I Am Jackson: Janet Silver
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I AM JACKSON because…
I am Jackson because I have aimed to improve both myself and the West Tennessee community.
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I Am Jackson: Stan Harris
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I AM JACKSON because…
Jackson is my home and always has been. I was born here. My parents and all of my grandparents are buried here. I spent my formative years here, my professional career here, and now my retirement years here. Jackson has changed so much and it has changed for the better. Many people choose to relocate to Jackson because of everything it has to offer. I consider myself fortunate to have been born here, and I firmly believe that Jackson’s best days are still ahead.
Read MoreJackson International Food & Art Festival 2024
/Jackson International Food & Art Festival 2024
Story by Chelsea-Catherine Croom, Photography by Lindsay Kilburn & Hannah Gore
The 10th annual International Food and Arts Festival was held on Saturday, September 21 at the Jackson Fairgounds.
The Jackson International Food and Arts Festival was born from a series of community meetings organized by Mayor Jerry Gist in 2013. Two community representatives in particular, Dr. Sandra Dee and Eduardo Morales, thought that it would be beneficial for Jackson’s foreign-born citizens to share their history, art, and culture with their fellow Jacksonians. Dr. Dee and Mr. Morales agreed to co-chair the event and began recruiting like-minded community members to help organize, fund, and host an international party in Jackson!
The festival’s mission is to spread cultural awareness, promote cross-cultural engagement, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of residents throughout West Tennessee. Food and art are important themes present in all cultures, countries, and religions, and the festival serves as a place for all cultures to share their cuisine, art, and traditional performances in Jackson. The JIFAF aims to remind the community that despite differences in appearance, how we worship, or where we come from, there is far more that unites us than divides us.
The event was a huge success yet again, and the most memorable moments for the attendees were the delicious smells of the different foods, the ever-popular Parade of Cultures, and the performances.
I Am Jackson: James Salter
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I AM JACKSON because…
After living for the last 21 years and being in business for the last 20 years I’m proud to run Jackson’s version of “Cheers,” where everyone knows your name and genuinely cares. I firmly believe in the trajectory of our town, and the opportunity that Jackson offers is rare -- to be on the cusp of extraordinary growth and opportunity. I’m proud to be a Jacksonian and rabid Rams fan.
Read MoreI Am Jackson: Bill Hodges
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I AM JACKSON because…
Jackson is a representation of who I want to be. It is a city that opens its doors to people from other places and embraces them as one of their own. I hope that is how I have lived my life. No matter where I am, the people and the experience make or break the deal. I am a product of my family, and I hope to maintain the small-town feel that I experienced all those years ago when I stepped onto the campus of Lambuth University.
Read MoreFirst Friday Art Walk
/First Friday Art Walk June 2024
Story & Photography by Molly Warren
On a beautiful Friday afternoon, June 7 the Jackson Arts Council held its third “Art Walk” of the season. Artist members set up their amazing work at the storefronts of local businesses in the Jackson Walk Plaza area and nearby areas of the AMP in Downtown Jackson. A wide variety of creative art was available for sale including jewelry, unique paintings, apparel, and stickers. Participants also enjoyed live music and delicious food from several food trucks on site.
The Jackson Arts Council will continue to host these First Friday Walks from 5 to 7 p.m. through the month of November. Artists of all skill levels and ages are welcome to become artist members to participate. For more information go to 731arts.com.
I Am Jackson: Dr. Jackie Taylor
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I AM JACKSON because…
I am a product of the genuinely kind people who live here. Jackson has given me the opportunity to practice medicine that I never imagined possible. Hopefully I am making a positive impact on a community that I love.
Read MoreLathan Warlick Concert
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In this one unique location, mountains meet music…art meets adventure...culture meets cuisine…and no one meets a stranger. The walkability of downtown allows people to explore and discover vibrant murals, local music, historic sites, art museums, parks, greenways and more. With its sophisticated mix of culture and cuisine, experience a destination served up with genuine hospitality.
Read MoreSymphony on the Move
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On Sunday night, May 19 The Jackson Symphony continued the popular Symphony on the Move concerts in the lovely Vann Gardens neighborhood. Many gathered on the lawn to listen to the beautiful music by members of the Jackson Symphony.
Read MoreI Am Jackson: Brooks Shaw
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I AM JACKSON because…
Other Jacksonians in my generation and I are a bridge: remembering what we loved about growing up in this town and helping transform it into a place our kids and grandkids will be proud of. I am part of the Jackson that was, the Jackson that is now, and the Jackson we will create together.
Read MoreHeaven’s Cradle Twilight Run
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On June 6 hundreds of participants gathered at the Farmers’ Market in downtown Jackson for the Heaven’s Cradle Twilight Run and Downtown Rendezvous. The Twilight Run is a special occasion to honor and remember the children of bereaved families and is Heaven’s Cradle’s largest fundraiser.
Read MoreI Am Jackson: Tina Prescott
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I AM JACKSON because…
I AM JACKSON because… I believe in Jackson and the surrounding area, and I am excited to see continued growth in our community. I am blessed to be in a professional role that allows me to not only enjoy living in this community, but also to serve in ways to help improve it. To see Jackson and the surrounding areas thrive throughout the years, and to help make sure this growth and development continues is a beautiful thing!
Read MoreFirst Ladies’ Luncheon
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The First Ladies Luncheon was held Thursday, April 18, at the Jackson Fairgrounds. The event, presented by United Way of West Tennessee, has become a favorite tradition in Jackson and West Tennessee. Table sponsors had the opportunity to create unique tablescapes.
Read MoreScarlet Rope Project Crawfest
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On Saturday, April 20 the 7th annual Crawfest benefitting Scarlet Rope Project was held at Hub City Brewing in downtown Jackson from 3 - 6 pm. Attendees at the packed event enjoyed amazing crawfish, shrimp, and sides along with great drinks and mingling.
Read MoreI Am Jackson: Darren Lykes
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I AM JACKSON because…
I AM JACKSON because this is where I’ve made my home, my business, and where I’ve invested my time in doing the work to promote positive change. I AM JACKSON because anytime I travel I make it a point to talk about Jackson and how much I love it here. I sometimes feel like an ambassador of Jackson! Maybe I am?
Read MoreLights Camera Fashion
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My Best Friend Jenna hosted the annual Lights, Camera, Fashion show on February 15 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Lights, Camera, Fashion, better known as LCF, is a highly anticipated fashion show and fundraiser enjoyed by spectators from Jackson and beyond each year.
Read MoreThe Crystal Ball
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The Jackson Symphony League hosted the 22nd Annual Crystal Ball at the Carl Perkins Civic Center on January 27. The evening was presented by Roberts Jewelers and featured dinner, drinks, and a spectacular live and silent auction. Guests, dressed in evening attire, could also enjoy dancing and music performed by Nashville’s Number-One Party Band.
Read MoreI Am Jackson: Darlette Samuels
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I AM JACKSON because…
I AM JACKSON because the majority of my adult life has been in this city. I have enjoyed working with and celebrating the students at Lane College. I enjoy the people, culture, and atmosphere which has been the place for me to marry, raise a family, and see the fruits of my labor while residing in Jackson. I AM JACKSON because I am committed to the community. Jackson has allowed me to serve on several boards, assist with pageants, and be gainfully employed. I believe in Jackson because Jackson first believed in me.
Read MoreI Am Jackson: Jenna King
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I AM JACKSON because…
I am passionate about philanthropy, scholarship, and giving back to the community that has supported me. Jackson is loving, kind, generous, and caring. The people of Jackson give their time, their God-given talents, resources, money, and love. They pray for others, not only for personal friends, but for complete strangers. Jacksonians are always lending a helping hand. They encourage our youth by saying yes when they are asked to support their schools, their sports teams, their educational trips, and their fundraisers. I know of no other town Jackson’s size that has as many fundraisers going on simultaneously as my town does.
Read MoreNot-So-Secret Family Recipes & Holiday Hosting
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We have enjoyed sharing our family recipes with you over the past few months, but December brings another layer. This time of year is full of events to attend and host, and the latter can be a bit overwhelming if you don't take it in stride. Let us help you! Greg and Allycin are excellent hosts, and do so often. I would trust any tips they have to give, and they recently hosted a Christmas dinner for some of their closest friends and let us take you along virtually. Get your markers ready to circle and note all of the things you'll want to try out at your own holiday soirée! We can't wait to hear how your dishes turn out and we'd love to know if you discover tips of your own! Share them with us on instagram @vipjacksonmagazine.
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