Patsy Cline Memorial/Tribute Weekend
Construction of a new, more accessible walkway at the site has been completed. Plans include benches along the walk. A second walkway is planned along with a new memorial sign at the entrance recognizing all four victims of the crash. In time, the Chamber of Commerce hopes to create a new monument at the site. The Chamber's Patsy Cline Memorial Committee is considering several ideas aimed at reviving the memorial weekend in March with an eye forward to a huge 50th anniversary tuibute and memorial iin March of 2013. Organizers are looking for addidional ways to recognize not only Patsy Cline, but also the other victims of the crash, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas and Randy Hughes. For more information, contact the Benton County/Camden Chamber of Commerce at 877-584-8395.
Big Sandy Spring Festival
Held the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend in Big Sandy. This long-standing Big Sandy tradition includes live music, an art show, a car show, arts and crafts, a parade, fireworks and much, much more. visit http://bsspringfestiva.tripod.com/ for more information on this great festival
Big Sandy Waterfowl Festival/Duck Blind Drawing
Held the first Saturday in August, this popular festival features hunting oriented dilplays and merchandise. TWRA draws for duck blind usage for the upcoming year on the wildlife management areas.
West Tennessee Old Time Fiddler's Championship & Bluegrass Jamboree
Held the third Saturday in April in Holladay, TN. The day begins with a parade at 10:30 followed in the afternoon by contests with cash prizes for best guitar, fiddle, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, dobro, bluegrass band square dancing and buck dancing. .Visitors can also enjoy delicious barbecue and refreshments and everyone who purchases an admission will automatically be eligible for a $500.00 Grand Prize Drawing.
2012 will mark the 56th anniversary of this traditional event.
For further information:
email - wholladay@tds.net
website - http://www.holladaybluegrass.com
Benton County Business and Healthcare Expo
This popular event was created in 2006 with the combination of the Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and Camden General Hospital's Annual Health Fair . The 2011 Expo has been set for October. The Expo will include a variety of free health screenings, over 60 display booths featuring local businesses and healthcare providers, entertainment, food and refreshments, door prizes, games, special events and a $500.00 grand prize drawing sponsored by the Benton County/Camden Chamber of Commerce. . For more information, contact the Chamber at 731-584-8395 or email chamber1@usit.net. The Benton County Business and Healthcare Expo is sponsored by Camden General Hospital, the Benton County/Camden Chamber fo Commerce, The Camden Chronicle, WFWL/WRJB Radio, and the Benton County Health Initiative Committee.
Folklife Music in the Park
Slated for July, this festival features local musical talent as well as arts and crafts, demonstrators, food and refreshments, fun for the kids and more.
Relay for Life
Benefit for the American Cancer Society This popular fundraiser features team sites, a walking track, food and refreshments, games, entertainment and much more. All proceeds go toward the fight against cancer. Held in June, the Benton County Relay for Life is listed as one of the top relays in the state for per capita donations.
Benton County Fair
Held in early August, this traditional county fair includes judging of produce and livestock, beauty pageants, live grandstand entertainment, a wide variety of food and refreshments, games and giveaways, fireworks, exhibits and much more as well as the popular carnival midway. On Wednesday evening, the fair hosts the popular Colgate Country Showdown singing competition sponsored by WFWL/WRJB Radio.
Benton County Bargain Highway /
Thirty-Mile Yard Sale
One Thousand Dollar Giveaway
Labor Day weekend. Residents set up yard sales in front yards, garages, open fields, and parking lots along the official 30-mile route stretching through Big Sandy, Camden and Holladay. In just a few short years, Benton County Bargain Highway has become one of the premier events in the region drawing thousands of visitors from all parts of the country. Traditionally, the event consists of approximtely 200 yard sales along the official 30-mile route with additional sales throughout the county. Benton County Bargain Highway is a bargain hunter's paradise. In 2011, the Benton County/Camden Chamber of Commerce will again sponsor a $1,000 giveaway. Shoppers registered at official yard sale sites for a chance to win the $1,000 prize.
Good Neighbor Radio Auction
Raising money for local charitable organizations, this popular United Way sponsored event features guest auctioneers selling donated items to benefit local fire departments, not-for-profits, charities, and more. The auction, which runs for two weeks in late October/early November raises thousands of dollars each year to support the United Way funded charities in Benton County. Bidders listen on WFWL/WRJB Radio and call in to place their bids. Local clubs, organizations, churches, individuals, businesses, and more donate items for the auction.
Lighting of the Knob
Early December - Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park lights up the area atop Pilot Knob and the Tennessee River Folklife Museum in a breathtaking display of holiday splendor. In addition to the museum stands a memorial to the Civil War Battle of New Johnsonville.
Magic Valley Christmas Parade
Slated for December 10, 2011 in Camden. This year's parade will begin at 3:30 p.m. and will be followed by a Christmas Walk and a Festival on the Square. The Christmas Walk will consist of open houses by many of the local businesses designed to allow last minute shoppers an opportunity to pick up those final gifts and help boost Christmas sales for local merchants.
Big Sandy Christmas Parade
Big Sandy Chamber of Commerce will host the fourth annual Big Sandy Christmas Parade. Slated for December 3, 2011, the parade will begin at 2:00 with related Christmas festivities throughout the day.
