if you apply too much, or if your timing is off, you could do more harm than good.”

White says that Second Nature stands apart from most other lawn treatment companies. “We use granular fertilizers while most others use liquids,” he says. “It’s easier and more efficient to use liquid products but the results are not the same. Granular fertilizers feed the turf from the root up instead of from the blade down, which gives the plant access to the nutrients for a longer period.”

Second Nature is family owned and has been treating lawns in Middle Tennessee since Spencer’s father, Steve White, founded the company in the  early 1990s. Steve remains active with the business, but day-to-day operations are handled by Spencer, who serves as director of administrative services, alongside production manager Adam Harris and a dedicated team of experts. “I’ve been with other companies, and I can tell you that our guys do it the right way,” says Harris. “It’s labor-intensive work and you can hire a service that’s less expensive, but our results speak for themselves.”

In fact, Second Nature guarantees that you will be happy with the way your lawn looks when you become a Second Nature program customer and purchase a fall lawn renovation.

In addition to lawn care, Second Nature provides irrigation repair/maintenance, aeration and overseeding, tree and shrub care, and several pest control services. It’s a Christian-led company that actively participates in everything from local food drives with OneGenAway, to providing bibles to communities in Africa through African Leadership and ministering to incarcerated individuals through Men of Valor. “We don’t preach, and we have great people working with us who are not Christians,” says White, “but we don’t hide our faith, either.” SecondNature.net

“There are a lot of nuances in lawn care treatment. It takes a lot of time, and the right products need to be applied at the correct time.”

see summer in full bloom

WILLIAMSON COUNTY’S FIVE BEST WILDFLOWER HIKES

Marcelle Vivrette Smith Park

With more than six miles of hiking trails winding through hilly forests and alongside grassy meadows, you’ll see plenty of wildflowers at this popular Brentwood park. Download a trail map before you go so that you don’t lose your way and prepare for a few uphill climbs – the wildlife is plentiful, the scenery is gorgeous, and the tougher parts of the hike are totally worth it!

While you’re there, you’ll also want to explore the grounds of the historic Ravenswood Mansion, which was built in 1825 and named for Sam Houston, affectionately called ‘the Raven’ by the Cherokee Indians. The home is a mixture of Greek and Federal architecture and has a fascinating history.

Peacock Hill Nature Park

You have a unique opportunity right now to be among the first in Tennessee to witness the wildflowers at Peacock Hill Nature Park, a newly-opened park in College Grove with ponds, five miles of trails, and a scenic overlook area. Some of the trails are steep, because the park includes a hill, among the tallest in the county, that is on the Tennessee Valley Divide, which once separated the U.S. from the Chickasaw Nation. Take a walk on one of the new trails and let us know what kinds of wildflowers you find.

ARTICLE BY LINDSAY FERRIER (@SUBURBANTURMOIL)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY FERRIER

Timberland Park

You’ll find Timberland Park on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Franklin – the drive to get there is almost as beautiful as the park itself! You can expect to see wildflowers and butterflies along all of the park’s trails in spring and summer, but if you really want to up the ante, opt for the park’s Big East Fork Reserve Trail. This particular trail is privately owned but maintained by park staff, and you’ll definitely need a map to find it the first time. Once you get on the trail, you’ll wander through the woods before emerging into a large meadow and sparkling pond. Here, flowers are in full bloom, and since the owners have thoughtfully placed benches by the pond, it’s a great place to take a break, savor a snack, and enjoy the season – and the wildflowers! Once you’ve soaked up the scenery, loop around the pond and continue back through the woods on the trail until you return to Timberland Park property. Maps are available at the park’s visitor center.

Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary

This private preserve is truly one of Williamson County’s hidden gems. It’s also my favorite spot for wildflowers in Tennessee. Because the priority here is to protect native species and their diverse habitats, only a few hikers are allowed on the grounds each day, so you’ll want to reserve a $5 dollar day pass on the sanctuary’s website before you come. You’ll also want to hike earlier in the day; Owl Hill’s gates close at 3 p.m. Yes, it takes a little bit of work to hike here, but trust me when I tell you it is worth it. Wildflowers bloom in profusion at Owl’s Hill, even on the trail itself since so few people walk on it each day. Once you start exploring the grounds, you won’t want to stop, and although a few of the trails head up steep inclines, there are surprises at the top of each one that absolutely make the climbs worthwhile.

Bowie Nature Park

With more than 17 miles of trails through ecosystems that include wetlands, grasslands, pine forest, oak/hickory forest, riparian, and lowland bottomland wetlands, you know this incredible park in the heart of Fairview is going to have some amazing wildflowers!

Bowie Nature Park is beloved for its mostly-flat trails and its plethora of ponds – and where there are ponds, there are always flowers. Expect to see plenty of blooms during your jaunt, from daffodils to dogwoods, and I’d suggest downloading a trail map ahead of time as well – with so many trails, it’s easy to get turned around.

Enjoy the wildflowers and the warm weather!

Fun Facts About The Fourth

For most Americans, Independence Day signifies several things like freedom, American flags, fireworks, hot dogs, and maybe a day by the pool or out on the lake. And if you’re from the South, the holiday probably makes you think of sweltering heat! But that never seems to stop us from going out and celebrating our nation’s independence, even if you’re just lighting Black Cats and sparklers in your own driveway.

Since the Fourth of July is where summertime fun meets patriotism, it’s hard not to have a good time. Whether you catch a firework show in Franklin, Nashville or any of the dozens of spectacular displays across Middle Tennessee, dazzling colors lighting up the sky and booms of explosion that you can feel under your feet are sure to give you a thrill, no matter how old you are. Perhaps it’s more your style to watch people gobble an obscene number of hot dogs on television that day or to watch the celebrations in Washington D.C. or New York City from the comfort of your own living room. However you choose to spend your Independence Day, it’s likely that you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime. Meanwhile, you can freshen up on a little Fourth of July trivia to impress your friends while you’re waiting for the fireworks show to begin. Here are a few fun facts about the Fourth of July that you may not know.

ARTICLE BY JESSICA WAYMAN |

For most Americans, Independence Day signifies several things like freedom, American flags, fireworks, hot dogs, and maybe a day by the pool or out on the lake.

The Declaration of Independence wasn’t actually signed on July 4, 1776. The document is dated July 4, of course, and the first copies distributed carried the signatures of John Hancock and Charles Thomson, according to the National Archives. However, the rest of the delegates signed within the following weeks. In total, there are 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence including those of John Adams, Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.

Presidents

Three U.S. presidents and founding fathers died on the Fourth of July. In what seems like an almost spooky coincidence, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe all passed away on the anniversary of the day our nation declared its independence. Adams and Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826, and Monroe passed away five years later on July 4, 1831.

Hot Dogs Fireworks

Americans eat an estimated 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July each year. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, if laid out horizontally, that many hot dogs would stretch from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles more than five times. Clearly, the hot dog is king on the Fourth. The world record for hot dog eating is held by Joey Chestnut who ate 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes in Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2021.

When it comes to freedom and pyrotechnics, Americans spare no expense. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, we spent $2.3 billion on fireworks in 2022. That’s a lot of bottle rockets.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JULY 4TH

The Well Fun Run, 5K, and Bike Parade

Summit High School | 7:00 AM

This year's Run For Hunger will feature a timed 5k and color foam run for paying registrants along with a bicycle and stroller parade that is free to participate in. All proceeds from registrations will go to the local Well food bank, and donations of canned and non-perishable goods will be accepted all morning. July4thRun.ItsYourRace.com

JULY 4TH

Maury County Park Fireworks

Maury County Park | 9:00 PM

Maury County Parks and Recreation presents a free Independence Day celebration for locals. Set to synchronized music, the hour long fireworks show will be displayed from the top of a hill for maximized 360-degree viewing. ExperienceMaury.com

JULY 13TH

Teen Artisans Makers Market

Spring Hill Public Library | 10:00 AM

The library will host an open marketplace for teens to sell their homemade goods. Prior items for sale have included baked goods, blankets, original artwork, greeting cards and more. Reserve a booth online for $5. Proceeds from registration will be donated to a local charity. SpringHillTN.LibCal.com

JULY 13TH

Skate Showcase

Walnut Street State Park | 10:00 AM

The third annual Skate Showcase offers an opportunity for skaters of all skill levels to demonstrate their talents. The contest will award prizes to the top three in beginner, intermediate, and advanced categories, as well as for overall best trick. Entry in the contest is completely free. SpringHillTN.org

JULY 13TH

Mid-Tennessee Summer Record Fair

125 Stephen P. Yokich Pkwy | 11:00 AM

Music enthusiasts will be pleased to know that a wide range of collector's items and memorabilia will be available for purchase at this record show. From vintage shirts, records and CD’s to tour books and band stickers, there will be no shortage of intriguing goods to browse. Standard admission is only $5. AllEvents.In

JULY 16TH

New Kids on the Block

FirstBank Amphitheater | 7:00 PM

In a triumphant return to Franklin for two nights, the nostalgic 90s boy band, New Kids on the Block, will be performing songs from their brand new album,  Still Kids, along with a healthy lineup of classics. Special guests Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff will also make an appearance. NKOTB.com

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