Shelbyville's 200th Birthday

Stroll through Living History

Saturday, July 17, there will be a living history encampment along the Duck River, just above the dam, in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Adults and young people will be living as they would have in a battlefield camp of the Civil War. Walk the greenway trail from the Fly Arts Center just south of the Square. You can also drive South Brittain, turn near the Catholic Church, and park close to the encampment. Now is the time to ask what is in a haversack, examine a Civil War cannon, see a military issue saddle, and generally ask questions about almost 150 years ago in our history. Shelbyville was a youngish town then, only half a century old. You can stroll through the camp between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. There will be no scheduled demonstrations.

Cakewalk on the Courthouse Lawn

Children will be playing party games during Shelbyville’s birthday, July 17. A cake walk, jacks, and other games are on the list, some old, some new (including inflatables). Games will start about 11 and continue throughout the day.

Celebrity Judges

The International Chili Society Tennessee cook off will welcome celebrity judges Willie Nelson, Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Murray, Bob Hope, and others. Chili experts from 10 states and 1 Canadian province will be in Shelbyville trying to qualify for the national cook off in October. Categories include red chile, green chile verde, and salsa. No beans or macaroni in this stuff. For $5 you can try all the People’s Choice entries by local cooks with beans or pasta. I cannot guarantee that this chili will be mild, but I have eaten some of it and I still can talk.