Regular Events For Fun and Entertainment
For a small community, we do "large" entertainment! There is never a dull moment here in our city. Music is in our blood. The Grinders Switch Hour provides a free concert for a live audience each Saturday morning. The annual Banana Pudding Festival has become a major event with thousands of visitors. The Town Square is a hub of activity, hosting local events and shows by the Arts and Crafts Guild and others.
Naturally, we have an annual Christmas Parade with lots of vehicles, horses, floats, motorcycles, tractors, and our little train run by the Volunteer Fire Department. We also eagerly accept responsibility for starting Halloween Parades in other cities nationwide. It was our idea, and we've been having fun with it for years. You have to see and hear it to believe it. It's that great.
Annual Events
Fourth of July Fireworks
Fourth of July Fireworks
Celebrate the 4th of July with us at our River Park. With musical entertainment, local food vendors, and a massive fireworks show, there is fun for all. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and stay a while!
Banana Pudding Festival
You should reserve the first weekend in October each year to attend the annual National Banana Pudding Festival at the Hickman County Ag Pavilion at the fairgrounds. Award-winning banana pudding will be prepared on-site and judged. A 10-participant "Puddin Path" is available to try special recipes prepared by non-profit organizations. You can even vote for your favorite! Music and food vendors will be here all weekend. It is a must-attend event. https://www.facebook.com/bananapuddingfest
Annual Quilt Guild Quilt Show
The Annual Hickman County Quilt Guild Show is a showcase of folk art. See a magnificent display of quilts from local artists. This show runs concurrently with the Banana Pudding Festival.
The Grinders Switch Hour
Annual Halloween Parade
Around 2005, the Hickman County Tourism Association created a simple Halloween event featuring a few houses that were really into the theme. After a bit of publicity, the street filled with people—children and adults alike—dressed in Halloween gear. With police roping off the street for people to take the short tour route, a few vendors provided kettle-popped caramel corn and chili. People talked and laughed behind their masks. The sense of community grew stronger as people let their guards down and let friendships reign.
Overwhelming Interest
The event grew more robust each following year, and the Chamber of Commerce became the primary sponsor. More vendors were added, and the radio station WNKX broadcast the event. Children entered contests for the best outfit. The county mayor played spooky music over loudspeakers on the Old Courthouse. A vendor offered carriage rides. Even McDonald Funeral Home got into the spirit when there wasn't a body in the building—just a well-decorated fake one.
The Parade Formed Around 2010
The event grew into a highly successful Halloween Parade that annually draws thousands to Centerville's streets and town square. Imaginations went full-bore into creating spooky floats and wild costumes. Generally, the weather is warm as children scoop up pounds of candy thrown by riders on the floats.
Farmers' Market at River Park
The Farmers Market in Centerville at River Park is more than just a place to shop. It's a convenient hub for high-quality, locally-grown vegetables, meat, and handcrafted products. You can support local farmers and artisans while enjoying fresh, sustainable goods.
Hours of Operation
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday, May - September
If You're Looking to Buy
Come, shop, and buy under our convenient pavilion. There are lots of parking spaces with restroom facilities. If you are looking for a specific item to buy (for example, if you are replacing items you typically get at a big box store), post your needs in the group.
If You Have Items To Sell
If you want to be a vendor, message the group through its Facebook page. After you join the group, you are welcome to post your products. As a member of this group, you can network with your neighboring communities to source local products.
About the Farm-to-Table Market
The farm-to-table market is an extension of the Homesteaders of Middle Tennessee family of Facebook groups, created to promote and support local farming and self-sufficiency. It's open to farmers, small business owners, and consumers who share these values and are committed to shopping local.