Inaugural ‘Discover Rutherford’ Festival Showcases County’s Diversity

The diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds of Rutherford County residents will be in the spotlight at the inaugural Discover Rutherford food and arts festival, benefiting Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Advance tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children, and available at www.explorethedc.org/discoverrutherford.

The outdoor festival at Discovery Center will feature food, music and dance by a wide variety of vendors and performers. In addition, Cedar Glade Brewery will be onsite at the traditional German Beer Garden. Beer may be purchased by guests 21 and over (with ID) for $8 per pint.

Participating food vendors include:

• The Clay Pit Indian Cuisine
• El Hornito Bakery 2
• I Take It
• Lilly Belle’s BBQ and Catering
• Love Thai Sushi
• Om Sai Indian Grocery
• Opah Greek Frill
• Panaderia La Michoacana
• Patricia Veals
• Wise Girls LLC
• … more to be announced

“As an educator and a mother of two, I’m so thrilled to be a part of the inaugural Discover Rutherford event,” said Discover Rutherford Chair Monica Frazier. “As Rutherford County continues to grow, so does the diversity of its neighbors. What better way to learn about one another and our cultures than through food! Our committee has been hard at work as we honor our community with this festival. We’re also so excited to have musical and dance performances which include shackled feet DANCE!, Tula Tribe, a Pow Wow by the NAIA, and a dance by the Chinese Arts Alliance.”

Additional programming by:

• MTSU Japan Club
• MTSU Asian Arts Association
• … more to be announced

“The Discovery Guild was formed by a group of Discovery Center advocates who wanted to create opportunities to build community among the many different cultures represented in Rutherford County,” said Discovery Guild Chair Regina Ward. “We have such a diversity of cultures and traditions. We wanted to encourage families to learn more and celebrate those things, so it’s truly an honor to be part of bringing this event to fruition.”

Overflow parking will be located in the City lot on the corner of South Church Street and East Sevier Street (across from WGNS). Shuttle transportation from the overflow lot will be available to and from the Discovery Center throughout the event.

The Discovery Center will be closing early on Sept. 17 at 1:30 p.m. to prepare for the event.

Sponsored by Redstone Federal Credit Union and Prufrock Communications.