Nonprofits work together to highlight independent businesses

​Locally Owned Murfreesboro and Smyrna Independent Merchants Association are excited to announce the inaugural Light Up Local Firefly Awards.

Light Up Local, set for Tuesday, April 24, promises to be 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.

“We have designed the contest to highlight the importance of supporting independent businesses by showcasing locally owned businesses in both Murfreesboro and Smyrna in carefully selected categories,” said Gretchen Bilbro, president of Locally Owned Murfreesboro.

LOM and SiMA collected nominations and votes in 10 categories through March and April. The overall categories are WGNS Good Neighbor of the Year; Dempsey, Dilling and Associates Business of the Year; Lube Pro Best Customer Service; Best Social Media; Best Restaurant; Best New Business; Best Nonprofit; Best Event; Most Kid Friendly Place; and Best Night Out.

The winners will be honored at Light Up Local at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 24 at The Grove at Williamson Place.

Food will be provided by Simply Pure Sweets, The Alley on Main, Tasty Table, Jo’s Custom Cakes and Catering Inc., Carpe Cafe and CoreLife (anyone else?)

Lemonade will be provided by Auntie Anne’s Smyrna. Alcohol will be provided by Mayday Brewery, Short Mountain Moonshine and Concoctions Bartending.

Floral arrangements will be provided by Veda’s Flowers & Gifts and The Flower Pot. Music will be provided by DJ Big Bad Boogi.

The community is invited to get lit at Light Up Local. Tickets are on sale now for $35 at Eventbrite (eventbrite.com/e/light-up-local-firefly-awards-tickets-43091873955).

To learn more, visit the event page on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/1985339711792678/).

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.