MSJ Community Calendar for 8/22
· Warren Arts will bring the beloved musical Funny Girl to the Park Theater in McMinnville this weekend, with performances set for Saturday, Aug. 23, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 24, at 2 p.m. The show tells the story of Fanny Brice, a determined vaudeville performer whose comedic brilliance and charisma earn her fame, while her personal life is complicated by her relationship with Nick Arnstein, a charming but troubled gambler. Mixing humor, romance, and drama, the production promises to deliver a heartfelt story that is both uplifting and emotional, showcasing Warren Arts’ continued dedication to high-quality local theater. Tickets are available at the door, or in advance at www.mcminnvilleparktheater.com.
· Viola Valley Homecoming’s “Rumble in the Valley” truck and tractor pull will be held Saturday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. at 10301 Viola Rd. Four classes of pulling action – light limited super stock tractors, super modified two-wheel drive trucks, lightweight super stock tractors and limited pro stock tractors – will be in action in the Mid-South Pullers Association sanctioned event. For more information go to midsouthpullersassociation.com.
· The Black History Museum of Warren County, TN will hold a fundraiser yard sale Saturday, Aug. 23, at their location at 203 W. Main St. For more information, call 931-304-8851.
· Blood Assurance has scheduled its next local blood drive for Tuesday, Aug. 26, in the parking lot of Main Street Media at 230 W. Colville St. Organizers say supplies of blood are low, with only 2.5 days of O Negative and half a day of B Negative blood remaining on the shelves. As a thank-you, all donors will receive a $20 e-gift card, with O Negative donors receiving $25. To schedule your donation, visit https://donor.bloodassurance.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/170891.
· Hearth & Home Quilt Guild will have its Antique Quilt Show at the courthouse in Fairfield Village Sept. 6-7 during the Warren County A&L Fair. Quilts must be 50 years old or older, hand-pieced of machine-quilted. Quilts will be entered Friday, Sept. 5, from noon until 5 p.m. If possible, information should include the approximate age of the quilt, the name of the present owner, the name of the original owner and the quilt maker. This information is not required to enter a quilt. Classes include: pieced, appliqued, embroidered, crazy quilt, unquilted tops, most unusual, friendship, pieced and quilted as made, crib quilt, coverlet and string. Quilts must remain on display until 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, and must be picked up by 5 p.m. Ribbons will be awarded for first- through third-place, as well as best in show. The display will be open Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sept. 7 from noon-4 p.m.
· An Adult Mental Health First Aid certification course will be held at the Warren County Administrative Building on Sept. 24, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This evidence-based program teaches participants how to recognize and respond to mental health challenges, with an emphasis on resiliency and recovery. The training is open to those who register in advance, as space is limited. Interested participants must contact Kerri Matthews at kerri.matthews@tn.gov for more information or to secure a spot.
· Van Buren County will host “Hometown Heroes Day” on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds. This free public event honors and supports the county’s volunteer first responders. Activities will include food, games, live music, a basic first aid class, and a First Responders Award Ceremony. While admission is free, donations are welcome, with all proceeds going directly to support VBC Volunteer First Responders. The event offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere while recognizing the dedication and service of local emergency personnel.
· The McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce will host “Chamber 101” Friday, Aug. 29 at the Chamber Community Room on Court Square. Whether you're new to the Chamber or have been a member for years, Chamber 101 is the perfect opportunity to learn how to make the most of your membership.
Staff will walk attendees through the many benefits of being a Chamber member, how to get involved, and the tools available to help your business grow.
After the session, representatives from the Small Business Development Center will be available to connect with members and answer questions about business planning, resources, funding, and more.
Please RSVP to lsimmons@warrentn.com to reserve your spot.
· The Warren County Master Gardeners’ Association will meet Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds. The WCMGA meets the third Thursday of each month, gathering at the fairgrounds during summer months and at the Magnolia Room of the Warren County Administration Building during the rest of the year. For more information contact the extension office at (931) 473-8484.
· Freedom Life Church is hosting a Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 20, featuring both competitive and recreational divisions. The event will take place at the church, with food available starting at noon and games beginning at 1 p.m. Entry is just $5 per player, which also covers the cost of food. Organizers invite the community to come out for fun, food, and friendly competition in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
· The Van Buren County 4-H Chili Cook-Off and Auction is set for Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at the Van Buren County Agricultural Learning Center, beginning at 6 p.m. This annual fundraiser invites the public to enjoy an evening of food, fun and friendly competition, with proceeds supporting local 4-H youth programs. Attendees can sample a variety of chili recipes prepared by participants vying for bragging rights, while also bidding on items in a lively auction. The event offers a chance for community members to gather, support agriculture-based education and contribute to programs that benefit area youth.
· The Kevin Bouldin Memorial Youth Coon Hunt will take place on October 18, 2025, with registration from 4-5 p.m. at the Van Buren County Justice Center, located at 121 Taft Drive in Spencer, TN. The event is open to youth ages 17 and under and participants must return by midnight. Hunters must be accompanied by an adult, and all applicable state wildlife laws and hunter education requirements will apply. Hunters and dogs will not be provided. Donations of prizes or monetary contributions are welcomed, with contacts listed including Jill Bouldin, Lakelyn Stoglin, Layla Bouldin, Monroe Mooneynam, and Jessica Walling. For more information, interested participants can call Kyle Walling at 931-287-8159 or Matt Howard at 629-333-4149. Additional event details can be found on the associated Facebook page.
· The Small Town Truck Meet has been rescheduled for Nov. 8, 2025, at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds. Organized by Ashley Roberts, the event is a fundraiser to support two individuals who were recently injured in an accident. All proceeds will go directly toward their hospital bills and other essential needs. The gathering is expected to include music, food, games, and potentially a burnout pit, pending county approval. Attendees are encouraged to come out and show support for friends and family while enjoying a community-centered celebration of trucks and local spirit.
· The Van Buren Prevention Coalition presents the Ribs for Recovery Smoke-Off at Recovery Fest Saturday, Sept. 20. The event includes a BBQ Smoke-off competition for both ribs and BBQ dishes, as well as a cornhole tournament. The event raises awareness for drug and tobacco prevention, community recovery efforts, positive, healthy lifestyle choices, connection, fun and education. For more information follow the Van Buren County Prevention Coalition on Facebook and Instagram.
· The McMinnville City High School Class of 1963 will hold its class reunion Oct. 18, 2025 at noon at Helen’s on the Green. All classmates are encouraged to attend. Prepayment is not required, but organizers would like to know by Oct. 10 to plan for an accurate number of attendees. RSVP with the number of people attending to pbasham@benlomand.net if you are planning to attend.
· The Warren County Senior High School’s Class of 1970 reunion will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, beginning at 6 p.m. at Helen’s on the Green at the McMinnville Country Club. Appetizers will be served, soft drinks will be provided and entertainment will be provided by Jason Gross of The Sound Machine. Tickets are $35 each or $70 for a couple with $5 from each ticket going into a half-and-half drawing. Other prizes for accomplishments will be awarded. To purchase tickets send a check or money order to Class of 1970 Reunion, 415 Collinwood Dr., McMinnville TN 37110. Money must be received by Sept. 22.
· Heavenly Closet Thrift Store is open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at 100 Market Street, adjacent to the Farmer’s Market. The organization’s soup kitchen is open Mondays and Fridays, from 11:30 a.m. until noon each day, at 218 E. Main St. Proceeds from the thrift store fund the soup kitchen’s efforts. Volunteers and donations are always accepted. The group is part of the “Helping Hands” ministry.
· If your organization has an item for the Community Calendar, e-mail your information to rob.nunley@mainstreetmedia.llc. The Community Calendar will be published at mainstreetjournal.llc, with access given to subscribers and non-subscribers alike, each Friday at 5 p.m.
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