On Saturday, Nov. 2, downtown Franklin will be filled with food vendors, live music and delicious wine tastings for the 23rd annual Wine Down Main Street festival. “We call it the best night out all year,” says Denise Carothers, who organizes the event benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee (BGCMT). “Participants shop, taste wine and sample food from area restaurants. We have everything from Italian to barbeque.” Lipman, the official wine sponsor, curates a special line-up of varietals from around the world which are available for sampling in more than 30 shops that open their doors for the evening. This year, participants will enjoy performances by Elecoustic Soul on the main stage, and San Rafael Band on a stage on the town square.
Patrons with VIP tickets will gain entry to an exclusive party at the Franklin Theatre, featuring an elevated selection of food vendors, a concert by Bizz & Everyday People, and a premium gift bag. The band is led by Wendell “Bizz” Bigsby-Church. He is the son of Nashville legend Jimmy Church and has opened for superstars James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Little Richard and more.
This fun event benefits an important mission, providing a safe, quality, environment for kids outside of school hours. Carothers says a typical afternoon at a BGCMT includes transportation to the club, a snack, time to relax and a “power hour” of dedicated homework time with tutors. With multiple locations throughout middle Tennessee, many clubs have a tech lab, and art or game rooms. The Franklin club has a brand new music studio offering guitar and keyboard lessons, songwriting and recording.
Carothers, who serves as BGCMT Director of Events and Community Engagement, was recently honored with the Ed Moody Award of Excellence at the 35th annual Steak & Burger Dinner, hosted at Liberty Hall in the Factory at Franklin. Named for the founder of Moody Tire Co. who was also a founder of the Franklin club, the award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a lasting impact on BGCMT and the Williamson County community.
During her acceptance speech, Carothers encouraged the audience to get involved and discussed the club’s top priorities. First on the list is that no child goes hungry. “During school breaks and snow days we need more help feeding them,” she says. “They are here from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.” Additionally, donations are sought to purchase a 15-passenger van, and to provide spending money for teens on their annual trip to Washington, D.C. Carothers also encourages more Williamson county businesses to participate in the industry club program so students can experience different professions. “Young people can’t be what they can’t see,” she says.
WineDownMainStreet.com