Get Out!: Veterans' Day events, Symphony highlight the weekend

STAFF REPORTS
·4 min read
Veterans Day parade took place at Jackson Downtown in Jackson, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. It was a reverse parade where the Veterans rode in their cars with their families and supporters would stand outside waving at them as they drove by.
Veterans Day parade took place at Jackson Downtown in Jackson, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. It was a reverse parade where the Veterans rode in their cars with their families and supporters would stand outside waving at them as they drove by.

The ninth annual “Celebrating Our Veterans” Program will be held Friday, Nov. 5, at Highland Park Church, 1102 Campbell Street, Jackson, Tennessee beginning at 6:30 p.m. Keynote Speaker will be Major General Tommy Baker, recently appointed Commissioner of Tennessee Department of Veterans Services. “Faces of Our Veterans” photos taken of veterans will be on display, and the free 8x10 color photos of each veteran photographed in August and September will be available to be picked up. The event is free to attendees. Masks and social distancing will be followed.

On Saturday, Nov. 6, the seventh annual Downtown Veterans Parade will be held in Downtown Jackson beginning at 11 a.m. Parade Marshall will be Colonel Jim Harding. Churches throughout Jackson and West Tennessee are invited to ring their bells to acknowledge the Veterans. Anyone wishing to ride, march, or walk in the parade is urged to pre-register by phoning (423) 341-3330. Military veterans from World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War are encouraged to participate. The Veterans Committee can arrange transportation with advance notice. There is no entry fee for the parade participants. There will be a prize, provided by Doubletree Hotel, for the Best Decorated Veteran’s Vehicle.

The events are brought to you by the West Tennessee Veterans Coalition, Veterans Day Program Committee, City of Jackson, and County of Madison. Plan to join this celebration and remembrance of those who have served our country in the armed forces.

For more information or to learn more about becoming a sponsor, please call (423) 341-3330 or visit https://www.facebook.com/westtnveteransparadeandprogram/.

Parade entry forms are available by calling the number above or visit www.westtnveterans.wix.com/america.

Here’s a rundown of other events going on in Jackson and rural West Tennessee this weekend:

Friday

Friendly Frank’s: The monthly event will be at the Jackson Fairgrounds (800 South Highland in Downtown Jackson) this weekend, and on the first weekend of every month. The Flea Market will be open Friday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. There is no charge for parking or admission. Everyone is encouraged to mask up, social distance and enjoy the market.

Saturday

Out of the Darkness Walk: The second-annual Out of the Darkness Walk is happening Saturday at North Park. The walk is meant to raise awareness and funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and is set to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday at North Park. There will be other activities like rock painting going on. Jackson Fire Department will be on hand to help in the event including having multiple people be among the speakers.

Civil War Day Camp: Shiloh Military Park Superintendent Allen Etheridge has announced a day of fun and educational activities for local children. A Civil War day camp will be held from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, and there is no charge to participate. The day will consist of hands-on Civil War related activities. Children will learn how to use signal flags to send messages across the battlefield, and participate in “Artillery Drill,” during which they will form cannon crews and learn what it took to load and fire a cannon. Children ages 10 – 12 are invited to participate in the day camp. The camp will be located out of doors, so children will need to come prepared to stay outside during the camp. Participants need to bring water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, and wear comfortable clothing for outside activities. Participants will also be expected to bring a sack lunch. Participation is by registration only, as the program can only accommodate 40 children. Registered children will meet at the park visitor center and participate. If you would like to register your child, contact the visitor center at 731-689-5696.

Brew-Wing: Mark your calendars for this year’s annual Brew-Wing event Saturday benefitting the Scarlet Rope Project. Do you love to grill? Or do you just love to eat and listen to live music with friends and family? If so, Brew-Wing is the event for you. They are currently looking for grilling teams and event sponsors. Email brownda1972@gmail.com if you’re interested in becoming a part of this event.

Jackson Symphony: No one should miss the chance to witness Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 live. Featuring four soloists, full choir, and The Jackson Symphony orchestra, this is a unique opportunity to hear Beethoven’s first and last symphonies live. Ending with “Ode to Joy,” this concert is an anthem to humanity that celebrates the apex of the human spirit at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Then on Sunday the four vocal guest artists from the Beethoven 9 concert will perform opera arias, art songs, and more joined by choirs from the night before at 1:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Get Out!: Veterans' Day events, Symphony highlight the weekend