West: May's really busy

By MIKE WEST

Ready for May? It's a month marked by the end of the school and the unofficial start of summer.

(Yes, I know the official start of summer is Monday, June 20 also known as the summer solstice.)

May is one of our busiest months with Spring Fling at The Old Feed Store Antique Mall, 310 West Water St. kicking things off on May 5-6 with surprises including Moon Pies and RC Colas.

The evening of May 6 spotlights on the Cannon County High School Prom. Set for Stones River County Club in Murfreesboro, an important highlight of the prom is "picture taking" on the Courthouse lawn. Posing in your prom finery is a tradition that dates back probably 50 years.

The Prom is a precurser of sorts to another tradition: Cannon County High School Senior Awards Night at 7 p.m. On Tuesday, May 10 at the CCHS gymnasium.

Not all of the May events are aimed at high school students. For the younger set, Dr. Seuss's The Cat In The Hat, is being performed at the Arts Center of Cannon County. There are two dates open for the general public on May 7 and May 14, call the Arts Center at 615-563-2787 for more information.

The beloved children's book comes straight off the page and onto the stage in this all-new adaption of Dr. Seuss's work. This one-act show is perfect for families and children of all ages!

With special pre-show performance by Chris Sullivan, former clown from Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus.

On Friday, May 13 it's "Farm Day" at the Old Fair Grounds. Open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. "Farm Day" is a learning experience for 4th graders in every Cannon County school. Students find out where their food comes from, farming, animals and more plus they have fun while they learn. Sponsored by Farm Bureau and Cannon County Farmers Co-op. Contact Bruce Steelman at 615-563-2554 for further information.

Mule Day on Saturday, May 14 provides a more traditional look to farming in Cannon County.

Middle Tennessee Mule Skinners Association presents "Mule Day." Gates open at 11 a.m. at the Horse Show Arena located on Lehman St. in Woodbury. Contact Andy Duggin at 615-624-1708 for further information.

For bluegrass and other music fans, Lowell Levinger will appear in concert May 14 at Birdsong Studio.

Birdsong Studio, located 213 W. High St. in Woodbury, presents Lowell Levinger, a founding member of the Youngbloods in concert singing many gems from the past and introducing new arrange-ments. Tickets are on sale now at Birdsong Studio or at www.birdsong-studio.com.

The annual Cannon Courier "Hall of Fame" Sports Banquet is set for 5 p.m.Thursday, May 19 at the Arts Center of Cannon County.

Join in when athletes of the past and present are acknow-ledged for their accomp-lishments in Cannon County Sports, dinner will be included. You can contact the Cannon Courier for details at 615-563-2512. Tickets are now available for $20. Seating is limited.

On the following day (Friday, May 20), Wood-bury's Square will light up for The Good Ole Days, a two-day event, sponsored by the Cannon County Senior Center. Enjoy, music, pageants, food, vendors and special attractions beginning at 8 a.m. until the fun is over each day. Contact the Senior Center at 615-563-5304 for further information and vendor applications.

On Saturday, May 21--The Short Mountain Trading Post will open their season with an open flea market which means you can set-up free of charge and what you sell is yours to keep plus lunch is free to everyone. Hours will be from 11 a.m until 5 p.m. and they are located on Highway 146 next door to the Short Mountain Distillery, contact Savannah at 615-464-7824 .

Cannon County High School's Graduation, a special event for graduating seniors and their family and friends is set for Friday, May 27 at 7 p.m. At the CCHS football field. Graduates will be seated alphabetically. If it rains, graduation will be in the CCHS gymnasium.

On Saturday, May 28, the next Cruise-In is set for Woodbury's Public Square. The event is set for 4 to 7 p.m. All makes, models of cars and trucks plus motorcycles are welcome. No entry fee, enjoy DJ music, cruiser of the month award, door prizes and register for the Grand Prize to be given away at the Oct. Cruise In, sponsored by DTC Communications. Contact Carolyn Motley at 615-563-2222 for information or John Barker at 615-542-4065.

The month ends with another Cannon County tradition ... Memorial Day Trail Ride on May 28-30.

Riders will leave the fair grounds in Woodbury at 11 a.m., ride to the camp grounds on Short Mountain for a week-end of camping, trail riding, music, food, dancing and a horse show. Contact Korie Loftus at 615-542-2311 for further information.