County bicentennial marker unveiled (08/15/08) A permanent marker commemorating Bedford County's bicentennial in 2007 was unveiled on Wednesday, although one element of the marker -- a display of the official county seal -- had been in discussion long before the bicentennial. The marker is located on the southeast corner of the county courthouse lawn...

A celebration in Halls Mill (07/18/08) It's more than a community club -- it's a community. The Triangle Community Club in Halls Mill is where residents of the area gather for meetings, picnics, dancing and more. And now, they are gathering for the community center, not just at it. "The heating and air unit is in great need of repair," said Daphne Motes. "We used a lot of fuel last year, which depleted our funds."...

Shofner's Chapel observes bicentennial (06/02/08) More than 300 friends and family gathered around Shofner's Chapel this weekend to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the church. The first Sunday in June has traditionally been a homecoming day for members of the Shofner and Jenkins families, as well as others who have worshiped at the chapel and their families...

Shofner's Chapel celebrates bicentennial (05/30/08) On almost every Sunday of the year, the little church on Thompson's Creek stands empty -- but love resonates in the old clapboard building. Love of God, love of family, love of community, love of history. When the first German immigrants first gathered in the home of Martin Shofner to worship exactly 200 years ago, they laid the foundation of love that will be celebrated this weekend at Shofner's Lutheran Chapel...

Monument may honor county's bicentennial (03/24/08) Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee has proposed placing a stone monument on the courthouse lawn which would commemorate last year's Bicentennial observance and which would display the county seal developed several years ago. Funds remaining in the Bicentennial account would be sufficient to pay for the monument...

Cornerstone items too delicate to handle (03/04/08) The items removed Feb. 24 from the 1914 cornerstone of Turner College are in such delicate condition that representatives of Woodfork Chapel AME Church have not been able to handle or review them. They have been sent to the Tennessee Library and Archives for preservation, according to Woodfork Chapel member Mary Ann Brame. Eventually, the church would like to publish a book with images from the discovered paperwork...

Cornerstone opened from historic school (02/25/08) Various publications, course catalogs and even a blank check were found in a 1914 cornerstone from Turner College, which was opened Sunday in observance of Black History Month. Margaret Stewart, who led the service at Woodfork Chapel AME Church on Lipscomb Street, called the cornerstone opening "a once-in-a-lifetime occasion."...

Journal gives a glimpse into Civil War days (02/19/08) Attention all history buffs! Anyone who's interested in Civil War history, reading or simply Middle Tennessee heritage will find something entertaining in L. Virginia French's War Journal, published by Jerry Smith of the Blockade Runner sutlery in Wartrace...

Civil War re-enactment planned here (02/16/08) There will be a thunderous noise heard in middle Tennessee during the second week of June, but it won't be the Bonnaroo Music Festival. Instead, men dressed in the colors of blue and gray will gather during this time in Bedford County to commemorate the 145-year anniversary of the Tullahoma Campaign of the Civil War, which took place along the banks of the Duck River...

Turner cornerstone to be opened Feb. 24 (02/12/08) The cornerstone from the historic Turner College will be opened 1 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Woodfork Chapel AME Church. The event, being held in honor of Black History Month, is open to the public. "We have no idea what's inside," said Lynn Hulan of Musgrave Pencil Company, which owns the site...

End of the newspaper war (02/02/08) It was 60 years ago Saturday that what I'll call "the great Shelbyville newspaper war" ended. Look at our masthead (actually at the bottom, not head, of page 4; it's a traditional newspaper term) and you'll see the phrase "The Bedford County Times and Shelbyville Gazette, consolidated Feb. 1, 1948."...

Growth plan hearings this week (01/12/08) If the future growth of the county is a topic that concerns you, you will have three chances to sound off with your opinion this week. A series of public hearings will be held by the Bedford County's Joint Economic Development Board (JEDB) on the subject of the comprehensive master plan that is to be used as an update to Bedford County's growth plan...

Bicentennial group may continue activities (12/12/07) What was intended as the last meeting of Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee ... may turn out not to be. The committee met Tuesday at the Bell Buckle Café, to wrap up loose ends and celebrate the successful completion of a year's worth of events marking the county's 200th birthday. ...

A party two centuries in the making (12/04/07) Bedford County celebrated two centuries on Monday night, with a rousing choral performance by the Area-Wide Fellowship for Christ Choir, and official proclamations marking the occasion. Monday was the actual 200th anniversary of the county's founding, and a public celebration was held in the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds...

Happy birthday, Bedford County! (12/03/07) Today marks Bedford County's 200th birthday. The county was chartered Dec. 3, 1807, made up of land which had previously been part of Rutherford County. It was named for Revolutionary War hero Thomas Bedford. Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee is capping off a year of observances with tonight's celebration at Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds. The committee also organized Saturday's "Celebration of Christmas Past" on the public square...

Christmas on the square (12/01/07) The Bicentennial Organizing Committee's "Celebration of Christmas Past" kicked off Saturday night on the square, with County Mayor Eugene Ray delivering words of welcome and pianist Chris Keller providing the music.

Governor proclaims 'Bedford County Day' Dec. 3 (11/27/07) Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed a proclamation declaring Dec. 3, the county's 200th birthday, as "Bedford County Day" in Tennessee. State Sen. Jim Tracy and officials of Bedford County Historical Society presented a copy of the proclamation to County Mayor Eugene Ray on Monday, so that it can be read and referred to during the official bicentennial celebration Dec. 3 at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds...

A Celebration of Christmas Past (11/24/07) Plans are being finalized for Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee's "Celebration of Christmas Past," Dec. 1 on and around the Shelbyville square. The event is scheulded to run from 3-5 p.m. Activities will include: In addition, later that night the dinner theatre productin of "Exit the Body" will be presented at The Fly. Call 703-7613 for reservations...

It's here at last -- in time for holiday giving (11/30/07) "Bedford County Bicentennial: Celebrating the Past 1807-2007," our new pictorial history, is now available. Call (931) 684-1200 or stop by our offices at 323 E. Depot St. for more information.

Plans finalized for Bicentennial events (11/13/07) Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee held its last working meeting this morning, to make final preparations for the "Celebration of Christmas Past" Dec. 1 on the square and for the official bicentennial observance Dec. 3 at the Blue Ribbon Circle...

Historic school building enters new phase (11/12/07) A historic Elm Street structure has been receiving a facelift over the past few months and the public will get a chance this week to see what has been done. The building once housed Bedford County Training School, Shelbyville's school for African-Americans in the years before desegregation, which took place from 1965-67. It was later Harris Middle School. Now, it has been renovated into an office complex; the large gymnasium is in the process of restoration as well...

Bicentennial book now at the printer (11/10/07) The Times-Gazette publication "Bedford County Bicentennial: Celebrating the Past, 1807-2007" has left the building. "We are thrilled to have the book at the printers and being readied for printing," said book author and T-G Editor René A. Capley. "This is exciting, to see months of work come together."...

Honoring the past (10/26/07)

County seeks Christmas tree (10/15/07) Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray is looking for a 15-to-20-foot Christmas tree. Ray told Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee this morning that he wants a tall tree for the courthouse lawn, preferably one that can be planted and left there permanenty, for the planned Dec. 1 tree-lighting ceremony. Ray can only find normal home-sized trees locally and is now trying to find out whether a tree is available in McMinnville, widely known as a home to nurseries...

Own a piece of history (10/12/07) Pre-orders are being taken for the Times-Gazette's "Bedford Bicentennial," a pictorial Bedford County history book scheduled for release in November. The cost is $45 per copy, or $35 each for orders of 10 or more. This will be a hard-bound "coffee table" book...

Bicentennial planning continues (09/17/07) Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee is now looking towards the final two events of the county's year-long celebration -- a "Celebration of Christmas Past" Dec. 1 on the courthouse square, and the closing celebration two days later at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds...

Shofner honored for service (09/10/07) Comrades and family gathered Saturday in memory of a Shelbyville Marine who escaped a Japanese death camp in World War II and returned to fight again. "He was a true American hero," said master of ceremonies Fred Duffer of the Brig. Gen. Austin C. Shofner Marine Corps League Detachment 1128, which holds the event each summer. "He epitomized a true Marine."...

Bicentennial book nears completion (09/04/07) The 200th birthday of Bedford County is only months away and the final preparations for the book commemorating that history are in the final stages at the Times-Gazette. "We are taking the month of September to complete the historical editorial and pictorial pages of the Bicentennial Book," said managing editor of the T-G, René A. ...

Scouts moving log cabin (09/01/07) Austin Sadler of Shelbyville is working toward becoming an Eagle Scout and has come up with a unique way of earning his badge --by moving a part of local history. Over the next few weeks, Austin will relocate a log structure in Tullahoma dated over 100 years-old and move it to Wartrace...

Gilliland log home will honor Fred Hendricks (08/30/07) It was the dream of Fred "Pete" Hendricks to see the log home at the Gilliland Historical Resource Center used for educating young people, but Hendricks passed away before his dream could be realized...

Genealogist preserves marriage records (08/13/07) Janet Frey, an employee with the Geneaological Society of Utah, recently completed a project of photographing Bedford County marriage licenses from 1853 through 1976 at the county's history room on the first floor of Bedford County Courthouse. Frey, who lives in Pleasant View, northwest of Nashville, said that the Genealogical Society of Utah works closely with the Tennessee State Library and Archives to preserve fragile historical records. ...

Ray outlines county progress (08/09/07) "Bedford County is moving." That was the message County Mayor Eugene Ray gave the Exchange Club of Bedford County Wednesday. "We're the fifth fastest growing county in the state," Ray said, which is why the city of Shelbyville and the county are working together with a long term growth plan. He invited the public to participate in the process, which will determine the course taken over the next 15 to 20 years...

Organizers call 10th fair a success (07/30/07) Judy Gambill is breathing a sigh of relieved contentment today following the successful conclusion of the Bedford County Fair. "We have had such a fun week," she said. "Everyone is tired, but it's a good tired because we know the Fair was a success."...

Fair is for the birds (07/27/07) The Bedford County Fair has gone to the birds! It is said that birds of a feather flock together and never was there a more perfect example of that than at the exhibition building of the Bedford County Ag Center. Row after row of champion, feathered-friends, representing the poultry species of the world, take center stage...

Fair horse show will be held Friday (07/26/07) One of the highlights of the Bedford County Fair is, without doubt, also the essence of a country county fair. The animals on exhibit, in competition and in blue ribbons, are the stars of the show. Such will be the case on Friday night as the All Pleasure Horse Show rolls out the red carpet for entries in 24 classes of competition...

Storytelling more hysterical than historical (07/26/07) There's lot of big things at the Bedford County Fair this year. There's a big Ferris wheel, Big Red, the massive steer, and yesterday, there were big tales being told by guests during Senior Citizens' Day. The activities for the day were organized by Pat Finney with the assistance of her husband Bob. The day included bingo; a variety of old-fashioned contests such as watermelon seed spitting; a sponsored lunch; and, this year, storytelling...

Long-eared wonders at the fair (07/25/07) t seems like only yesterday that the historic Celebration show grounds were filled with the wonderful, long-eared equines but this Saturday they return to Bedford County, at least part of them, for the Bedford County Fair Mule Show. Though the Fair opens at 9 a.m., the first mule event doesn't begin until 1 p.m. New to the Fair this year is the Mule Pulling but there are all sorts of divisions of competition represented, from large to small, pulling to pretty...

10th annual fair opens (07/24/07) The Bedford County Fair opened Monday night amidst the sounds of lowing cattle, laughing children and musical strains from competitors of the Bedford Idol event. Sam Powell, noted horse whisperer throughout the nation, demonstrated his techniques to hometown enthusiasts in a new event...

'Fairest of the Fair' this weekend (07/20/07) Only hours remain in the tenure of Fairest of the Fair 2006 queen Ashley Smith. The daughter of Jim Ed and Jerri Lynn Smith of Shelbyville, she will relinquish her crown Saturday night to one of the six contestants entered in this year's edition of Fairest of the Fair competition...

Poultry, rabbits to be featured at Fair (07/17/07) The Bedford County Fair has gone to the birds ... and rabbits! Beginning on July 25, the separate shows will feature entries from around the county, in the county, and, as rabbits are bound to do, will be popping out all over. Karl Pyrdum and Fred Pimentel have joined together as chairmen of the shows. Pyrdum has been involved with poultry showing and judging for over a decade. Pimentel enjoys the competitive side of poultry and rabbits, too...

Seniors get special day at Fair (07/05/07) The Bedford County Fair is just around the corner and preparations are underway in full force. From the stages of Harris Middle and the pageantry events for the newborns to over 18 age group to the Seniors Day, the fair promises something for everyone. Pat Finney is the director of the Senior Citizens Day-portion of the Fair. Along with Sarah Hill and Gene and Sandra Smith, the committee has taken a step back in time, spotlighting the day with an Ole Timers Storytelling Hour. "We are so excited about this event," said Finney. "This is an opportunity for the Senior Citizens of Bedford County to tell their stories. Childhood stories, holiday stories -- whatever they have to tell -- this is the time to do it." "As we celebrate the county's bicentennial, the story telling hour is a way to capture the history that might otherwise be lost. I am really glad we could offer this entertainment and let them dress the part as well." Finney refers to the invitation for the Senior Citizens to dress in Bicentennial-period clothing for the day. The admission price will even be free for those participating in the dress mode. Those not wishing to dress-up in period fashion of Bedford County's founding heyday will be charged a reduced entrance fee to the Fair for Senior Citizens Day at $2. "This is a day dedicated to and in honor of our Senior Citizens 55 and older," said Finney. "This is their special day, complete with a fried chicken lunch sponsored by MidState Finance. Because this is a day set aside for the Seniors, the activities are reserved for them alone." The luncheon will be served from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and is for senior participants only. "The bingo games begin at 10:45 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m.," said Finney. "This is something they all enjoy and thanks to Lee Adcock Construction, there are prizes available for the games as well." In addition to bingo, bicentennial and story telling, Finney said returning to the day's events were watermelon seed spitting contests and egg catching. "The presentation of the nation's colors will be done by Franklin Smith and Boy Scout troop 370," Finney related. "Valerie McConnell will sing the national anthem and Chancellor J.B. Cox will say the invocation." The events are the Fair begins at 10 a.m. and conclude for Senior day following the final round of bingo at approximately 2:30 p.m. "We are proud to honor our Senior Citizens," said Finney. "This is a day designed for them to enjoy all the activities the Fair offers." The Bedford County Fair begins on July 23 and runs through July 28. Activities for farm animals, farm equipment, singing, beauty and homegrown delights are scheduled. For more information on Senior Day, contact Pat Finney at 684-0262, Sarah Hill at 684-5429, or Gene and Sandra Smith at 857-3204.

Fireworks cancelled due to drought conditions (06/27/07) The fireworks display scheduled for July 4th at Shelbyville City Park has been canceled on the recommendation of Fire Chief John Habel due to the extreme drought the area is enduring. Other activities scheduled for the 4th at the park will go on as scheduled, Recreation Director Silva Pinson said...

Bicentennial plans for upcoming events (06/18/07) Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee has had a presence at recent events like the Spring Fun Show and the Wartrace Music Festival; the next stops will be the Duck River Cleanup this weekend and the Independence Day festivities July 4 at H.V. Griffin Park...

Horse whisperer will highlight county fair (06/11/07) Shelbyville's Sam Powell is renown in horse circles around the world. Known by many as the Horse Whisperer, his abilities in working with the equine world will be demonstrated to audiences during this year's Bedford County Fair. As head of Sam Powell Equine Consulting Services, Powell daily introduces horse owners to his system of non-violent and effective training. ...

Almost Moon Pie time (06/05/07) The 16th of this month may be known to most as the third Saturday in June, but to the folks of Bell Buckle, it only means one thing: RC Cola and Moon Pie time! This is the 13th year the two Southern traditions have been celebrated and with more than 15,000 people attending every year, it is one of the biggest summer events in the county...

Fairest of the Fair set for July 21 (06/05/07) The Bedford County Fair Fairest of the Fair, an annual event in the community, will kick off the 2007 festivities on July 21 at 7 p.m. The pageant is open to girls of all ages from birth to 21 years old. Boys are also welcome to participate with age bracket ranging from birth to 5 years old...

Statistics sought for Bicentennial book (06/04/07) The Bicentennial Book of Bedford County, a pictorial history book to be published by the T-G in time for the county's actual December birthday, is searching the county for statistics. "In order to provide an overall view of many areas of the county," said book coordinator and T-G Editor René Capley, "we are collecting information on the 'oldest' lists. ...

July 4 observance will have Bicentennial flavor (06/01/07) Erma Bombeck, noted newspaper humorist, said, "You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism."...

'Fair-on-the-square' bears repeating (05/30/07) The response to this month's "Bicentennial Fair on the Square" was overwhelmingly positive. The attendance wasn't overwhelming, but it was respectable, and the people who attended all had a great time. Johnny Reed and Dawn Holley, who are the activity co-chairs for Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee, worked countless hours, as did many, many others in organizing the event...

Bicentennial book still needs submissions (05/30/07) Bedford County Bicentennial Book is in the final stage of accepting contributions. The deadline for submissions to the Times-Gazette's pictorial history book is July 1. The book, to be published in November just prior to the actual birthday of the county's founding in December, will highlight the historical journey from the American Indian presence to the rebuilding of the courthouse to modern day...

Music Fest will have Wartrace in tune (05/23/07) Wartrace is famous for many things, beginning with its name. It is the birthplace of the Tennessee Walking Horse and the home of Gallagher Guitars. On June 1-2, it will roll out the red carpet at the Wartrace Horse Show grounds for a stage full of award-winning performers during Wartrace Music Fest...

Bicentennial fair called a success (05/21/07) Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee members said this morning that the feedback from this month's Bicentennial Fair on the Square has been overwhelmingly positive. "Everything that I heard about ... was absolutely awesome," said Dixie Parker, who chairs the committee...

Women's Club opens year with Bicentennial program (05/10/07) The Shelbyville Woman's Club 2007-08 year was kicked off at River Bend Country Club Wednesday with a bicentennial program by County Mayor Eugene Ray and Shelbyville Mayor Geneva Smith. The program also included the installation of new officers and the presentation of the "Bright and Shining Star" award...

Meet your T-G staff (05/04/07) Saturday's Bicentennial Fair on the Square will offer many unique activities to be enjoyed by the community. Among those celebrating the event will be members of the staff of the Times-Gazette. The T-G booth will feature an opportunity for readers to get to know the people behind the scenes at the paper. Several writers and composition artists will be on hand for a meet and greet session throughout the day in addition to hosting a subscription event for both existing and new subscribers...

A night with the symphony (05/02/07) When he first had the chance to speak to the Community High School Wind Symphony, a little after 4 p.m. Tuesday, Resident Conductor Albert-George Schram of the Nashville Symphony told them they were going to be "the cherry on the cake" -- the thing that made Tuesday night's concert special...

Planning for Bicentennial Square Fair ramps up (04/30/07) Final planning is underway for this Saturday's Bicentennial Fair on the Square, and the Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee discussed the project at its meeting this morning. The east, south and west sides of the courthouse square will be closed all day Saturday, with all traffic routed to the south side. Activities will begin with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and a community and costume parade (no floats) at 10:15...

Tale of a Confederate soldier (04/28/07) How did a native Virginian, killed in Kentucky during the Civil War, wind up in Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville? According to a paper written by Les Marsh of the local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Capt. William H. Keiter had been conducting a military school in Shelbyville prior to the outbreak of the war. ...

Work underway on history book (04/24/07) Governors, congressmen and soldiers have risen from the rolling hills of Bedford County to serve hearth and homeland. Actresses, actors and authors have started their climb to stardom and fame in the classrooms in communities within the county. Teachers, judges, moms and dads, coaches, horse trainers and business owners have made their homes here for generations and they have given Shelbyville and Bedford County the flavor that residents and visitors alike enjoy...

Liberty for all, but not for slaves (04/13/07) TULLAHOMA -- It's one of the greatest paradoxes of American history: the founding fathers based the new United States of America on liberty and the idea of "all men ... created equal," and yet they allowed the institution of slavery to continue. Dr. ...

Square Fair will celebrate Bicentennial (04/09/07) The Bicentennial Square Fair, scheduled for May 5 on the Shelbyville square, will be a day-long celebration of Bedford County, including live music, contests, classic cars, a costume parade and other activities. The event was termed "Old Timer's Day" during early planning. The new name was included in materials reviewed this morning by the Bedford County Bicentennial organizing committee...

Work continues on T-G's bicentennial book (03/29/07) Do you know the name of the man for whom our county is named? The route to Atlanta wandered through our fair county. Do you know the track? Shaker's Shocker was the first and only horse to ever achieve what? Can you name the first African American to open a dry cleaner in Shelbyville? What about the legend behind the name Bell Buckle? How many mills once operated in Bedford County?...

Bicentennial coins available (03/19/07) Pre-orders are now being taken for coins, key tags and medallions celebrating Bedford County's bicentennial, the local bicentennial organizing committee heard this morning. Karen Thrasher and Jenny Hunt presented display models of each item. The coins and key tags will cost $10 each, while the medallion will be $30. Delivery is expected in four weeks...

Work continues on Bicentennial history (03/14/07) Have your submitted your story or photograph yet for the Times-Gazette's Bicentennial History book? If not, it's not too late. Don't miss out on sharing your part of history in this special commemorative issue celebrating Bedford County's 200th birthday...

Symphony will return May 1 (03/05/07) Associate Conductor Albert-George Schram will lead The Nashville Symphony in its annual concert in Shelbyville, which has been scheduled for 7 p.m. May 1 at Calsonic Arena. The Community High School band will also perform at the concert. The local steering committee for the concert met last week...

Bicentennial T-shirts available (02/26/07) Bedford County Bicentennial T-shirts are now in and will be available at a variety of local businesses, with a second design on the way. That was one of several updates at this morning's meeting of the Bedford County Bicentennial organizing committee...

Statue celebrates women's history (02/17/07) To the untrained eye, the small building at Sherry Warner Hunter's home outside of Bell Buckle is just another one of many structures that dot the rural landscape of Bedford County. But inside, you see that its a sculpting studio where creative magic takes place. Artwork from this building has ended up all over the state and another piece is being worked on that will be unveiled next month in Shelbyville...

Bicentennial planning progresses (02/05/07) Planning continues for the observance of Bedford County's 200th birthday, and a bicentennial web site has been posted at www.bedfordtn200.org with information about upcoming events and memorabilia. The bicentennial planning committee met this morning at Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce...

T-G plans bicentennial book (01/31/07) It is said that southerners seem to identify with their communities more than others. It is this connection to our own community that we celebrate as we commemorate the 200th birthday of Bedford County. In honor of this significant birthday celebration, the Times-Gazette is gathering information and photographs that chronicle our people, our land, our traditions. ...

Fair will honor bicentennial (01/22/07) The 10th annual Bedford County Fair will observe another anniversary as well, with a celebration of Bedford County's 200th birthday on the fair's opening night. Judy Gambill of the fair board made the announcement during this morning's meeting of the Bedford County Bicentennial organizing committee...

Bicentennial Cookbook being prepared (01/13/07) More than 400 recipes have been received for the Times-Gazette's Bicentennial Recipe Book, which is scheduled for release Feb. 1 in connection with this year's celebration of Bedford County's 200th birthday. While the deadline for submission of recipes has passed, advertisers still have an opportunity to participate in the book...

'Old Timer's Day' added to bicentennial list (01/08/07) Bedford County Bicentennial Committee has scheduled an "old timer's day" May 12 on the square, with plans to include old favorite games like checkers and dominoes, potato sack races, wheel and stick races and a cake walk. This year marks the county's 200th birthday, and the committee continues its planning for a variety of events and promotions, possibly including a commemorative coin or medallion as well as bicentennial T-shirts that will be sold throughout the year. ...

Bicentennial coin, book being planned (12/11/06) A commemorative coin is being planned as a keepsake of Bedford County's 2007 bicentennial observance, while a county history book has been completed and is ready to be printed. The Bedford County Bicentennial Committee met this morning to continue planning for the 200th anniversary celebration, which was officially launched earlier this month with the Shelbyville Christmas Parade as its first sanctioned event...

'Postcard Memories' available for purchase (12/11/06) The new book is on the way! The big day has arrived for hundreds of Bedford countians anxious to fill their Christmas stockings with the Bedford County Historical Society's latest publication, Postcard Memories of Bedford County. The new book kicks off the Society's year-long bicentennial salute, celebrating the county's bicentennial throughout 2007 and culminating on the county's actual anniversary date on Dec. 3, 2007...

Parade kicks off Bicentennial observance (12/04/06) The annual Shelbyville Christmas Parade, which this year served as the first official event of the 2007 Bedford County Bicentennial Celebration, went off smoothly on Saturday night, with crowds braving the chilly temperatures to vie 90 parade entries ranging from horses to fire trucks...

Parade is Saturday night (11/27/06) Today is the last day for entries to be accepted for Shelbyville's annual Christmas parade, which will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be held Sunday afternoon. "It's going pretty good," said Michelle Majors of Shelbyville Jaycees, which co-sponsors the parade with the Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce. ...

Bicentennial events sought (11/21/06) Organizers of the local Bedford County Bicentennial observance are looking for events to add to their calendar for 2007. These can be existing events or programs -- for example, a community club could decide to have a bicentennial program for one of its regularly-scheduled meetings, or an existing festival or performance could take on a bicentennial flavor. Or they can be stand-alone events held especially for the bicentennial...

Bicentennial plans continue (10/23/06) Plans for Bedford County's 200th anniversary celebration continue to take shape; various committee heads and other interested members of the county's bicentennial committee met this morning at the Chamber of Commerce building to discuss activities and projects...

A glimpse of nature at library luncheon (10/18/06) Authors Dennis Horn and Tavia Cathcart gave attendees of the 20th annual Tennessee Box Lunch a glimpse of Tennessee's native flora Tuesday with a slide presentation based on their book, "Wildflowers of Tennessee, the Ohio Valley, and the Southern Appalachians."...

Bicentennial observances being planned (10/07/06) Members of Bedford County Bicentennial Committee are hoping for not only county-wide observances but neighborhood events which will celebrate the county's various incorporated and unincorporated communities. The committee met Friday afternoon at the Emergency Management Agency building on Eagle Boulevard...