Liberty Day Scheduled Events

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

FF & M Bank will "open some happiness" on Thursday, July 2nd, when they join with the Lawrenceburg Beautification Board in celebration of one of America's best success stories by hosting a special "Coca-Cola Day" from 11:00 am - 1:00pm at their bank on North Locust Avenue in Lawrenceburg. The public is welcome to drop by during those hours and spend some time celebrating "Coke" at a special outdoor event which will feature free coke products, delicious food, door prizes, and a chance to win four tickets to the Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta, Georgia.

This event is an official part of the 8th Annual Libertyfest in Lawrenceburg - A Salute to the Great State of Georgia. As everyone knows, Atlanta was the birthplace of Coca-Cola, having been invented in the late 19th Century by John Pemberton and eventually purchased by businessman Asa Griggs Candler whose marketing tactics led Coke to its dominance in the world soft drink market throughout the 20th Century. Coca-Cola leads the market today in sales all over the world.
For more information, please call 762-7617.

Coleman Memorial United Methodist Church will host the 8th Annunal Liberty Festival Church Service on Thursday evening, July 2nd. The service will being at 7:00pm and will include special music by Aaron McCroskey and a special patriotic message by Reverend Brad Holliman. All faiths are encouraged to attend.

The Coleman Men's Club and the Coleman UMW invite everyone to come early and have supper with them before the Libertyfest Church Service. They will be serving up grilled burgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings, homemade ice cream, and delicious Coke floats. There will also be a cake and pie auction and some games for the kids. The supper will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. This event is a fundraiser for Coleman Church.

On Site Registration Begins at 9:00am - Pageant at 10:00am
Man's Best Friends will once again be the guests of honor at this year's "Libertyfest on the Square" on Saturday, July 4th.

There is not fee to enter the contest. Canine Solutions, SunTrust Bank, Countryside Healthcare, and the Lawrenceburg Beautification Board are the sponsors of this year's pageant which is in its third year.
The categories for the Pageant are as follows: (1) Most Natural Beauty/Best Groomed (2) Smartest (Best Trick) (3) Most Unusal Beauty (4) Best Costume (5) Cutest Name (6) Best of Show (Large & Small Divisions). Ribbons will be presented to the winners in each category, plus they will receive either amenities from Canine Solutions or cash prizes.
Proof of vaccination is required for all dogs who enter the contest. All dogs must either be on leashes or carried.

"This is a wonderful way for folks to show off their pets," stated Anne Morrow, organizer of the event. "We hope lots of people will come out and support our endeavor to honor our best friends as part of this year's "Libertyfest on the Square". Our goal is to have something for everyone, and that even includes our pets!"
For more information, please call 762-7617.

The Armies of Tennessee Civil War Re-enacting Organization will have an artillery encampment on the Lawrenceburg Public Square on Sat., July 4th as part of Lawrenceburg's Liberty Festival.

Chartered in 1998, this group is commanded by General Tom Doss of Henryville. The Armies of Tennessee's Provost Marshall, Colonel Mike Campbell of Leoma, will also be on site July 4th.
The Civil War/Gone With The Wind Ball on Friday night, July 3rd, will be spectacular and you won't want to miss stepping back in time for this educational experience. Many of the re-enactors will attend, dressed in 1860s period clothing. The Ball will be held in Providence Hall on the Public Square at 7:30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Please call 762-7617 to order tickets.

Saturday's encampment will include Civil War era tents, cannon, muskets, and re-enactors in full military attire.
General Tom Doss stated, "Please feel free to come by our camp, bring your children, and enjoy the entire weekend."

Combining the magic of moonlight and the sweet fragance of magnolias, the Friends of Lawrenceburg will present a Gone With The Wind Ball on Friday evening, July 3rd, at Providence Hall in Lawrenceburg.

Miss Courtney Shelton, Queen of this year's Liberty Festival, will reign over the Ball along with members of her Court - Sarah Marston, Allison Staggs, Emily Ziobro, Margaret Horn, and Caitlyn Shelton. The Southern Sons Band will play period music which will include the Virginia Reel, Grand March, waltzes, and polkas. 1860s period dress is preferred, however Sunday Best or semi-formal attire will also be appropriate. Delicious hors d'oeerves will be served by Taste of the Town Restaurant.

Tickets are currently on sale for the event at the Crockett Arts Center at $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for students. Please call 762-7617 for more information

The Lawrenceburg Beautification Board and the Lawrence County Tourism Association will take time out of their usual festivities during Libertyfest on the Square this year to honor one of Lawrence County's own - a hero, soldier, entrepreneur, and leader - Colonel George Henry Nixon. Colonel Nixon's legacy is visible every day in Lawrenceburg - he was known as the "Father of the Railroad in Lawrence County", having been the President of the Columbia, Lawrenceburg, and Florence Railroad Company and very instrumental in its success.

The ceremony honoring Colonel Nixon will take place at 2:00pm on the Public Square on Saturday, July 4th. Joining in the ceremony will be the Army of Tennessee Reenactors who will be camping on the Square during the 4th of July holiday. The VFW Post 1618 Honor Guard will perform a 21 Gun Salute and Taps in honor of Colonel Nixon. A proclamation in honor of Colonel George Nixon will be read.

Gail Hughes, President of the Lawrence County Tourism Association, shared information she had gathered concerning Colonel Nixon for this ceremony, The following information is from articles which were published in "The Murray Cycle" many years ago.
Colonel George Henry Nixon had a very colorful and active career as an soldier, attorney, judge, legislator, and farmer. He was born in Hickman County on Oct. 9, 1822, but moved to Lawrence s a youth. He was admitted to the Bar, and was an active lawyer. He was married to Sarah Busby on August 18, 1842. They had six children.

When war with Mexico broke out in 1846, Nixon became a Lieutenant in the "Lawrenceburg Blues" and played a major role in the Battle of Monterrey. He was the first man on the ramparts of the fort and was slightly wounded. After the death of Captain Allen, he assumed command of the Blues.

George Nixon represented Lawrence County in the State Legislature, twice as Representative and twice as State Senator, after the war with Mexico.
During the Civil War, he served as Colonel of the 48th Tennessee Infantry Regiment. This unit saw action during a number of major battles of the war. After the war, he served two terms as Chancellor of the 9th Chancery Court.

As President of the railroad, Nixon devoted a lot of time and effort to its construction. Once, when it was discovered that the grade at Rockdale Hill was too steep, he rode a mule and led the engineers through the woods, near the creek, and staked out a route for the road. The L & N still uses this route.

Colonel George Henry Nixon died on July 4, 1887, and was buried in the Old City Cemetery on Waterloo Street in Lawrenceburg.

The Lawrenceburg Beautification Board and Lawrence County Tourism Association welcomes everyone to attend the ceremony honoring Colonel George Henry Nixon, one of our own who was so instrumental in making Lawrence County what it is today, at 2:00pm on July 4th.