Smyrna, TN - The spotlight is on the Smyrna Train Depot district today (Saturday 6/8/2024) with a mix of farm fresh produce in the morning and entertainment in the evening. 

Farmers Market

The morning begins with the popular FARMERS MARKET at the Smyrna Train Depot. This "happening event" brings area farmers and vendors together from 8:00AM to noon on Saturdays. Farm fresh produce, local honey, home-made soap, along with a variety of crafted items is  part of this regular weekend event.  

Simply Smyrna Celebration

The Simply Smyrna Celebration started as a "street party" 13-years-ago (2011). It was birthed by ideas from a non-profit that was formed back then. Carpe Artista's purpose has been to train individuals in various fields. Notice the word "Artist" in their name? 

According to the group's website, it purpose is to "provide artistic training, leadership development, and community engagement opportunities to help young creatives rxeach their potential."

Carpe Atista's first event in 2011 was successful. The non-profit's founder and CEO Ron Alley describes what happened...

Carpe Artista's premiere event has grown and blossomed with the Towne of Smyrna. The evening includes live entertainment on multiple stages in the Depot District featuring a variety of local talent, along with food trucks and local vendors, wine tasting and craft beers, a special market area allowing children entrepreneurs to learn, grow and sell their goods, and more. 

Ron continued...

International Folkfest (6:30-8:30PM)

Another Rutherford County tradition now conducts its annual swan song from 6:30-8:30PM tonight during the Simply Smyrna Celebration. 

38-years ago (1986) another non-profit, The International Folkloric Society Planning Council, Inc. was organized with a mission to promote and preserve international cultural heritage with a primary focus on the arts. This Murfreesboro based group was the first of its kind in the United States. 

Steve Cates told WGNS, "Folkfest events were popular all over Europe, and Rutherford County's Cripple Creek Cloggers performed their Appalachian style of music and dancing at those distant events."

This year, the local International Folkfest features dance troupes and musicians from the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Mexico, and our own Cripple Creek Cloggers. 

Cates noted, "After the Cripple Creek Cloggers started their Rutherford County event, others groups across the nation jumped on-board. The popularity of these events exploded in the United States--they were everywhere. 

"VIP" Treatment Available

There is no fee to attend and enjoy tonight's Simply Smyrna Celebration, but you can be served food while enjoying the entertainment from your own personal table and chairs from atop a Depot District structure overlooking the performance area. 

You herd correctly, visitors have the choice to either bring their own lawn chairs or they can watch the show in-style while being served dinner at your own table and chairs. 

Cape Artista warns that only a limited supply of these $50 per person VIP tickets are available, and the area in which this happens is only accesible by stairs. 

Your $50 per person donation includes private indoor seating, catered meal from Macca Villa and Joey’s House of Pizza, beer & wine, and an exclusive swag bag!  Proceeds from ticket sales directly support Carpe Artista arts programming. 

Again, The Simply Smyrna Celebration is from 5:00-9:30PM tonight (Saturday, 6/8/2024) in Smyrna's Historic Depot District, Front Street area. If you have questions, visit the Carpe Artist' website at http:CarpeArtista.com.