In an effort to combat obesity and promote community health and wellness, the City of Jackson and Jackson- Madison County School System will sponsor the 10th Annual Community Wellness Walk on April 27, 2019 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Bring your walking shoes, the family and even your dog to take part!  Free t-shirts will be given to the first 1,000 attendees and registration begins at 9:00 am and the walk begins at 10:00 am.   Beginning in 2007, the City of Jackson and Jackson-Madison County Schools partnered together to create Jumpstart Jackson.  The collaboration was recognized by the National League of Cities and the American Association of School Administrators.  Over the years, thousands of adults, schoolchildren and their parents participated in the Wellness Walk.  While eliminating childhood obesity is the primary focus, this event is a community-wide event to encourage healthy lifestyles for all citizens of Jackson-Madison County. “A true health champion for Jackson, Mayor Jerry Gist will be recognized for his efforts.  The huge task of developing community wellness programs with a concentration on children has been his focus.  Under his leadership, the Downtown Farmer’s Market has significantly grown, food desert areas have decreased, walking trails and parks have improved,” according to Annette Wilson of the Jackson Madison County School System. Under Gist’s leadership, Jackson was named the “Most Livable Health Small City” in the country by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and ranked as #5 in the country among all Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and County participants. Jumpstart Jackson has made an impressive measurable impact on the health, wellness, and quality of life in Jackson by providing affordable, accessible means for citizens to “Get Up, Get Out, and Get Active!” Join us Downtown Jackson on Saturday, April 27 for the Jumpstart Jackson Community Walk.  For more information contact Sandy MacDiarmid, City of Jackson – Recreation & Parks Department at 731.425.8316 smacdiarmid@cityofjackson.net or Annette Wilson, JMCSS at 731-664-2516 aewilson@jmcss.org

Visit our Weekly Listing of Live Music

Did you know Jackson averages over 30 live music events a weekend?  See our weekly listing to see who's playing this weekend! Can you hear it? It's the beat you can only find in Jackson, halfway between Memphis' Beale Street and Nashville's Broadway in the heart of the Americana Music Triangle. This is where Elvis cut his teeth with Carl Perkins and Rock-A-Billy was born. Blues music flowed throughout the cotton fields of the region and today's talent is an exciting cross between the numerous genres of the region.   "Plan Your Visit" to learn more about Jackson and West Tennessee's sites. The Americana Music Triangle connects you to the people, places and stories of the world's number one music destination! Jackson’s AMP at the West Tennessee The outdoor amphitheater next to the West Tennessee Farmer’s Market hosts free concerts by local and regional artists and movies on a large screen from May to October. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic basket for an evening under the stars. Vendors sell food at many of the events. Carl Perkins’ Grave Music legend and rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins is buried in Jackson’s Ridgecrest Cemetery. When he died Jan. 19, 1998, people traveled from around the world to attend his funeral. Beatles guitarist George Harrison played Perkins’ song, “Your True Love,” during the funeral. Carnegie Tennessee Legends of Music Museum Built in 1903 as a free library, the Carnegie Center now holds the rich history of Jackson’s musical past. It highlights the lives of local artists like Carl Perkins, Wink Martindale and Sonny Boy Williamson, the location of the first Hard Rock Cafe in the United States by founder and Jackson native Isaac Tigrett, and Jackson’s role in rock’n’roll and the birth of rockabilly. International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame Discover the history of rockabilly and learn about the artists and personalities who pioneered this unique American music genre. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience for the rockabilly music fan. Hours are 10am-5pm Monday-Thursday and 10am-2pm Friday and Saturday. The Ned McWherter Cultural Arts Center Attached to Jackson’s former City Hall, The Ned is the center of arts attractions downtown. You’ll find art shows, Jackson Theatre Guild productions and performers from across the country. John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson’s Grave Blairs Chapel C.M.E. Cemetery, Blairs Chapel Road John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson was the first great blues harmonica player — easily one of the most important of the pre-war era. He made the harmonica a worthy lead instrument and opened the door for many famous players, such as Little Walter, Billy Boy Arnold and Junior Wells. The Jackson Symphony has a long, rich tradition in Jackson.
The Jackson Generals, the Double-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks, announced today that single-game tickets are now available for their 2019 season. Fans can purchase tickets online at JacksonGeneralsBaseball.com, as well as over the phone at 731.988.5299 or in person at The Ballpark at Jackson's box office (4 Fun Place, Jackson, TN, 38305). Weekday box office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.


The reigning Southern League champions will play 70 regular-season home dates at The Ballpark at Jackson beginning on Wednesday, April 10 at 6:05 pm CT against the Chattanooga Lookouts. The regular-season finale will happen on Monday, September 2 at 2:05 pm CT, with Southern League playoffs to follow if Jackson qualifies. Playoffs run September 4-15.


Playing First: Jackson's promotional schedule begins with "All We Do Is Win" Night on Saturday, April 13 at 6:05 pm against Chattanooga, sponsored by Advance Financial 24/7. The Generals will give away 1,000 replica championship rings from their run to the 2018 Southern League title to the first-arriving fans, presented by Elite Contractors and ABC Supply Co. Memories of last year's heroics will be part of the night's production.


Fireworks: The Generals' 2019 home slate features 10 Saturday games accompanied by post-game firework shows, as well as a special fireworks display following their July 3 game against Chattanooga. Firework shows are put on by High-Tech Special Effects, Inc. and Pyro Shows, Inc.




Bargains: Every week, Generals fans will get a chance to enjoy high-level professional baseball and a fun, friendly atmosphere at bargain prices. Monday night home games will be presented by Integrated Communications and will feature specially-priced $16 "Belly Buster" tickets for all-you-can-eat hot dogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and soda. Thursdays will be punctuated by "Dollar Night" pricing, sponsored by Leaders Credit Union, complete with $1 ticket prices and $1 prices on popcorn, hot dogs, and soda. Beer will also be available for $1 to fans 21 and over.


Kid-Friendly: Do you have a budding ballplayer at home? There are plenty of ways to grow their love of the game with Generals baseball (not to mention giving you a night off from making dinner). Round up your little General and their buddies and bring them to The Ballpark for a birthday party, or organize a Field of Dreams experience for their whole rec league team!


GENERALS TICKETS SUMMARY
General Admission (GA): $6 in advance, $8 on game day
Reserved Seating: $10 in advance, $12 on game day
Group Picnics: $7 per head, plus food, for 15+ people; $6 per head, plus food, for 100+
Suites/Party Decks: Please call the front office for pricing, availability, and booking.
Jackson and West Tennessee are the perfect place for a Girls Weekend Getaway! From shopping to wine to massages, we have all the stops for an amazing weekend! Conveniently located at the corner of Highland Avenue and Wiley Parker Road, The Shoppes have brought together a supreme southern shopping experience. The Shoppes include specialty gifts, a children’s boutique, the finest of fashions, dining, fine arts, and even floral arrangements. Park your car once and enjoy a full afternoon of retail therapy and famously delicious treats at Dumplins Bistro & Bakery. Visit Jackson TN takes you inside one of Jackson’s favorite shopping destinations.  Click here to view the episode! To learn more about the other Girls Weekend Getaway destinations like Crown Winery and the Blacksmith Restaurant visit Jackson Tn Weekend and download your itinerary. Download the Visit Jackson TN! on ItunesAPP or Google Play APP. Visit our website Visit JacksonTN to connect with what is happening in Jackson and West Tennessee. Connect socially on Facebook and Twitter or call 731.425.8333. Discovery Park of America and the Obion County Chamber of Commerce announced today they will be presenting the 2019 Northwest Tennessee Tourism Summit on Tues., March 26, 2019 at Discovery Park of America from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The event is being held for those in the Reelfoot Lake Region who are interested in increasing tourism in this area. The sessions scheduled will be especially helpful for those managing attractions, restaurateurs, hoteliers, retailers, city managers and others whose companies and organizations benefit from an increase in tourism revenue.  There is no charge to attend the summit. The Jackson, Tennessee Convention and Visitors Bureau is the sponsor of the continental breakfast that begins at 8:30 a.m. During the summit, Scott D. Parrott, Ph.D., Professor of Agricultural Economics with Department of Agriculture, Geosciences and Natural Resources at the University of Tennessee at Martin will share information about perceptions of Ag tourism in Tennessee based on his recent research project. Scott Williams, president and CEO of DPA will be hosting a panel discussion focused on tips and tricks to increase visitors with Lindsay Frilling, CEcD, CEO of the Obion County Joint Economic Development Council in Union City; Marty Marbry, West Tennessee division manager of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Lori Nunnery, executive director of the Jackson Tennessee Convention and Visitors Bureau. Melissa Kramer, with the Office of Sustainable Communities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will present information from a recent report she managed entitled “How Small Towns and Cities Can Use Local Assets to Rebuild their Economies: Lessons from Successful Places.” Kramer will be here to share insights on how economically resilient towns, cities, and regions adapt to changing conditions and even reinvent their economic bases using local assets to drive tourism revenue. Closing out the summit will be Mark Ezell, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Ezell is responsible for the growth strategy and overall branding of the state’s global tourism footprint. He is a nationally recognized brand developer, having worked on iconic campaigns including the award-winning “Milk Mustache – Got Milk?” campaign. A seventh generation Tennessean, Ezell’s 35 years at Purity Dairies, including time as President and General Manager, helped the former family-owned company receive recognition as a “Brands That Built Nashville” winner from the Nashville American Advertising Federation. Discovery Park of America is located at 830 Everett Blvd. in Union City, TN.  For more information, visit  DiscoveryParkofAmerica/tourismsummit or email info@discoveryparkofamerica.com. About Discovery Park of America The mission of Discovery Park of America, a premier world-class museum and heritage park located in Union City, Tennessee, is to inspire children and adults to see beyond. Included is a 100,000-square-foot museum featuring 10 interactive exhibit galleries with additional space for temporary exhibits from around the world and a 50-acre heritage park. Discovery Park of America is a 501(c)(3) public charity funded by generous individuals, corporations and foundations including its principal funder, the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation. For more information, visit DiscoveryParkofAmerica.com or follow DPA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The Jackson Dog Fanciers Association and the Tupelo Kennel Club brings dog lovers their annual All-Breed Dog Show this weekend! More than 600 dogs and their owners will get the chance to strut their stuff in the show ring Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 22 - 24, 2019 at the Jackson Fairgrounds Park, 800 S Highland Ave, Jackson, TN 38301 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm each day. The event is great for the whole family and admission is free! Dogs that are not entered in the competitions are not permitted on show grounds. SPECTATORS CAN:   SHOW DETAILS: Admission: Spectator entry is free | $5 per vehicle parking fee applies. Show Program: Find full event details here.   Jackson Tn Dog Fanciers Association, was established in 1996.  Jackson TN Dog Fanciers Association (JTDFA) promotes the study, breeding and exhibition of purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership.  For nearly 10 years, the Jackson, Tennessee Dog Fanciers Association has been presenting top-ranked dog shows. Tupelo Kennel Club Inc, was established in 1991.  The basic purpose of a club's existence is to responsibly promote the welfare of pure-bred dogs, to improve the knowledge of its members and to be of service to the sport and the community in general.  The club is pleased to join with JTDFA to present this premier show. The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org

Jackson Chamber’s Annual Celebration honored businesses, industries and non-profit organizations on Thursday, March 14 at Union University’s Carl Grant Events Center. With approximately 425 in attendance, the celebration also honored the chamber’s volunteers, and highlighted businesses that have made an extra effort to achieve excellence through high standards, professional accomplishments and community contributions. Below is a list of the winners:


2018 Emerging Business of the Year Complete Dental Care
2018 Business of the Year (1 – 49 Employees) Express Employment Professionals
2018 Business of the Year (50+ Employees) Leaders Credit Union
2018 Industry of the Year LyondellBasell Industries
2018 Non-Profit of the Year West Tennessee Hearing & Speech Center
2018 West Tennessee Healthcare Health & Wellness Award Jackson Energy Authority
2018 Volunteer of the Year Danny Wheeler, retired Jackson Energy Authority
Honorary Lifetime Member Bill Kipp, retired Gerdau

Besides honoring businesses and volunteers, Bill Kipp, retired, Gerdau, received an Honorary Lifetime Membership because of his involvement with the Jackson Chamber and the community.

This year’s theme was nautical. Chamber staff recorded fun videos based on famous movie and TV shows involving ships or water. Prizes were also given away to attendees. Jackson Chamber member, Bubba Hollsinger gave an endearing and wacky performance enjoyed by all.

The Annual Celebration is presented by West Tennessee Healthcare. Additional event sponsors for the Celebration include Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC; Allen Samuels of Jackson, Inc.; HORNE, CPAS & Business Advisors; Steele Martin Jones & Company, PLC; Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. – Steve & Brad Little; and West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation.

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Jackson Chamber Governmental Affairs, along with Leadership Jackson Alumni Association will present a mayoral forum for the 2019 candidate race on March 26 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center on 400 South Highland in Jackson, Tennessee. The forum will focus on the mayoral candidates, with discussion on topics including education and workforce development, economic development, health care and Jackson’s infrastructure.


“Who we vote for in any election has a dramatic impact on our future,” says Kyle Spurgeon, president/CEO of the Jackson Chamber. “This forum will give our entire community the opportunity to see and hear mayoral candidates position themselves as the preferred choice to spend the next four years as mayor of the City of Jackson.”


Keli McAlister will moderate the discussion.


“The Leadership Jackson Alumni Association (LJAA) is excited to partner with the Jackson Chamber Governmental Affairs Committee to present the mayoral forum,” says Jack Matthis, LJAA president. “With five candidates running for the position of mayor, along with many potential new faces on the city council, our community has a lot of important decisions in the months ahead. Our city is thriving and our expectation is that the next mayor of Jackson will continue along that path. We hope this forum will provide the citizens of Jackson the avenue to make an informed decision about the election.”


The forum will be open to the public with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the event starting at 6:30 p.m.


For more information, email Ryan Porter or call 731-423-2200.

The West Tennessee Hearing Aid Center will be promoting Patient Appreciation Month from March 1st to March 29th to show their appreciation for the West Tennessee community. This promotion not only serves to recognize the clinics’ patients but the entire community as well.
“Since we’ve been given opportunities to know and serve our community these past nine years, promoting Patient Appreciation Month seemed like the natural thing to do as our way of saying thanks,” owner of the West Tennessee Hearing Aid Center and BC-HIS Randy Williams said.
As part of the appreciation, The West Tennessee Hearing Aid Center will offer free hearing aid adjustments, cleaning, hearing tests and re-tests to anyone within the community by appointment. The clinic will also offer a 20% discount off repairs, new hearing aids, accessories, and cases of batteries.
Please visit wtnhearing.com/locations for a complete list of each office’s contact information and service hours. All offices will be offering the promotion.
“This is a big deal for us,” Williams said. “I’m excited about this promotion, and I hope it encourages people to take the steps necessary in order to receive better quality hearing.”
The community will also have the chance to participate in a giveaway as part of Patient Appreciation Month. Contestants must visit one of the offices to enter the contest. Three grand prize winners will be announced on April 1st. One grand prize winner will win a laptop. The second prize winner will receive an iPad, and the third prize winner will receive a $250 gift certificate that can be used towards products or services.
“Now that I have hearing aids, everything is really different,” West Tennessee Hearing Aid patient Pat Walker said. “From the birds singing, to the water flowing, I can hear everything. They’ve made all the difference in the world, and I’m so glad I got them.”
The West Tennessee Hearing Aid Center is committed to providing patients with better hearing and better living. For more information about Patient Appreciation Month or the clinics’ services, call 731-215-2115 or visit wtnhearing.com.