The Blackman Barbecue has been a Rutherford County tradition for decades. In fact, this Friday's event is the 69th.

John L. Batey says this year's event is from 5:00 to 8:00 Friday evening at The Grove at Williamson Place:



The Grove at Williamson Place is at 3250 Wilkinson Pike, across from The Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro (directly off of Medical Center Pkwy).

The Blackman Barbecue was conceived by the Blackman Community Club in 1949 to raise funds for a clubhouse and grounds. Over time the event has grown and the community center has flourished as a place for community meetings, family reunions and for children to play. Over the decades, it has grown into a community-wide event.

Club President Tammy Sandlin said, "All proceeds go towards the building and ground maintenance, playground improvements, scholarship fund and several other community service projects we have throughout the year."

2nd Year at The Grove at Williamson Place

Back in 2012, the annual event had to move because it had outgrown the site of the Blackman Community Center on Blackman Road.

In fact, its popularity has exploded more and that's why last year it moved to The Grove at Williamson Place. In reality, with that move, it's "back home in spirit", because The Grove is the brainchild of Blackman's favorite son farmer--John L. Batey and the Williamson family.

Wherelse but The Grove could your family pick strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, as well as enjoy fields of giant sunflowers--just across the street from one of the south's finest and largest shopping developments.

Batey chuckled and said, "Real fun with family and friends...that's what the Blackman Barbecue is all about."

Blackman Community Club

The club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm for pot luck and 7:00pm begins the business meeting and occasionally an educational speaker. You can visit blackmancommunityclub.com for more details about how to become a member.

For more information, contact Blackman Community Club President Tammy Sandlin at 615-400-2254 or e-mail her at blackmanclubpresident@gmail.com.