Independent businesses honored at 2018 Firefly Awards

Locally Owned Murfreesboro and Smyrna Independent Merchants Association honored 16 locally owned, independent businesses at the inaugural Light Up Local Firefly Awards on Tuesday, April 24 at The Grove.

Light Up Local was an exciting evening of local food, music and the presentation of the Firefly Awards.

The Firefly Awards, emceed by WKRN’s Larry Flowers, is a people's choice awards celebration.

“The Firefly Awards is a people's choice awards celebration of independently owned businesses in Murfreesboro and Smyrna. We envisioned this night as a way to spotlight independent businesses, the backbone of our communities,” said Gretchen Bilbro, president of Locally Owned Murfreesboro.

After the nominations were taken and the votes were tabulated, the finalists and winners (in bold) are:

Best Social Media
Murfreesboro: Garage Barre, P's and Q's Pickup, Mayday Brewery
Smyrna: In Bloom Boutique, Cali's Coffee and Creamery, HIP Smyrna

Lube Pro Best Customer Service
Murfreesboro: Just Love Coffee, Garage Barre, P's and Q's Pickup
Smyrna: Cali’s Coffee and Creamery, Carpe Cafe, In Bloom Boutique

NowTech Productions Best NonProfit
Murfreesboro: Special Kids, Greenhouse Ministry, Stepping Stones
Smyrna: Carpe Artista, Lifepoint, Jeff Kuss Memorial

Best Restaurant
Murfreesboro: The Alley on Main, Demos, Marina's on the Square
Smyrna: Toot’s Smyrna, Cali's Coffee and Creamery, Hickory Falls

Best New Business
Murfreesboro: Garage Barre, The Social Chair, Wild Goose Chase Events
Smyrna: Cali’s Coffee and Creamery, Crossroads Boutique, Shabby 2 Chic Boutique

Best Event
Murfreesboro: Saturday Farmers Market, JazzFest, Garage Barre- Bro Barre
Smyrna: The Great Tennessee Air Show, Smyrna Depot Days, Wings of Freedom Fish Fry

Most Kid Friendly Place
Murfreesboro: Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, Batey Farms, ETC Gymnastics
Smyrna: Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center, Splash Pad, Smyrna Bowling Center

Best Night Out
Murfreesboro: The Alley on Main, Mayday, Garage Barre
Smyrna: Omni Hut, Cali’s Coffee and Creamery, Hickory Falls

WGNS Good Neighbor of the Year
Murfreesboro: The Alley on Main, Lacey Garrett- Garage Barre, P’s and Q’s Pickup
Smyrna: Gil’s Ace Hardware, Cali's Coffee and Creamery, Ron Alley-Carpe Cafe

Dempsey, Dilling and Associates Business of the Year Award
Murfreesboro: Batey Farms, Garage Barre, Just Love Coffee
Smyrna: Carpe Cafe, Gil’s Ace Hardware, Smyrna’s Divine Wine and Spirits

“Our finalists represent the best our communities have to offer. We congratulate you on your achievements,” Bilbro said. “Our communities are better places because of you.”

Food was provided by Simply Pure Sweets, The Alley on Main, Tasty Table, Jo’s Custom Cakes and Catering Inc., Carpe Cafe and CoreLife. Drinks were provided by Auntie Anne’s Smyrna, Mayday Brewery, Short Mountain Moonshine and Concoctions Bartending. Floral arrangements were provided by Veda’s Flowers & Gifts and The Flower Pot. Music will be provided by DJ Big Bad Boogi.

Light Up Local is sponsored by Dempsey, Dilling and Associates, Clipper Magazine, WGNS Radio, DJ Big Bad Boogi, Lube Pro, Cultivate Coworking, Contract Management Services, CreativeBoro, Hagan Law Group, VIP Murfreesboro, Weddings and Events by Raina and Pale Hearts Photography.

The Grove at Williamson Place is situated off Medical Center Parkway at 3250 Wilkinson Pike in Murfreesboro.