Tons of events planned for this weekend
By MICHELLE WILLARD Post staff writer
This weekend is full of events for one and all. The highlights of the weekend of June 8 through 10 are the Parade of Homes and Discovery Center’s Secret Garden Party. Educational opportunities abound at Oaklands Mansion and Stones River National Battlefield.Parade of HomesOn Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9, the 2007 “Homes Today” Parade of Homes exhibits some of Murfreesboro’s newest housing choices.”The Parade of Homes is an event for both our members and the community at large for home builders to showcase the best of what they do %26hellip; to showcase the newest floor plans and window shop if you are in the market for a new home,” said Karen Batey with the Rutherford County Home Builders Association.”This year’s Parade is the biggest we’ve had. We have 40 homes. All are decorated and furnished,” Batey said. So, even if visitors are not in the market for a home, they can come out and see the latest decorating techniques, paint colors and landscape designs, Batey explained.The Parade begins with a preview party from 5 to 8 in the evening Thursday, June 7 at the Cloister, one of two showcase sites displayed for the public. Slick Pig barbeque caters and Midnight Special performs at the event. The mouthing-watering barbeque will be accompanied by a mouth-watering antique car show.Judge’s awards will be presented to builders in traditional categories such as best kitchen, master suite, overall home, landscaping, best in show and people’s choice award. This year other awards include best outdoor living space, best home entertainment room, and best techno-house. Tickets for the preview party are $20 per person and are available through the Rutherford County Home Builders Association at 890-8224. The tickets also allow unlimited access to the other properties displayed by the Parade.The Cloister and Winslow Park showcase sites provide viewers with contrasting architectural styles and the newest floor plans and decorating techniques. Tickets are $10 per adult with children 12 and under free. They can be purchased at all Rutherford County MAPCO’s and Pinnacle Banks.The Parade also displays other houses spread throughout Rutherford County. Admission is free to these sties. More information and maps can be found at www.homestodayexpo.com. Discovery center2007 Secret Garden Party celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Discovery Center Friday, June 8, in the garden of Pat and Kathy Ryan. “We are a hands-on children’s museum specializing in interactive activities for children and their families. We are in the midst of an expansion project that will be completed in January 2008,” said Ann Mapp of the Discovery Center.The “An Evening on the Orient Express” themed event is a major fundraising event for the center, which plans on adding 7,500 square feet of new exhibits for local children featuring a transportation gallery exhibit. The party features a silent auction, including a Gibson Guitar. An international meal provided by A Catered Affair with wines from Charlie Patel of Stones River Liquors. It will also honor the volunteer efforts of Joyce Benedict and the Optimistic Gardeners Club. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased online at www.discoverycenteronline.org or by calling Rachel Anderson at 890-2300.The garden theme continues at the Discovery Center from 10 to 4 p.m. June 9, with “All Things Green.”Family friendly activities include presentations by master gardeners with topics from growing herbs and container gardens to composting. Children will enjoy T-shirt tie-dying, terra cotta pot and face painting, and free tree seedlings.Admission is $10 for everyone two and over. For more information visit the Discovery Center website or call 890-2300.Educational Events at Oaklands and Stones River National BattlefieldHistory buffs will enjoy a variety of activities from the Victorian Fair and Reenactment at Oaklands Historic House Museum to several tours and presentations at the Stones River National Battlefield. On Saturday, June 9, volunteers will bring the Victorian and Civil War era to life at Oaklands with activities, games and crafts for children and adults. Tours of the home are offered along with period music and storytelling.
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