Jan. 2, 2020 – Happy New Year! All of us at Discovery Park are excited about the opportunities for you and your family to explore coming in 2020.
From science to history to music to art, there will be many ways for children and adults to see beyond this year. Here are just a few of the highlights.
NEW HOURS
Low Season
Jan. – Feb., Aug. – Dec.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Tues. and Wed.
High Season
March – July
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Open 7 days a week
If you are looking for overnight accommodations, you’ll be glad to know that two new hotels, Sleep Inn and MainStay, are open right next door—with a third, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, coming later in 2020. For reservations or more information, call 731-599-7272 for Sleep Inn or MainStay or 731-599-7990 for Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
In January, Magnolia Place Assisted Living will pay for admission to Discovery Park for all children 17 and younger as a way to pay tribute to and memorialize Jenny Kirkland. Tickets will be available at the Discovery Park ticket counter Jan. 2 – Jan. 31. Student groups must be arranged in advance by calling 731-885-5455 or emailing reservations@discoveryparkofamerica.com.
Coming Jan. 17 – May 3 is “Astronaut,” an exhibit that features hands-on interactive displays that allow guests to investigate the reality of what it takes to be a space explorer.
Members will have the first opportunity to explore this temporary exhibit before it officially “launches” at the Members-Only Sneak Peek on Thurs., Jan. 16, 5-7 p.m. with special guest Dr. Lawrence DeLucas. A much-honored biochemist, Dr. DeLucas flew aboard NASA Space Shuttle mission STS-50 as a payload specialist. This was the longest space shuttle flight to date making 221 orbits of Earth. Check out the School and Visitors Guide for more information about the exhibit and plan to attend the exciting members-only event. Not a member? Join Today!
Beginning in March, the Starship Theater will feature two new enhanced films from Giant Screen Films, a leader in the large format/IMAX® industry:Journey to Space and Wild Africa. Both are action-packed experiences that will enhance anyone’s visit to Discovery Park.
“The Southern Artist Showcase: Works by Southern Self-taught Artists” will be open May 14 – Sept. 28 and “The Fascinating World of Murray Hudson’s Globes and Maps” will be on display June 12 – Sept. 14.
Finally, we’re all very much looking forward to “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival,” the new permanent exhibit dedicated to telling the story of innovation in agriculture that will open Oct. 22.
Of course, fun and educational events are a big part our mission at Discovery Park. Below are dates for some of our very special events in 2020.
NEW THIS YEAR: If you’re a Discovery Park member, be sure to stop by the ticket counter and ask for your free magnet that lists the events, so you won’t miss a single opportunity.
Our founder Robert Kirkland said on our opening day, “Discovery Park of America should enhance education for children as well as adults and do it in an entertaining way.” He added, “I hope it will be a destination that people will visit again and again and walk away each time with an expectation for continued innovation.”
We’re excited that 2020 will be another year filled with exhibits, events and activities that make his vision a reality.
Dec. 4, 2019 – If you are looking for a fun and unique place to bring the family this Christmas season, look no further than Discovery Park of America, located in Union City, Tenn. With all the hands-on exhibits, ranging from dinosaur bones to vintage cars to the beautiful 50-acre heritage park and the “Hot Wheels: Race to Win” temporary exhibit, you are surely to find something that everyone in the family will enjoy.
After you have spent your day exploring new surprises around every corner within the museum, be sure to stay until closing time because that is when the holiday surprises are lit up! The “Let It Glow” Light Show is open 5 – 9 p.m., now through Dec. 30, 2019 and is only $10 per car to drive through over ONE MILLION LIGHTS that are synced with your favorite Christmas jingles.
Purchase your tickets online or when you arrive at the ticket hut near the entrance for the light show.
So bring everyone, the young and the young-at-heart, to experience Discovery Park as well as the “Let It Glow” Light Show this year. Open now through Dec. 30, 2019. Sponsored by McDonald’s.
Discovery Park and the Light Show will be CLOSED Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Want to hear the behind-the-scenes scoop on how these twinkling lights go up? Listen to the end of this episode of “Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast” for the challenges of putting up ONE MILLION LIGHTS for all to see!
Union City, Tenn. – A very special guest visited on Thurs., Nov. 7, to see an artifact he donated installed in the World War II section of The Military Gallery at Discovery Park of America. T. Joe Walker of Martin, Tenn., donated a model of a WWII-era fixed timber trestle bridge to Discovery Park, and it represents just one of many bridges that he helped build when he served in the 163rd Engineer Combat Battalion in the U.S. Army during WWII.
Walker was a heavy-duty supervisor on building bridges. “A lieutenant told me in Van Dorn, Miss., that he was going to make a bridge builder out of me if it killed us both,” Walker said. “So that was my duty, to take care of supplies and men and whatever it took to get the bridge done.”
Walker landed on Utah Beach just days after the initial invasion on D-Day. The 163rd Engineer Combat Battalion, also known as the “Striped-Ass Apes,” was responsible for clearing the roads for troops, building bridges, trucking supplies and occasionally acting as infantry. He served until 1946.
The model of the fixed timber trestle bridge represents one of the many types of bridges that were constructed by members of that battalion during WWII. This particular model was built by Herman P. Shutt, a fellow member of the battalion during the war. Shutt built the model and presented it at one of their reunions. It was displayed at the Barnett Museum in Martin, Tenn., and returned to Walker some years later, who then donated it to Discovery Park.
Walker was accompanied by his daughter, Shelia Thompson, to get a sneak peek of the exhibits team putting it up in the gallery. “We are thrilled to see this special artifact on display. It gives honor to not only my dad, but to all the members of the 163rd Engineer Combat Battalion,” said Thompson.
The artifact will be in place and ready for viewing by Sun., Nov. 10, which is when Discovery Park is observing Veterans Day because the park is closed on Mondays. All veterans and their dependents will receive free admission. Guests can explore the park and be among the first to see the new artifact on display.
Union City, Tenn.—Discovery Park of America hosted ten teams from nine area schools in the third annual Canstruction competition last Friday. The teams created unique sculptures made almost entirely of cans that will be on display throughout the museum during the month of November.
According to organizer Andrew Gibson, assistant director of education at Discovery Park, a CanStruction competition at the park was a dream of co-founder Jenny Kirkland. “Mrs. Kirkland saw an exhibit like this in Memphis and asked that we host this event in Union City,” Gibson said. “She really loved the idea that it allowed students to express their creativity while learning about engineering, science and math.”
Canstruction is an international charity competition where architects, engineers, contractors, teachers and students they mentor, compete to design and build giant structures made entirely from full cans of food. At the close of the competition all of the food is donated to local food banks where the competitions are held. Canstruction was founded in 1992 by Cheri Melillo and has since raised millions of pounds of food for food banks in participating cities across the world. With more than 170 cities and over 30,000 volunteers participating in Canstruction competitions, it has grown to become one of the largest food drives for food bank donations in the world.
In addition to creating a unique and interesting exhibit at Discovery Park for the month of November, the 13,933 cans will be dismantled on Dec. 1 and donated to three area charities for distribution in December. Chimes for Charity and Helping Hands in Union City, TN and We Care Ministries of Martin, TN will each receive one-third of the cans.
A portion of the cost of the cans is paid for by the event sponsors, Westan Insurance Group and Allen Searcy Builder Contractor. Each school is given $500 for cans and is also allowed to fundraise to add additional cans as needed.
The student groups assembled at assigned locations inside Discovery Center and began building at 9 a.m. Friday morning and the competition ended at noon. The teams competed for awards in six categories including Structural Ingenuity, Best Use of Labels, Best Meal, Most Creative, Juror’s Favorite and the coveted Best Overall. This year, NWTN Homeschool won Best Overall.
Teams competing in Canstruction this year were Union City Art and Key Club, Union City CTE, Lake Road, Obion County Central High School, Black Oak, South Fulton High School, Hillcrest, South Fulton Middle School, NWTN Homeschool and Westview High School.
“All the schools that participate are winners,” Gibson said. “To see these students working collaboratively and creating these unique designs is really rewarding. And to know the work will later help those in need makes it even more inspiring.”
The structures will be on display through Nov., 30. Discovery Park of America is located at 830 Everett Blvd. in Union City, TN and has a mission to inspire both children and adults to see beyond. For more information about exhibits, upcoming events or how you can become involved in the park’s mission, visit www.discoveryparkofamerica.com.
Discovery Park of America Captures the Faces of Farming
Union City, Tenn.—At the Northwest Tennessee Food Processing & Agri-Business Conference held Thurs., Oct. 10 at the University of Tennessee at Martin, Discovery Park of America captured the photos of more than 85 farmers, agriculture students and others who work in the agriculture industry. The photos will be used as part of an upcoming exhibit dedicated to telling the story of innovation in agriculture. Opening Oct. 22, 2020, “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival” will be located in the 8,900-square-foot red barn building that currently houses the museum and heritage park’s antique tractor collection.
“Through focus groups and other research we’ve done to create the content for our new Ag exhibit, we’re finding that people in general have an image of farmers today that is just not accurate,” said Scott Williams, president and CEO of Discovery Park. “We’re calling this a ‘mind-blowing, myth-busting farming exhibit that will change the world’ and exposing our guests to some of the real faces of farming today is just one of the ways we’re going to accomplish that.”
Those whose photos were captured at the booth and who will be included as one of the “Faces of Farming” include Dr. Charlie Hatcher, Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture; Dr. Keith Carver, UT Martin Chancellor; David Kustoff, US Congressman; Dr. Molly Warren and Roger Williams from Williams Sausage Company and others.
Louisville, KY-based Solid Light, a leader in the exhibit design and fabrication field, has been selected to head the project and is currently finalizing the initial script and design.
Research shows that consumers are unaware of even the basic innovations and applications of technology used by farmers today. That absence of knowledge has contributed to a world in which innovation in agriculture is often misunderstood and even feared. Among other topics, the exhibit, when it opens, will include sections on innovation relating to row crops, animals, precision agriculture, the truth about GMOs, sustainability, tools and technology, and agri-business.
To partner with Discovery Park on this very important exhibit, email Mary Nita Bondurant at mbondurant@discoveryparkofamerica.com or call 731-676-3556.
Champions of Agriculture Numerous gifts by farm families and individuals who support this project
C&W Farms | Ginger C. Terry | Polly Brasher | Scott, Michelle, Alex and Liv Williams | Clinton Evans & Family | Chad and Heather Hardy | Flynn Jowers (Farm Bureau Insurance Agent) | Mr. and Mrs. Tim Hazlewood | Tony and Margie Jones | BERG Livestock | Brad and Emalee Buttrey | Rachel C. Buttrey | Grady J. Buttrey | David W. Howell | Platt Farms – Jeanne and Chuck McMillen | Mike and Penny Holman | Alice and Marcus Fennel | Matthew, Colby, Harrison, Carsen, Mattie Jane and Ally Anne Gray | Veronica Steer – Sunbow Jerseys | Yeargin Farms | Carol and Charles Steer
The mission of Discovery Park of America, a premier world-class museum and heritage park located in Union City, Tennessee, is to inspire children and adults to see beyond. Included in the complex is a 50-acre heritage park and a 100,000-square-foot museum featuring ten interactive exhibit galleries with additional space for temporary exhibits from around the world. Discovery Park of America is a 501(c)(3) public charity funded by generous individuals, corporations and foundations including its principal funder, the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation.
Oct. 3, 2019 – From eagles to white squirrels and sunken cypress trees to dinosaurs, Northwest Tennessee is filled with unique attractions just waiting to be explored. While the area has long been a mecca for hunters, birdwatchers and outdoor water sports enthusiasts, today you’ll also find family-friendly experiences around every corner. Conveniently located only an hour-and-a-half from Jackson, two hours from Memphis and three hours from Nashville, the area is an easy day trip.
Discovery Park of America
If you are looking for a quirky, eclectic, one-of-a-kind museum that rises up out of a cornfield in the middle of rural America, then you must check out Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee. The iconic 100,000-square-foot museum and beautifully landscaped 50-acre heritage park is something to see. Inside, you are greeted by friendly staff who are happy to point you in the right direction to begin your adventure. Bring your stroller, backpacks and definitely walking shoes because you will be covering a lot of ground.
The exhibits inside the museum are incredible. Stand right next to dinosaur skeletons, crawl inside the fish tank, experience an earthquake, wind through an impressive collection of military artifacts, learn all about science, technology, engineering, the arts and math, feel nostalgic standing next to the collection of more than 35 vintage cars and so much more. Insider tip: we highly recommend booking a room at the Sleep Inn right next door to Discovery Park and taking advantage of the park’s two-day VIP pass because you will want two days to explore everything.
Sabin’s Café is on-site, so you don’t have to leave for lunch. But, if you are looking for something local to try, check out their blog on the “Best Diners and Dives in Union City.”
Open Tues. – Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New hours in 2020:
Jan. and Feb. / Aug. – Dec.: Open Thurs. – Mon. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
March – July: Open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Experience the great outdoors at Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tiptonville, Tennessee. This beautiful scenic lake has 12,500 acres of water with an abundance of crappie, bluegill, catfish, bass, wildlife, birds, bald eagles and beautiful scenery. What used to be swamplands was then turned into Reelfoot Lake caused by the 1811-12 earthquakes, which they say made the Mississippi River run backward and fill in the swamplands.
While you’re there, be sure to stop by the Reelfoot Lake Visitors Center to see bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, barred owls and more. You can camp down at the lake or rent one of the newer cabins through Tennessee State Parks.
Looking for good food? We highly recommend Blue Bank Resort or Boyette’s Dining Room. If you want to have dinner with a view, head over to Blue Bank resort. They have a delectable menu as well as a bar inside their dining room. Be sure to arrive just before sunset to experience one of the most beautiful views of Reelfoot Lake imaginable. No picture online can do it justice. Blue Bank Resort also has lodging if you wanted to eat, drink and sleep by the lake.
Lunch or dinner at Boyette’s is like an experience as if you were walking into your grandma’s home. The atmosphere is quaint, the wait staff is as sweet as pie, and if you don’t try the catfish, are you really having the true experience at Reelfoot Lake?
White Squirrel Winery in Kenton, Tenn.
Surrounded by the beautiful fields of Kenton, Tenn., is White Squirrel Winery and Vineyard run by the Sanderson Family. Pop in and enjoy their tasting room where you can try several different wines and experience one of the most peaceful views of rural Tennessee anywhere. They harvest eighteen acres of grapes, fruit from the orchard and bramble bushes to make their well-known wines. Shop in the tasting room where you can find an assortment of made-from-scratch jams and jellies, as well as hand-poured candles.
Tastings on Friday and Saturdays are from 1-6 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Be sure to check their Facebook page for live music events, dinner theaters and more.
Full Throttle Distillery
Photo Submitted by TripAdvisor reviewer ShopGirl_71
Want to have the Sturgis experience without riding all the way to South Dakota? Cruise in to the small West Tennessee town of Trimble to Full Throttle S’loonshine, owned and operated by Michael Ballard, who was born and raised in Trimble and is well-known for opening the world’s largest biker bar in Sturgis. Full Throttle S’loonshine is an authentic Tennessee moonshine distillery that uses an early 1900s recipe along with an authentic copper still to make the moonshine. Walk in to the tasting room surrounded by the rustic wooden barrels, shiny bottles of moonshine and get ready to taste some of the best moonshine in West Tennessee. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of Michael walking around the distillery, making sure everything is running smoothly (including the shine) in his hometown.
Outdoor recreation lovers – this is your oasis. The beautiful 841-acre Paris Landing State Park is located on Kentucky Lake, which is right off of the majestic Tennessee River and only a one-hour drive from Discovery Park of America. Enjoy all kinds of water activities such as fishing, skiing, boating and swimming, as well as dry land experiences of hiking, camping and golfing.
If you want to explore the charming town of Paris, Tenn., the locals welcome you to shop in their quaint downtown shops, eat at fun restaurants and just enjoy some small town charm. Be sure to visit the Paris town square for great shopping and eclectic gift shops. Don’t forget to try the wines at Paris Winery while you’re there. And yes, there is an Eiffel Tower. Experience Paris without hurting your wallet.
Unique shopping experiences and one-of-a-kind dining venues are lined up and down Lindell Street in historical downtown Martin, Tennessee. Pop in and out of quirky antique stores, gift shops and cute boutiques and even get your caffeine fix at the Martin Coffeehouse. Mix with the locals at several restaurants in downtown Martin, with our favorites being The Opera House, A.B Cheatham’s Downtown Tavern and the newly opened Blue Oak Oyster Bar. Oh, and even though it’s technically not downtown, you must head over to The Grind Mac-and-Cheese Burger Bar. It’s just around the corner right next to the University of Tennessee at Martin. You will not be disappointed.
Insider tip: If you are in town the first week of September, head downtown to experience the award-winning Tennessee Soybean Festival. Shop local vendors, eat delicious food, walk the midway and enjoy live music. The city shows out during this jam-packed week-long festival, and it is something everyone should experience.
Charlene’s Colony of Shoppes and Murray Hudson’s Antique Maps and Globes
Nestled about a mile off Highway 51 in Halls, Tennessee, is the cutest little colony of shoppes. Charlene’s is loved by locals and travelers who just so happen to know about this well-kept secret. When you arrive at Charlene’s Colony of Shoppes, you will feel as if you have found the hidden treasure. Shop in the quaint antique store and find some of the most exquisite home décor in West Tennessee. From Christmas decorations and one-of-a-kind rugs to elegant throw pillows and glitzy chandeliers, Charlene’s has it. After shopping, pop inside the Just Divine Tea Room next door for a light lunch or dinner. Be sure to leave time when you are in Halls to stop by Murray Hudson’s Antique Maps, Globes, Books and Prints. With 24,000 maps and 760 globes, you’ll find his cartographic stash full of unique treasures, many of them one of a kind.
Charlene’s
Open Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Facebook Page
Murray Hudson’s Maps
Open Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Facebook Page
Safari Park
Get ready for your very own safari experience without leaving the great state of Tennessee! Located in Alamo, Tennessee Safari Park is a place where memories are made. It’s a drive-through safari ride where you can see buffalo, zebras, antelope, giraffes and more! Purchase some animal feed, roll down your windows and get ready for the ostriches to walk up and eat the food right out of the bucket!
Open Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open Sun. 12 – 5 p.m.
Union City, Tenn.—Discovery Park of America will be featuring the work of internationally-acclaimed pop artist Red Grooms in its “Artist Showcase” gallery Oct. 18, 2019 through April 30, 2020. The show will be launched with a free reception on Oct. 17, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring a discussion about Grooms with Bill Hickerson, executive director of the West Tennessee Regional Art Center and Letha Botts, an artist who is originally from Union City and who worked with Grooms in the late 1970s.
Born in Nashville in 1937, Red Grooms stands among Tennessee’s cultural icons. A performance artist, filmmaker, printmaker and cartoonist, he is best known for colorful pop art that captures both the grotesqueness and humor of everyday life.
Organized by the museum’s exhibits director, Jennifer Wildes, the show at Discovery Park will feature color lithographic print sculptures, lithographic prints, paintings and mixed media pieces.
“Red Grooms is the most recognized living Tennessee artist,” says Bill Hickerson, executive director of the West Tennessee Regional Art Center. “This sampling of works from his career will give Discovery Park visitors a look at his style, and the whimsical spirit that created it.
Although Grooms continues working primarily out of the same studio in the TriBeCa neighborhood in New York that he’s been in since 1969, he also has a home and studio in Tennessee.
Oct. 3, 2019 – Joel Harris of Troy, Tennessee was a pioneer of waterfowling in the Reelfoot Lake region of Northwest Tennessee and he made his mark through the art of Reelfoot style call making. This style of call making is unique with detail, wood working design, and a metal reed gut system. When I asked Ryan Graves, renowned waterfowl artifacts historian and consultant, about Joel, he didn’t have to tell me much to get his point across. Ryan stated, “He was one of the best at the game and exceptional at checkering. His calls are very desired by contemporary call collectors.”
Joel wasn’t just a consumer of what call making could provide him, but he was a strong producer of giving back to the art of it and the community that shared the same passion. Joel served as President of the Reelfoot Lake Waterfowl and Duck Call Collectors Association which was created in order to bring more revenue, preservation, and awareness to the Reelfoot Lake Region. Joel’s life is celebrated through the continued admiration of his work, and his legacy lives on through the community of call makers and waterfowl artifacts collectors.
Through celebrated collaboration, the duck call featured with this article, a Joel Harris masterpiece, will now be featured in the call collection at Discovery Park of America. That means your ability to see the value of this call is not only digitally available, but it is available for you to see in person in an environment that will enhance and educate you. Go experience a deeper appreciation of the Reelfoot Lake Region at Discovery Park of America, and see beyond.
About the region: The Reelfoot Lake Region of Northwest Tennessee has a narrative like no other, and its’ regional history of waterfowling not only runs deep locally, but it spans wide internationally. This region sits right in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway which is a geographical highway as waterfowl migrate from the prairies of northern Canada, to the flats of the North American south coast. Out of those roots has grown multi-generational family traditions, culture, craftsmanship and industry. Because of this, not only is the region celebrated among the waterfowling community, but the region has cultivated pioneers of waterfowling. Pioneers like Kelley Powers, 3x World Goose Calling Champion, and Final Flight Outfitters Inc, a nationally renowned outdoor retailer located in Union City, have been strong advocates of the region and for the waterfowling community. Final Flight Outffiters Inc. is a strong partner with Discovery Park of America, and is owned by Jon Ed, Tripp, & Kelley Powers who are locals of this region.
Guest Blogger: Seth Dortch is the marketing and media manager for Final Flight Outfitters, Inc. Visit www.sethdortch.com
Union City, Tenn.— Discovery Park of America and Magnolia Place Assisted Living announced today that Magnolia Place will pay for Discovery Park of America admission for all children 17 and younger as a way to pay tribute to and memorialize Jenny Kirkland. Kirkland, who died in Aug. 2019, was married to the museum and park’s founder, Robert Kirkland and has continued to play an active role in the organization since his death in 2015.
“Education was one of the biggest passions for Robert and Jenny Kirkland,” said David Johnson, administrator of Magnolia Place. “Our board saw this as a way we could honor Mrs. Kirkland while helping even more young people have an opportunity to visit the museum and park she and her family founded.”
Throughout the month of Jan. 2020 children 17 and under will receive free general admission to Discovery Park at the ticket counter or as part of a student group.
Jenny Kirkland was active in the Arts Council of Union City and was a long-time member of St. James’ Episcopal Church where she served faithfully on the Alter Guild. Along with her husband, she established the Robert E. & Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation, where she served as President until her death.
She also served on the Board of Directors of Discovery Park of America and Promethean Foundation and was a founding contributor to the Union City Rotary Club’s European Trip for local high school students.
“Our mission here is to inspire children and adults to see beyond, and I am certain there will be many young people from around the region who will get to visit and whose lives will be changed thanks to this generous gift,” said Scott Williams, president and CEO of Discovery Park.
Tickets will be available at the Discovery Park of America ticket counter Jan. 2 – Jan. 31, 2020. Student groups must be arranged in advance by calling 731-885-5455 or emailing reservations@discoveryparkofamerica.com.
Union City, Tenn.—Discovery Park of America and Pediatric Place of Union City are partnering on Oct. 5, 2019 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to provide information about a wealth of resources and services available to children in this area. There will be vendors and organizations located throughout the park with information, fun activities for kids and plenty of swag for both children and adults during Pediatric Day at Discovery Park of America.
“This is an opportunity for parents to learn the latest in health trends, educational resources and special services available for children and their families,” said Dr. John Bates, pediatrician at the Pediatric Place in Union City. “We envision kids, parents and grandparents coming together for a fun day to learn more about how to keep their kids happy, healthy and safe.”
As the sponsor of Pediatric Day, Pediatric Place of Union City is paying the admission for all children ages 17 and under. “We want to encourage families to come to Pediatric Day together to explore all the resources we have in the area to enrich their lives,” Bates said.
According to Polly Brasher who works in education at the park, there will be everything from ambulances to helicopters at Discovery Park on Pediatric Day. “Our mission at Discovery Park is to inspire children and adults to discovery new things in a fun and interactive way. We want children to climb into the back of an ambulance, get in the life-flight helicopter and be up close to firetrucks and emergency personal,” Brasher said. “So, then, if they ever have to experience an emergency transport, maybe they won’t be so scared.”
“Our goal is that this day will provide parents the tools and resources that they need to serve their children now and make their future better,” Bates said. “There will be fun activities at many of the booths for the kids, and great educational materials for both children and parents.”
For more information about Pediatric Day including an up-to-date list of vendors, visit Discovery Park of America’s website at www.discoveryparkofamerica.com.
Union City, Tenn.— Discovery Park of America is having a “Southern Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival” on Sept. 28 and 29 inside Discovery Center. Over 20 authentic craftsmen will be set up inside Discovery Center, demonstrating and selling their wares throughout the weekend. On Saturday, the popular Bluegrass band Jargon will be playing in the Settlement, and the Graves will be playing in the Chapel.
“It’s the first full weekend of autumn, and we are celebrating by having authentic craftsmen and bluegrass music in the park,” said Polly Brasher who headed up the event. “And, even better, it’s free for all of our members and included with park admission.”
The current list of vendors Discovery Park of America is expecting is growing daily and includes:
• Adelle – paintings
• Alice Fennel – lap quilting/loom weaving
• Autumn Creek Woodturning
• Beacham’s Clocks
• Betty J Green – knit and crochet afghans, dish rags
• Bobby Joe Hill – handmade ink pens, duck calls, artwork
• Caren’s Creations – jewelry, embroidered items
• Carolyn K – handmade items for everyone in the family
• Cindy Moore – hand painted shirts/bags, handmade jewelry
• Coley and Marilyn Graves – music in the Chapel
• Crystal Community Club – crochet, corn shuck dolls, carving
• Ginger Patch Designs – handmade sewing items
• Jane Fisher – tatting demonstration
• JH Handcrafters -wooden items
• Julia Barham – fall décor
• Ken Byrd Woodturning – ornaments, pens and bowls
• Knot Perfect Wood Designs – wooden jewelry
• Lore Hopper
• Machelle Operia – crochet pieces
• Mason Hall Quilters
• Michelle Williams – art pieces
• Mona Viveros – hand-sewn accessories
• Norma Skinner – homemade home décor
• Pondmermaid Art – original driftwood art, jewelry and repurposed furniture
• Richie Scott – fine art photography and hand-built rustic frames
• Sandy Tolar – demonstration of braided rugs
• Second Street Crafts – crochet, wooden crafts and wreaths
• The Soap Shop – handmade soaps, bath bombs and body butters
• Spa 46 – all-natural bath and body products
• Sugar Tree Woodworks – carved pieces
• TN Bread Lady – friendship bread with pumpkin, cranberry-orange, lemon and banana
• Two Creeks Pottery – ceramic pottery, raku firing demo and enameled jewelry
The Southern Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival is an annual event and will be held the last weekend in September each year. “We hope that our guests and these craftsmen have a great weekend,” Brasher said. “We would love to see this festival grow larger each year.”
For more information about the Southern Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival, visit the park’s website. Discovery Park of America is located at 830 Everett Blvd. in Union City, Tenn., and offers a unique blend of history, science, education and fun.
Sept. 24, 2019 – Discovery Park of America, one of the largest attractors for tourism in this region, was the location of the Tourism Works for West Tennessee Summit held Tues., Sept. 24.
A reception for attendees took place on Monday evening at Blue Bank Resort.
Around 100 attendees participated in the event that included those in tourism and government interested in working together to increase revenue from tourism for rural communities.
Weakley County Mayor Jake Bynum joined organizers Mortensen and Marbry in moderating the panel.
Williams led a breakout session in which attendees worked in teams to answer questions relating to the challenges of growing tourism in northwest Tennessee and how we should go about doing it.
During the panel discussion, Commissioner Ezell pointed out that investing in tourism pays off in additional sales tax and other revenues for rural communities. Mortensen agreed sharing a metaphor featuring sunflowers. He said if you have a bag of sunflowers, you can eat them and they are gone, or you can plant them and grow more sunflowers.
