How Cars, Music and Community are Helping to Build Homes for Habitat for Humanity in Rutherford County

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Rutherford County Area Habitat for Humanity (RCHFH) will host its 17th Annual Hammer Down for Habitat Poker Run, a 100-mile motorcycle and car ride through the scenic Tennessee countryside. Funds raised benefit Habitat for Humanity locally, providing programs for future homeowners who’ve never owned their own home…That was Melissa Cross, Marketing and Development Director for Habitat for Humanity.  She told WGNS that this year’s Poker Run culminates at Hop Springs Brewery in Murfreesboro, where participants will enjoy poker prizes, lunch, and access to the Roots Rendezvous Music Festival.

The Hammer Down Poker Run aims to raise funds for building affordable housing in Rutherford County, specifically at the Legacy Pointe subdivision in Murfreesboro. Participants will receive an event T-shirt and collect poker cards along the route for a chance to win prizes. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Habitat office located at 850 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., with the ride commencing at 8:30 a.m.

This year's event features a special partnership with the Roots Rendezvous Music Festival and Uncle Dave Macon Days, both taking place at Hop Springs from September 19–21, 2025.

Gloria Christy of Roots Rendezvous talks about the style of music Uncle Dave Macon was known for and some of the roots that led to his style of banjo pickin’…Festival attendees can look forward to performances by The Cleverlys, among others, as well as a community service fair highlighting local nonprofit organizations.

Special guest Kevin Tetz, known for hosting DIY Network's "Classic Rides" and Spike TV's "TRUCKS!", will be present at the event. Tickets are priced at $35 for riders/drivers, $25 for passengers, $15 for general admission (including lunch and festival access), and $10 for children aged 12 and under. Discounts are available for car and motorcycle clubs, as well as first responders.

• For more information and to purchase tickets, visit RCHFH's Eventbrite page
• Hear the entire interview about the upcoming event (Podcast Here)
• Hear an interview discussing last years Roots Rendezvous (2024 Podcast Here)