Hey neighbors! You know Mother’s Day is this Sunday, and Momma isn’t cooking. Around here, that usually means one thing—you’d better have a plan. Several of our local restaurants will be open, which is likely your easiest option. Or you can do like we do—fire up the grill, bring something in, and keep it simple. My crew is coming down from Fentress County for the day, and I’m counting the minutes. Time together feels a little more sacred these days, and I don’t take that lightly. There are more wonderful mothers in this community than I could ever name, but you know who you are—thank you for raising such good, grounded people. And while we’re talking about folks who’ve made a lasting impact, I want to tip my hat to Eugene Parson on his retirement after 50 years with Tennessee State Parks, including so many of those years right here on the South Cumberland. He’s been that steady, friendly presence generations of visitors have come to know, and his kind of service won’t soon be forgotten.

The SCCF South Cumberland Shindig is this Thursday at The Caverns, and as always, tickets are free—you just need to sign up. Saturday morning starts early with the annual Jeff Burnette Power Cruise gathering at the Littell Partin Center at 9 a.m. for a 9:30 departure. You’ll likely see them roll through town, all polished up. Rain date is May 16. That afternoon, the rescheduled American Revival Helpers Festival runs from 1-5:30 p.m. at the Littell Partin Center, bringing together just about every organization in Grundy County with info tables, plus food, a live jam, square dancing, art exhibits, and even some Mr. Rogers Neighborhood screenings. It’s a rare chance to see just how many moving parts keep this county going, all in one place. If you’ve ever wondered who’s behind the scenes making things happen around here, this is where you’ll find them. Also on Saturday, Whimsy Willow hosts a Mother’s Day DIY Flower Bar from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Sewanee Community Center holds a Mother’s Day Pop-Up Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—both perfect if you haven’t quite figured out Mom’s gift yet. Over at The Caverns, it’s a full weekend lineup with Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country on Friday and Saturday, and Apocalyptica Plays Metallica on Sunday.

The rescheduled American Revival concert lands on May 12 at The Caverns at 7 p.m., with proceeds benefiting the Littell Partin Center. A little further out, May 23 is shaping up to be a big one, with a tentative morning ribbon cutting for the Miracle on the Mountain Play Outside Park and the Motown Throwdown lawnmower races starting at 10 a.m. at the Tracy Arena. It’s one of those days where you can make a full day of it without ever leaving the community. Then, on May 30, the St. Jude Car Show returns to Myers Hill Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., always a good afternoon of classic cars, conversation, and support for a meaningful cause.

In between the bigger moments, it’s the regular rhythm that keeps this place feeling like home. The Grundy County Heritage Center hosts jam sessions on Mondays at 1 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m., open to anyone who wants to play or just listen. Hank’s Corner trivia on Thursdays at 7 p.m. keeps its loyal crowd coming back. The Smoke House in Monteagle runs live music on Fridays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Caverns continues cave tours on the weekends, and the Mountain Goat Trail is humming with activity. If you haven’t pulled out the bike yet this year, you are missing out. The weather is perfect.

As always, shop local when you can and love your neighbors like it matters— because it does. If there’s something I should know about, send it my way: ivamichellesmith@ gmail.com