David Crockett’s 235th Birthday Celebrated at Discovery Park with Programs, Music and Proclamation from Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.

Aug. 16, 2021 – More than 1,000 guests attended Saturday’s celebration of the life and career of David Crockett at Discovery Park for the occasion of his 235th birthday on Aug. 17. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee sent a proclamation from the state capital calling for a day of recognition for Crockett.

The folk hero, frontiersman, politician and Tennessee settler made his home in Northwest Tennessee from 1822 until he departed for the Alamo in 1835.

Demonstrations of arts and crafts from that era were shared by a variety of craftspeople throughout the park, and guests enjoyed tours of the pollinator gardens, vineyard and Innovation Farm. The museum’s educators presented programs on a variety of topics including the history of the geography of West Tennessee, Crockett’s relationship with Sam Houston, 1800s natural medical practices and the wildlife of West Tennessee during Crockett’s time in the region.

Discovery Park CEO, Scott Williams, who has released a book about Crockett, “The Accidental Fame and Lack of Fortune of West Tennessee’s David Crockett,” hosted a panel discussion with guests Broadway actor Bart Shatto and educator Arthur W. Hunt III, PhD on the fame of David Crockett and his journey from frontier to icon.

One highlight of the day was the performance by Shatto, who is a member of the original Broadway casts of Tony-nominated “Hands on a Hardbody” and “The Civil War” and performed on Broadway in “War Paint” and “Les Misérables.” Shatto premiered selections from his new play, “The Life and Times of Davy Crockett,” that takes place in Memphis the night before Crockett departs Tennessee for Texas. Joining Shatto on stage for the performance that received a standing ovation, was Micah Barnes, Ken Robinson, Brent Hopper and Chloe Cook.

Crockett, known for his marksmanship, was one of the earliest non-Native American hunters around nearby Reelfoot Lake. A passionate advocate for the earliest settlers of West Tennessee, he served in the state legislature from 1821 to 1824, then as congressman representing West Tennessee counties in the United States House of Representatives from 1827 to 1831 and 1833 to 1835. He represented settlers making their homes in the counties of Carroll, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lawrence, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Shelby, Tipton, Wayne, and Weakley.

Visitors will find many ways to experience David Crockett at Discovery Park all year long. Included is a statue dedicated to the frontiersman, a congressional exhibit in Liberty Hall at Freedom Square, a reproduction of Crockett’s portrait by John Gadsby Chapman, the Regional History Gallery telling the story of Northwest Tennessee, a 20,0000-gallon aquarium and tanks featuring the wildlife of Reelfoot Lake, a one-of-a-kind Earthquake Simulator, the Native American Gallery, an 1800s Tennessee log cabin community, Mill Ridge featuring a working gristmill and forge and more.

Discover David Crockett at Discovery Park of America.

David Crockett’s 235th Birthday Celebration was sponsored by Dixie Gun Works.

Antique Tractor Show 2021

Aug. 13, 2021 – This past weekend, hundreds of tractor enthusiasts from all over Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas and Mississippi loaded up their antique tractors to display at Discovery Park’s annual Antique Tractor Show. Over 200 tractors from various decades were showcased on the beautiful grounds of Discovery Park. Seeing the collectables from the early 1900s and hearing the stories behind the tractors is what makes this event unique.

On Friday night, guests were invited to gather in the Simmons Bank Ag Center for the free movie viewing of “SILO.” The movie showing was hosted by Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee AgrAbility and the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads.

On Saturday, thousands of guests joined us at Discovery Park for food trucks, live bluegrass music and a live tractor auction. Tractors were judged on several categories including Best in Show, Most Unique, Best Hit and Miss, Traveled Farthest and Best Garden Tractor. To end the show, tractors lined up for parade around the entire park as guests cheered on their favorites.

“This year’s Antique Tractor Show was larger than ever, with over 200 participants with antique tractors, garden tractors and hit & miss engines,” said Karl Johnson, a director at Discovery Park. “This event is my favorite of the year, and we plan to capitalize on the success of this year’s show to make the 2022 Antique Tractor Show bigger and better.”

Mark your calendars for the 2022 Antique Tractor Show that will be held on August 5 and 6.

Stay up-to-date on everything happening at Discovery Park by checking the calendar on our website, subscribing to our e-newsletter and following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Sponsored by: Blue Bank Resort and First Farm Choice Farm & Lawn: Kubota

Clare Saum Returns to Discovery Park of America as Director of Marketing

Photo Caption: Clare Saum joins Discovery Park of America as Marketing Director. 

Union City, Tenn., Firefighters Invite Other Rescue Workers to Memorial Stair Climb at Discovery Park on the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Union City, Tenn. –Local Union City firefighters will once again be partnering with Discovery Park of America to host the annual stair climb on Sat., Sept. 11, 2021, as a way to pay tribute to those who were lost in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Because this year marks the 20th anniversary of the attack, organizers anticipate a large number of firefighters, police, EMS and military personnel from throughout the region to join them at the Union City, Tenn., museum and heritage park.

Discovery Park also recently announced that for the month of September, the museum will be hosting a temporary exhibit, “September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World.”

The tower stair climb, held in conjunction with The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, is open to any rescue worker who wishes to participate in climbing the Discovery Park Tower staircase 10 times in full gear, the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. The terrorist attacks killed 2,184 civilians, 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers and 10 EMS workers. Many others have died from medical complications in the years since.

“Many of us who witnessed the tragic 9/11 terrorist attacks also remember the way we came together as a nation afterward,” said Fire Chief Karl Ullrich of the Union City Fire Department. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to come together again to honor the fallen heroes and raise critical funds for the NFFF.”

The mission of the NFFF is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes, to provide resources to assist their families in rebuilding their lives and work within the Fire Service Community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.

Those who have purchased a ticket to Discovery Park that day are welcome to watch and encourage the firefighters as they climb the stairs. Once the last firefighter has completed the climb, there will be a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives.

Climbers will be given an identification tag and photo of a first responder that lost their life on 9/11 as they climb the steps, and the stairwell will be filled with posters and words of encouragement from Union City and Obion County students.

The immediate families of participating firefighters will enjoy free admission to Discovery Park. Firefighters will receive a voucher for a meal at one of the museum and park’s restaurants.

The opening ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and will feature the Presentation of the Colors, National Anthem and an opening prayer. The climb will begin at 10 a.m. Registration is now open. For more information, to register, to sponsor a rescue worker or team or to participate as a sponsor, visit the event’s landing page or contact Lt. Rick Stacks at rdstacks73@gmail.com or call (731) 885-2232.

The temporary exhibit, “September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World,” recounts the events of September 11, 2001, through the personal stories of those who witnessed and survived the attacks. Told across 14 posters, this exhibition includes archival photographs and images of artifacts from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s permanent collection. It will be on display through the month of Sept. 2021.

For more information about Discovery Park of America, visit www.discoveryparkofamerica.flywheelstaging.com.

Photo Caption: Left to right – David Hazzard, J.D. Davis and Shawn Denton representing Trenton, Tenn. Volunteer Fire Department at a previous 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Discovery Park of America.

Discovery Park of America to Host Temporary Exhibit in Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Union City, Tenn. –Discovery Park of America will be one of the host locations for a temporary exhibit, “September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World.” The exhibit recounts the events of September 11, 2001, through the personal stories of those who witnessed and survived the attacks. Told across 14 posters, this exhibition includes archival photographs and images of artifacts from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s permanent collection. It will be on display during the month of September 2021.

Additionally, local Union City firefighters will once again be partnering with Discovery Park on Sept. 11, 2021, to host the annual 9/11 Stair Climb, held in conjunction with The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, as a way to pay tribute to those who were lost in the terrorist attacks. Because this year marks the 20th anniversary of the attack, organizers anticipate a large number of firefighters, police, EMS and military personnel from throughout the region to join them at the Union City, Tenn., museum and heritage park.

“September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World” will be located in Art Hall at the museum. It presents the history of 9/11, its origins and its ongoing implications.

“Twenty years after the attacks, with terrorism still a threat today, the events of 9/11 and its aftermath remind us that we may never be able to prevent all the actions of people intent on harming others, but we do have control over how we respond to such events,” said Jennifer Wildes, Discovery Park’s senior director of collections and exhibits. “Whether by volunteering in our local communities, serving our nation in the military, caring for the sick or through other efforts, all of us can help build the world in which we want to live.”

The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, killed 2,184 civilians, 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers and 10 EMS workers. Many others have died from medical complications in the years since.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is located in New York City on the sight where the Twin Towers sat before the attack. It offers visitors the ability to learn factual information about the events, the unprecedented rescue and recovery operations and the rebuilding of both Lower Manhattan and of people’s lives. The Museum presents videos, artifacts and “Person to Person History,” linking visitors who want to understand the historic events of 9/11 with those who experienced them.

The temporary exhibit provided by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will be on display at Discovery Park through September 2021 and is free with admission or membership.

For more information about Discovery Park of America, visit www.discoveryparkofamerica.flywheelstaging.com.

Discovery Park Opens Temporary Exhibit, “40 CHANCES: Finding Hope in a Hungry World: The Photography of Howard G. Buffett”

Union City, Tenn. – On Wed., July 21, 2021, Discovery Park of America will open a new temporary exhibit, “40 CHANCES: Finding Hope in a Hungry World: The Photography of Howard G. Buffett” in the ATA Traveling Exhibit Hall. The exhibit is free with park admission or membership.

“40 CHANCES: Finding Hope in a Hungry World” was developed by the Newseum in collaboration with Howard G. Buffett Foundation. The Newseum is an affiliate of the Freedom Forum, whose mission is to foster First Amendment freedoms for all. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation is the exclusive sponsor of the “40 CHANCES: Finding Hope in a Hungry World” exhibit.

Philanthropist and photographer Howard G. Buffett turned his camera lens on global hunger and poverty with this exhibit of photographs. Traveling to 137 countries over the past two decades, Buffett has documented the powerful forces that keep poverty and hunger alive as part of a global campaign to raise awareness of these issues. Buffett believes that each of us has about 40 chances to accomplish our life goals, just as farmers have about 40 growing seasons to improve their harvests. The photographs in “40 CHANCES” reflect his belief that hunger is intertwined with poverty, fear, war and conflict, and lack of opportunity for women.

“Howard G. Buffett’s photographs give faces to the statistics of nearly 800 million people around the world who live with chronic hunger,” said Scott Williams, president and CEO of Discovery Park. “We hope that visitors will walk away from the exhibit reminded of the need for innovation in agriculture to help solve problems like chronic hunger.”

The exhibit features photographic prints arranged in seven themed sections focusing on hunger, poverty, water, women, guns, fear and hope. An additional section focuses on Buffett’s mission to end world hunger. A tactile graphic shows that hunger kills more people each year than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined — three of the top killers in the developing world.

Also included is an interactive kiosk that highlights several organizations working to make a difference around the world, from Feeding America — the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization — to the U.N.’s World Food Program. For more of the story behind the exhibit, guests will enjoy a video of Buffett discussing his work and his campaign to end world hunger.

On Dec. 5 of last year, Discovery Park opened a new permanent exhibit on agriculture called “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival” in the Simmons Bank Ag Center and will be introducing a new pollinator garden tour this fall. Museum officials felt this exhibit of photographs by Buffet was another way to bring attention to the importance of agriculture around the world.

“40 CHANCES: Finding Hope in a Hungry World: The Photography of Howard G. Buffett” will be on display July 21 – Sept. 6, 2021.

For a complete schedule of exhibits, events and all the details you need to plan your visit, go to DiscoveryParkofAmerica.com.

Photo Caption: Senior director of exhibits, Jennifer Wildes, installing Discovery Park’s latest temporary exhibit, “40 CHANCES.”

Debra Craig Joins Discovery Park of America as Director of Finance

Union City, Tenn. – Discovery Park of America has announced that Debra Craig, an experienced financial professional, has joined the organization’s leadership team as director of finance. She will manage the business-and finance-related functions of Discovery Park.

Craig has a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a major in finance and a Master of Science in education leadership from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She has most recently been working at UT Martin as a resource specialist with the Department of Educational Studies within the College of Education, Health and Behavioral Sciences.

Before joining UT Martin, Craig worked as a municipal administrator. Prior to that, she held staff accountant positions at the Dyer County Courthouse and Honeywell Consumer Products. Craig has over 20 years of experience in public administration, including financial management and grant administration for NGOs.

She is active in various non-profits including serving as vice president of the Dyersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., which conducts community service projects in Obion County, and vice president of the Obion County/Union City branch of NAACP, Inc. She has also served as project manager of N73RED, Inc., mentor in the UTM mentorship collaborative, member of National Society of Leadership and Success and advisor for Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity.

“Debra is an extraordinary leader with a proven track record and background developing financial strategies that enhance the work of non-profit organizations like Discovery Park,” said Scott Williams, president and CEO. “I’m thrilled she has decided to join our team, and I look forward to working with her as we implement our mission to inspire children and adults to see beyond.”

Craig is a graduate of Obion County Leadership and the Certified Municipal Finance Officer program administered by the UT Institute for Public Service. She is also a volunteer for the Delta Academy Youth Initiative, Union City football, Trudy’s Kids Café and various community music ministries.

For more information about Discovery Park of America, visit www.discoveryparkofamerica.flywheelstaging.com or call 731-885-5455.

Photo Caption: Debra Craig joins Discovery Park as Director of Finance. 

Discovery Park Announces David Crockett 235th Birthday Celebration on Aug. 14, 2021 Includes Free Admission for Residents of West Tennessee

Union City, Tenn. – Discovery Park of America has announced details for a celebration of the 235th birthday of David Crockett on Sat., Aug. 14, 2021. The folk hero, frontiersman, politician and Tennessee settler made his home in Northwest Tennessee from 1822 until he departed for the Alamo in 1835.

The celebration is sponsored by Dixie Gun Works and residents of all 21 counties in West Tennessee will enjoy free admission.

Discovery Park CEO, Scott Williams, has released a book about Crockett, “The Accidental Fame and Lack of Fortune of West Tennessee’s David Crockett.” He will be hosting a panel discussion that day with guests Broadway actor Bart Shatto and educator Arthur W. Hunt III, Ph.D.

Shatto is a member of the original Broadway casts of Tony-nominated “Hands on a Hardbody” and “The Civil War.” He has also been seen on Broadway in ‘War Paint,” in the iconic role of Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables” and he originated the role of Quincey Morris in “Dracula.” Shatto and a team are currently working on a new play, “Davy Crockett: In Concert,” that takes place in Memphis the night before he departs for Texas. Shatto will also be performing at Discovery Park of Aug. 14.

Dr. Hunt is professor of Mass Media and Strategic Communication at the University of Tennessee at Martin where he teaches public speaking related courses. For three years, he performed a living history program for Tennessee state parks, schools and other venues called, “The Story of Davy Crockett as told by Himself.”

Throughout the day, guests will be able to experience Crockett and learn more about his contribution to West Tennessee with panel discussions, performances and activities taking place throughout the museum and park.

Crockett, known for his marksmanship, was one of the earliest non-Native American hunters around nearby Reelfoot Lake. A passionate advocate for the earliest settlers of West Tennessee, he served in state legislature from 1821 to 1824, then as congressman representing West Tennessee counties in the United States House of Representatives from 1827 to 1831 and 1833 to 1835. He represented settlers making their homes in the counties of Carroll, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lawrence, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Shelby, Tipton, Wayne and Weakley.

Residents of all the counties listed, along with Benton, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Lake and Lauderdale that were formed later, will receive free admission on Sat., Aug. 14 with a valid Tennessee driver’s license or other form of identification noting a residence in one of the listed counties.

“David Crockett’s 235th birthday provides a great opportunity for us to spotlight his relationship with West Tennessee and his impact on popular culture of his day. He was both literally and symbolically a ‘common man,’ and that role grew more important as governing the country shifted away the educated eastern elites to regular working-class Americans,” said Scott Williams. “He also blazed a trail representing an exciting, new type of American that thrilled early media and entertainment consumers. He made them excited about what could be found down the river or just over the next mountain, and that popularity resulted in a level of fame not yet experienced by anyone else at that time.”

Other presentations will take place throughout the day on a variety of topics relating to Crockett and his life and career in Tennessee. There will also be craftspeople demonstrating work done during that period and opportunities to learn more about the wildlife of Northwest Tennessee during the time Crockett lived here.

Visitors will find many ways to experience David Crockett at Discovery Park all year long. Included is a statue dedicated to the frontiersman, a congressional exhibit in Liberty Hall at Freedom Square, a reproduction of Crockett’s portrait by John Gadsby Chapman, the Regional History Gallery telling the story of Northwest Tennessee, a 20,000-gallon aquarium and tanks featuring the wildlife of Reelfoot Lake, a one-of-a-kind Earthquake Simulator, the Native American Gallery, an 1800s Tennessee log cabin community, Mill Ridge featuring a working gristmill and forge and more.

To make the celebration even sweeter, Sabin’s Café at Discovery Park is giving a free mini cupcake to the first 235 guests who request one in honor of Crockett’s 235th birthday.

David Crockett 235th Birthday Celebration Schedule

Throughout the day:

Craftspeople – Weaving, woodworking, wickerwork and other demonstrations in the 1800s Settlement and Mill Ridge.

Wildlife – Experience the wildlife of Northwest Tennessee at the touch table in the Regional History Gallery.

11:00 a.m. – The Political Geography of West Tennessee

Nathaniel Newlin will explore the history of the political boundaries of the local, regional and federal jurisdictions that have existed within West Tennessee over time and how the 21 counties west of the Tennessee River came to embody the political and cultural distinctions of the Grand Division.

12:00 p.m. – Tennessee to Texas: The Ballad of David and Sam

More than ships passing in the night, Sam Houston and David Crockett share a bond of historical congruence that cannot be understated. In this program, Nathaniel Newlin will explore the movement that brought both Houston and Crockett to Texas and how their legacies diverged into refined aristocrat and rowdy folk legend, respectively.

1:00 p.m. – The Accidental Fame of  David Crockett

Scott Williams explores how Crockett rose from the Tennessee frontier to international icon with panelists Bart Shatto and Dr. Arthur Hunt.

2:00 p.m. – 1800s Medical Practices and Home Remedies

Focusing on the medically purposed plants found in the Heritage Garden, Zach Rea will elucidate antiquated methods of treating illness and injury in the 19th century.

2:30 p.m. – Frontier Wildlife

Join Aquarium and Wildlife Manager Corbin Ekberg in the Trapper’s Cabin to explore how animal habitats and distributions have changed since the days of Crockett, as well as the hunting and husbandry practices that epitomized the 19th century frontier.

3:00 p.m. – Bart Shatto Performance

Select portions of “Davy Crockett: In Concert” by Broadway performer Bart Shatto.

For complete details and the most up-to-date list of activities for David Crockett’s 235th Birthday Celebration, visit Discovery Park’s online calendar of events.

Photo Caption: The exhibit on the life and career of David Crockett at Discovery Park includes more about his time in West Tennessee.

Photo Caption: One of the panels from the exhibit about David Crockett’s life and career on display at Discovery Park. Crockett made West Tennessee his home from 1822 until he left for Texas in 1835.

Free Admission to Other Museums for Discovery Park of America Members

Union City, Tenn. – Discovery Park of America has announced two new partnerships that will provide Discovery Park members free or discounted admission to other museums around the country.

Discovery Park is now a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Travel Passport Program and the Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM) of the Southeastern Museums Conference.

The ASTC is a professional membership organization with a vision of increasing understanding of — and engagement with — science and technology among all people. Additionally, the organization champions and supports science and technology centers and museums around the country. As part of the ASTC Travel Passport Program, members of Discovery Park are eligible for benefits such as free general admission and/or other discounts at participating science museums.

The Southeastern Museums Conference is an association of museums, museum staff, independent professionals and corporate partners. Their focus is on supporting museums in the Southeastern United States. As part of the SERM program, Discovery Park members receive free admission during museum hours, the same discount on purchases made in the gift shop or café as the host museum members and the same discount on purchases made on the premises for concert and lecture tickets as the host museum members.

Members of all participating museums in ASTC and SERM will also receive free admission to Discovery Park of America.

“As with any museum or heritage park like Discovery Park, members are a vital part of our organization,” said Chris Armstrong, a member of the Discovery Park membership team. “We thought this would be a great additional benefit for our museum’s members while introducing those in other areas to Discovery Park and our mission to inspire children and adults to see beyond.”

Discovery Park recently implemented a new program, overseen by Armstrong, that provides a digital membership card that can be printed or saved on a member’s computer or phone.

Discovery Park members can search for museums participating in ASTC or SERM in advance of their visits to other museums.

Members should always call or email before visiting participating museums to verify participation and to inquire about any special circumstances. Discovery Park members should also be sure to have a printed or digital copy of their new membership card that includes both the SERM and ASTC logos. At some participating museums, ID is also required.

Discovery Park offers a variety of membership levels including individual, family and lifetime memberships. Join or renew your Discovery Park membership online at DiscoveryParkofAmerica.com/members, call 731-885-5455 or email memberships@discoveryparkofamerica.flywheelstaging.com.

Antique Tractor Show at Discovery Park of America Aug. 6 and 7, 2021

Union City, Tenn. – Discovery Park of America has announced details for the return of the popular Antique Tractor Show for the fifth year. The event is sponsored by Blue Bank Resort and First Choice Farm & Lawn – Kubota and will be held on Fri., Aug. 6 and Sat., Aug. 7, 2021 at Discovery Park in Union City, Tenn.

To accommodate the schedule of those working in agriculture who want to attend, the museum and heritage park will remain open until 8 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 6. Food trucks, live music and a cash bar will join the tractors on display.

Other activities throughout the weekend include live music, food trucks and a free special screening of the film “SILO” on Fri., Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Simmons Bank Ag Center. There are a limited number of tickets available. Reserve yours today.

“Each year we are amazed at the number of incredible tractors that show up for our tractor show,” said Karl Johnson, a director at the park and one of the organizers of the event. “It’s also one of our more popular events, and attendance has grown each year as people tell their friends and family members about it.”

Organizers worked with regional tractor clubs on some of the details of the event.

New this year will be a live tractor auction on Sat., Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. Discovery Park will be auctioning off two tractors from its collection: a 1948 Allis-Chalmers model G tractor with 1-disc plow and a 1951 John Deere model M tractor. The minimum bid on each is $1,000.

The popular tractor parade will take place on Sat., Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. when the tractors participating in the show drive around Discovery Park. The Antique Tractor Show will end following the parade, but Discovery Park will remain open for guests to continue exploring the museum and heritage park until 4 p.m.

For a complete list of upcoming events and educational opportunities, visit DiscoveryParkofAmerica.com.

Photo Caption: The 2021 Antique Tractor Show is scheduled for Fri., Aug. 6 and Sat., Aug. 7, 2021. 

Discovery Park of America to Host Special Screening of ‘SILO’ Fri., Aug. 6, 2021 during Annual Antique Tractor Show

June 16, 2021 – Discovery Park of America, Tennessee Farm Bureau, U.T. Agrability and the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads will host a special screening of the film “SILO” in the Simmons Bank Ag Center on Fri., Aug. 6, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. during the annual Antique Tractor Show. Because of the very limited number of tickets available, and the exclusive nature of the event, tickets must be reserved in advance.

Inspired by true events, SILO follows a harrowing day in an American farm town. Disaster strikes when teenager Cody Rose is entrapped in a 50-foot-tall grain bin. When the corn turns to quicksand, family, neighbors and first responders must put aside their differences to rescue Cody from drowning in the crop that has sustained their community for generations.

Los Angeles Times critic Noel Murray recently wrote, “The indie drama “SILO” is a short, muted study of modern farm life, following multiple generations of small-town folks over the course of one tense day… there’s a lot to like in “Silo,” including its impressively lived-in feel. The setting and the people are so well-shaded that these characters could’ve spent the day uneventfully farming and they’d have been fascinating to watch.”

“Discovery Park’s free screening of “SILO” is hosted by Tennessee Farm Bureau, U.T. Agrability and the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads and will be held on Aug. 6, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. during the Antique Tractor Show. There will be a cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres. Reserve your tickets today.”

Sam Goldberg, producer of the film, worked with Discovery Park on a portion of the museum’s latest exhibit “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival.” To showcase innovative, life-saving rescue equipment, Goldberg connected Discovery Park with Turtle Plastics who donated one of their Turtle Tube Grain Bin Rescue Sleeves for display in the exhibit.

Since 1978, the Agricultural Health and Safety Program at Purdue University in Indiana has documented grain-entrapment incidents. Its National Agricultural Confined Space Incident Database has, as of 2019, records on 1,225 reported entrapments from 1964 onward.

“This is a great opportunity for us to share this special film that spotlights an important issue in agriculture,” said Williams. “I can’t think of a better place to experience it than in our exhibit on innovation in agriculture during our annual tractor show.”

During the annual Antique Tractor Show, participants from all over the United States load up their vintage and collectible tractors and bring them to display on the beautiful grounds of Discovery Park. The event ends with the tractors lining up for a parade around the park as guests line the road and cheer for their favorites.

Discovery Park’s free screening of “SILO” is hosted by Tennessee Farm Bureau, U.T. Agrability and the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads and will be held on Aug. 6, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. during the Antique Tractor Show. There will be a cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres. Reserve your tickets today.

Tennessee: Celebrating 225 Years

June 1, 2021 – On June 1, 1796, The United States Territory South of the River Ohio, more commonly known as The Southwest Territory, became the 16th entity to be granted statehood by the United States Congress – the first federal territory to apply for statehood. It was granted the name Tennessee, from the Cherokee village of Tanasi, in modern day Monroe County. The land that now constitutes our state has been granted many names throughout its brief history, and there is a rich history behind this process.

In 1784, settlers living in what is now East Tennessee became dissatisfied with both the government of North Carolina and the Federal government under the Articles of Confederation. The settlers broke away from North Carolina to create what they called the State of Franklin, drafted a state constitution, elected John Sevier as governor, and began independently governing their unofficial “state.” The two issues that the Franklinites wanted resolved were Native American relations and the right to navigate the Mississippi River, and even signed a compact with the Spanish Empire for rights to transport goods along the Mississippi. The government of North Carolina quickly reasserted its dominion over the territory, and in a matter of four years, the state of Franklin was extinguished.

“On June 1, 2021, Tennessee celebrates 225 years of rich heritage.”

In 1789, upon its own statehood, North Carolina ceded all lands west of the Appalachians to the federal government. The Union then used the land to reward revolutionary soldiers, as well as to settle further land claims under the Cession Act of 1789. Congress gave the name Territory of the United States South of the River Ohio, which, after a few modifications, became The Southwest Territory – the name it retained until statehood in 1796.

On June 1, 2021, Tennessee celebrates 225 years of rich heritage. The contributions of the state and its inhabitants to the global markets of food and music cannot be overstated, nor can its contributions to science and national security. Now a key player on the national stage, it is an enlightening consideration that just over two centuries ago, our great state was a primitive region shrouded in conflict and mystery.