Events

Events CALENDAR / APRIL 2021

BY ANDREA STOCKARD

THROUGH APRIL 23

YOUTH VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION The Murfreesboro Youth Volleyball League is a summer volleyball league for beginners, advanced players and club teams. Practices are once a week at either Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.), McFadden Community Center (211 Bridge Ave.) or Patterson Park (521 Mercury Blvd.), with matches on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. Participants play a seven-week season and conclude with a tournament. Registration is ongoing through April 23 at Sports*Com, McFadden Community Center and the main parks offi ce at Barfi eld Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.). Ages 8-17 are welcome. Weekly practices are held throughout May with games beginning in June. The fee is $75 per player (includes game jersey). For more information, contact 615-907-2251 or athletics@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 1–MAY 14

BASKETBALL LEAGUE FOR AGES 15–17 Youth ages 15–17 can compete in an organized basketball league Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6 or 7:30 p.m. at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.). Players participate in recreational but competitive basketball games that help increase skill and ability while having fun. The league consists of seven weeks of regular season games followed by a single elimination tournament. Each team has one game a week with two offi cials, two scorekeepers and a coaching staff provided. Teams are drafted by coaches and the league follows all TSSAA rules. Registration is April 1–May 14, and league play begins in June. The fee is $75. For more information, contact jteichman@murfreesborotn.gov or 615907-2251.

APRIL 2

SPRING KAYAKING DAY Celebrate spring break with a fl oat trip Friday, April 2, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Begin with an introduction on safety and technique followed by an easy-to-moderate paddle on Percy Priest Reservoir (3737 Bell Rd.). All equipment is provided. Parents are welcome to join; space is limited to 10 people total. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Transporta-

APRIL 3

EASTER EGG DYEING Calling all grandparents! Dye Easter eggs using food coloring and foam shaving cream Saturday, April 3, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.). In collaboration with St. Clair Senior Center, this messy, fun activity gives grandparents recreational time with their grandchildren. While the eggs are drying, enjoy other fun-fi lled activities (eating the Easter eggs is not allowed). All age groups are welcome; all participants must be accompanied by an adult. Due to COVID restrictions, pre-registration is required. Admission is $5. For more information, contact 615-893-2141 or efaye@murfreesborotn.gov, or 615-8482550 or cbaldridgemartin@murfreesborotn.gov.

tion is not provided. Bring water bottle, sunscreen and a sack lunch. Ages 16–19 are welcome. The cost to join is $15. For more information, contact 740-502-5776 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 2–3

SPRING FESTIVAL, EGG HUNT AND BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY Join the Easter Bunny as he gets things hopping around Lucky Ladd Farms (4374 Rocky Glade Rd., Eagleville) April 2 and 3 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. This annual family tradition features baby farm animal encounters, meet-and-greets with the Easter Bunny, non-stop egg hunts with fun prize packs for kids, games and Easter crafts. All the farm’s standard attractions are also available. Spring Festival activities are included free with standard farm admission. Beforehand, enjoy a special VIP breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 9–11 a.m. For tickets and more information, call 615274-3786 or visit luckyladdfarms.com.

APRIL 3

EASTER BUNNY AT BIG CREEK WINERY TASTING ROOM

Visit the Easter Bunny at Big Creek Winery Tasting Room (7027 Main St., Christiana) on Saturday, April 3, from noon–5:30 p.m. Take pictures while savoring treats for the kiddos and wine for the adults. For more information, visit bigcreekwinerytennessee. com/big-creek-winery-tasting-room, fi nd Big Creek Winery Tasting Room on Facebook or call 615-785-2124.

APRIL 3

EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA AT HOP SPRINGS Hop Springs Beer Park invites the public to celebrate Easter on Saturday, April 3, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. A donation of $5 will gain you entry to this family-friendly event to raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. There will be fun for the entire family including egg hunts (3 different age groups), face painting, infl atables, build-a-basket, crafts, plant sales, games & prizes and special appearances by miniature horse Bonnie and friends, and bring your camera for photos with the Easter Bunny! Hop Springs is located at 6790 John Bragg Hwy., Murfreesboro. For more information call 931-313-6367.

APRIL 5

MTSU BLOOD DRIVE Hop into MTSU’s spring blood drive on Monday, April 5, and help a neighbor by donating blood. The spring 2021 blood drive, sponsored by the MTSU Red Cross Club student organization, is set from noon to 6 p.m. at North Boulevard Church of Christ (1112 N. Rutherford Blvd.). The church is opening its gymnasium for an MTSU community blood drive for the fourth time since the campus’s pandemicrelated capacity restrictions. North Boulevard’s generosity has thus far helped MTSU welcome 421 donors to three community blood drives and potentially save 1,263 neighbors’ lives as a result. Each unit of donated blood can help up to three patients. Each donor will receive a T-shirt, and donors ages 16 to 24 are eligible to win prizes including $1,000 e-gift cards and a trip for four to the 2022 Indy 500. Donors can make an appointment for April 5 by texting “BLOODAPP” to 90999. Walk-in donors also are welcome.

APRIL 5–10

FOOD FOR FINES Pay your overdue fi nes at the Rutherford County Library System with canned goods from your pantry during National Library Week (April 5–10). Get rid of fi nes and help your neighbors at the same time. All donations benefi t the Nourish Food Bank in Rutherford County. Each can waives $1 in fi nes. Please bring only new, unopened cans within expiration date. If you don’t have fi nes, you can still make a food donation. Charges for lost or damaged items or referral fees cannot be waived. To fi nd out if you owe any fi nes, visit rclstn.org and login. For more information, call 615-893-4131.

APRIL 6 AND 7

SPRING GRAPEVINE WREATH Embrace the season of crafting by making grapevine wreaths (part of the Spring Design Series) on Tuesday, April 6, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., and Wednesday, April 7, from 6–8 p.m. at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.). These lovely wreaths feature a natural look that is the perfect base for creative masterpieces. Embellish them with dried and silk fl owers, wax fruit, ribbons and fabrics to turn them from simple brown wreaths into colorful concoctions of magnifi cence. Ages 18 and up are welcome. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Call 615-893-2141 to register or contact efaye@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 6 AND 24

WILDFLOWER HIKE AT BARFIELD April is a wonderful time for wildfl ower walking. Meet at Barfi eld Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) for a leisurely 1.5-mile walk through the woods Tuesday, April 6, and Saturday, April 24, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. View beautiful spring blooms and discuss wildfl ower identifi cation and natural history. Registration is required by contacting 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov. Ages 8 and up are welcome; admission is free.

APRIL 10

BLACK MURFREESBORO MARKET Black Murfreesboro Market is held one Saturday each month from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. April 10 through Oct. 9. The Market was created to help black-owned businesses launch and thrive while bringing the community together. A variety of vendors include bath and body, clothing, accessories, hair and beauty supplies, jewelry, cosmetics, home goods and an array of food trucks. Enjoy shopping and eating to the sounds of local DJs. All are welcome. April’s market is at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). For more information, visit blackmurfreesboro.com.

APRIL 10

WILLIE MCGOWAN FISH FRY AND BAKE SALE Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center (511 Mercury Blvd.) hosts its annual fundraiser in honor of Willie McGowan, known as “The Father of B.A.H.A.” This year enjoy a fried fi sh sandwich and a sweet treat at the drive-up fi sh fry and bake sale on Saturday, April 10, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Prices vary by item. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact vstembridge@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-962-8773.

APRIL 10

MACHINE FALLS HIKE Collect your thoughts in nature with a hike through Machine Falls on Saturday, April 10, from 9 a.m.–noon. Machine Falls is located at Short Springs Natural Area (200 Short Springs Rd., Tullahoma). This 4.5-mile hike is rated moderate due to steep inclines, slick rocks and loose gravel. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Transportation is not provided. Ages 13 and up are These trails are moderately diffi cult, covering gradual inclines and declines, crossing TABLE TALKS, HOW BULIMIA SAVED MY SOUL BOOK SIGNINGS Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) welcomes several local authors for a book signing Thursday, April 8, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Table Talks and Dashboard Conversations was a co-written by Michael DeLeon, Shaina Marie Afful and Darla DeLeon, and published by Heron Publishing in January 2020. Welland Ancrevices, rocky terrain and raised tree roots. Stop along the way to enjoy a picnic lunch and share personal discoveries and inspirations from the trail. Wear appropriate attire, pack a lunch and feel free to bring binoculars, a walking stick or a nature journal. Space is limited; registration is required by contacting apool@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-217-3017. Ages 13 and up are welcome; minors must be accompanied by an adult. The fee is $3/person or $10/family. drus wrote How Bulimia Saved My Soul, published by Trilogy Christian Publishing published by Trilogy Christian Publishing in September 2020. The goal of Table Talks and Dashboard Conversations is for parents to have meaningful conversations every day with their children in a distraction-free zone. The book provides over 365 three-minute conversations regarding topics such as drugs and addiction, sex education, relationships and friendships, goal setting, defi ning who they are and who they want to become in life, treating others with respect, and how to take a stand when they witness or encounter bullying. There are also 96 family fi eld trip ideas. In How Bulimia Saved My Soul, Welland Andrus, a recovered bulimic himself, tells the story of Larry, a high school senior who fi nds himself coping with bulimia after fi nds himself coping with bulimia after his life takes a sudden turn. How Bulimia Saved My Soul is the fi rst Christian fi ction novel in the “eating disorder” genre. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

welcome; the cost is $8 per person. For more information, contact 740-5025776 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 10 AND 24

ECO PRINTING Learn about a beautiful and unique artistic medium known as eco-printing while at the Wilderness Station at Barfi eld Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Saturdays, April 10 and 24, at noon. Use resources foraged from the forest or garden to create a one-of-a-kind piece to take home and display. Space is limited to 10 participants; registration is required by contacting 615-217-3017 or apool@murfreesborotn.gov. Ages 10 and up are welcome; minors must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $3 per person.

APRIL 11

JEEP DAY AT BIG CREEK WINERY TASTING ROOM

Do you own a Jeep, want to own a Jeep, like Jeeps or have friends that own Jeeps? Come out and celebrate spring with the fi rst Jeep Day of the year at Big Creek Winery Tasting Room (7027 Main St., Christiana) on Sunday, April 11, from 2–6 p.m. For more information, visit bigcreekwinerytennessee.com/big-creek-winery-tasting-room, fi nd Big Creek Winery Tasting Room on Facebook or call 615-785-2124.

APRIL 11 AND 25

SPRING SPECTACULAR HIKE AND PICNIC Meet at the Wilderness Station at Barfi eld Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) for a guided hike along a portion of Barfi eld’s Marshall Knob Trail and the Rocky Path Trail (approx. 2.25 miles) Sundays, April 11 and 25, at noon. Discover beautiful landforms and springtime vegetation, and keep your eyes and ears open for signs of local wildlife.

APRIL 13

TREE-OLOGY Trees give us oxygen, fruit, wood and toilet paper. Learn what the layers are inside the tree trunk, what are buds and leaf scars and how a tree functions and does all the amazing things it does. Hit curriculum standards while having fun. Ages 7 and up are welcome on Tuesday, April 13, at the Wilderness Station at Barfi eld Crescent park (401 Volunteer Rd.) from 10 a.m.–noon. The cost to join is free. For more information, contact hmeyer@ murfreesborotn.gov or 615-217-3017.

APRIL 14

CULTURAL ARTS POP-UP Join Cultural Arts Murfreesboro the second Wednesday of the month at the Gateway Island Reception Center (1875 W. College St.) for an opportunity to get creative. Preschoolers can create a craft and learn something new on Wednesday, April 14, from 11 a.m.–noon. There is a different surprise activity each month. Class size is limited to 10, so sign up early or take a chance and show up. The class repeats itself a second time each pop-up day. Ages 5–17 are welcome. The cost is free. For more information, contact lbrowning@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 15

CRAFTERS’ EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SALE The annual Crafters’ Exchange Consignment Sale is a one-of-a-kind consignment sale in Middle Tennessee. Find thousands of supplies and materials for all types of crafts and hobbies at great bargain prices and all under one roof on Thursday, April 15, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). Admission is free and open to the public. Proceeds benefi t the MTSU Student Food Pantry. Bring items from the food pantry wish list (mtsu.edu/foodpantry) to drop off at the sale and receive an entry into a door prize drawing for each item you donate. For more information, visit crafters-exchange.com.

SPRING KICKOFF 2021 Get outside, meet with friends and family and support local businesses while enjoying craft vendors, food trucks, live music by Breaking Grass, local artist displays and a petting zoo Friday, April 16, from 5–8 p.m. at the Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.). Food trucks include Cousins Main Lobster, Dough Box Pizza and Deezie’s Hot Chicken. For more information, visit fountainsatgateway.regfox. com/spring-kickoff-2021-application or fi nd the Fountains at Gateway Spring Kickoff 2021 event on Facebook.

APRIL 16–17

WOODEN PORCH SIGNS Continue the Spring Design Series using recycled wood from a local pallet company to design rustic, 58-inch “Welcome” porch signs. These stained, hand-painted, oneof-a-kind signs are the perfect way to welcome guests. Join the class Friday, April 16, or Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.). Ages 16 and up are welcome. The fee is $20. Contact efaye@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-893-2141 to register.

APRIL 17 APRIL 17

STORYBOOK BREAKFAST Storybook Breakfast, presented by MMC Pediatrics and ENT, is a fabulous way to get the family out while maintaining social distancing and supporting a good cause. Visit Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village (312 S. Front St.) on Saturday, April 17, and enjoy photo ops with beloved children’s literature characters, an Imagination Library story time and take-away crafts and breakfast goodies for picnic-style meals on the grounds or at home. Funds benefi t the Rutherford County Imagination Library Books from Birth program, which provides a book each month to all children from birth through age 5. Some seating is provided; however, families are encouraged to bring a blanket and folding chairs. Enjoy breakfast items from Chick-fi l-a and Dunkin’ Donuts; seatings for the breakfast are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tickets are $15 per person, with a $60 household maximum, and can be purchased at yourlocaluw.org/storybook.

HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION FISHING TOURNAMENT The Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee hosts its Annual Fishing Tournament on Saturday, April 17, at the Twin Creeks Marina (91 Slip-A Way, Winchester). Activities include a fi shing tournament, breakfast, lunch, drinks and a cornhole tournament. For more information, visit hbact.info.

APRIL 17

SPRING HIKE TO BURGESS FALLS Join Murfreesboro Parks and Rec on an easy-to-moderate hike to Burgess Falls (4000 Burgess Falls Dr., Sparta) to experience stunning falls and beautifully carved cliffs on Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Transportation is not provided. Ages 10 and up are welcome. The cost is $8 per person. For more information, contact 740-502-5776 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 17

BBB SHRED DAY BBB hosts Secure Your ID Day, sponsored by Max Shred, on Saturday, April 17, from 9 a.m.–noon (or until the shred truck is full) in the parking lot of Planet Fitness (1954 Old Fort Pkwy.). The Rotary Club of Murfreesboro collects nonperishable food, toiletries (body wash, deodorant and toothbrushes) and bicycles to restore in support of Greenhouse Ministries. For more information, contact jprice@gobb.org.

APRIL 17

MT. JULIET COMMUNITY YARD SALE Kick off your spring cleaning and get rid of things at Mt. Juliet’s Community Yard Sale on Saturday, April 17, from noon–7 p.m. (300 Mundy Memorial Dr., Mt. Juliet). The cost is $20 per booth and includes 2 parking spots. For more information, fi nd the Mt. Juliet Spring Community Yard Sale on stayhappening.com.

APRIL 17

DINOSAURS OF THE AMERICAS Visit the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) for a program about dinosaurs that once called the Americas home on Saturday, April 17, at 3 p.m. Cover what paleontologists know about the range and life histories of a few dinosaurs that once called North, Central and South America home. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Admission is free. For more information, contact 615-2173017 or efann@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 18

DIY BUG HOTEL Relocating unwanted insects, snails, and other bugs in our gardens to a bug hotel is a wonderful alternative to using pesticides as well as a kind and nurturing way to teach children Earth stewardship. Attend a class at the Wilderness Station at Barfi eld Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Sunday April 18, at noon to create bug hotels to take home and proudly display. Space is limited to 10 participants; registration is required by contacting 615-217-3017 or apool@murfreesborotn. gov. All ages are welcome. The cost is $3.

APRIL 23

EXPLORING THE ARBORETUM Celebrate Earth Day at the Historic Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna) Friday, April 23, at 6 p.m., as Ashley Kite-Rowland from the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council teaches everyone about the beautiful arboretum and the beauty of trees. See and touch different bark, leaves and seed pods while exploring the grounds and discovering fun facts about the trees. Make a special take-home craft to remember Earth Day 2021. Admission is $10 per person. For more information, visit samdavishome.org/family-nights-at-the-museum or call 615-459-2341.

APRIL 23

ADULT KAYAK FLOAT Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring on the water with Murfreesboro Parks and Rec on Friday, April 23, from 4:30–7:30 p.m. Kayaks, paddles and life vests are provided. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Ages 15 and up are welcome. The cost is $15 per person. The location is determined the week of the fl oat based on water conditions. For more information, contact 740-502-5776 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 24

MURDER MYSTERY ESCAPE GAME Assemble a team and solve the mystery at the Murder Mystery Escape Room on Civic Plaza (111 W. Vine St.) on Saturday, April 24, from noon–5 p.m. Teams of detectives have 30 minutes to fi nd the hidden clues CONTINUED ON PAGE 14