Gather: January 2018

 

Generally speaking, January is known as the reject-event month following the glitz and glam of the holiday season, but we're determined to make the most of it, especially with our new year's resolutions fresh on our minds. Here are five events we're especially excited so that our January is full of meaning and fun, but make sure to check out our full community calendar here.


Enjoy: Dinner & a show
Murder at the Museum Dinner Theatre

Date: Saturday, January 20
Time: 6:30pm
Location: St. Mary's Catholic Church (1665 Highway 45 Bypass)
Cost: $30 ($50 for two)

It's not every day that you find a local murder mystery dinner theatre in West Tennessee, and this one is created completely by the Jackson Youth Acting Academy! This show (performed at St. Mary's Holy Family Hall) is set in 1935 Egypt, and the proceeds go to sending the young actors to an intensive camp in NYC. Make sure to get your tickets before they sell out!


Endorse: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
Black Tie & Boxing

Date: Saturday, January 6
Time: 7:30pm - 11:00pm
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center (400 South Highland Avenue)
Cost: $25

If you're a sucker for boxing, don't miss this opportunity to get an up-close view at the second annual Black Tie & Boxing event hosted by West Tennessee Healthcare. Enjoy getting dressed up for dinner and cocktails while watching kickboxing/MMA matches in the transformed civic center. We are excited for this unique and fun way to support research for type 1 diabetes!


Explore: All that West Tennessee has to offer brides
2018 Jackson Bridal Show

Date: Sunday, January 14
Time: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center (400 South Highland Avenue)
Cost: $3 at the door

If you're a bride-to-be, event planner, or simply a lover of all things wedding-related, make sure to be at the largest bridal show in West Tennessee right here in Jackson! Not only will there be dozens of vendors and resources for photography, venues, music, and more; there will also be an unforgettable fashion show as well as giveaways and refreshments.


Exercise: Your body & mind in the midst of winter blues
Half-Price Admission to The Discovery Park of America

Date: Tuesday, January 16 - Wednesday, January 31
Time: Tuesdays through Sundays, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Discovery Park of America (830 Everett Boulevard, Union City)
Cost: $7.50 for adults (ages 13+, normally $14.95); $6.00 for children (ages 4-12, normally $11.95); $6.50 for seniors (ages 65+, normally $12.95)

If you've been looking for an excuse to visit the Discovery Park of America (and get your restless kiddos out of the house in this crazy cold weather), take a road trip to Union City during the last two weeks of January. Beyond exploring their already-awesome grounds, you'll also get a chance to visit their brand-new exhibition, Nature's Ninjas; plus, make sure to check out other events during that time frame, such as Homeschool Day, the Cork & Fork Wine Pairing Dinner, the Family Education Series, and more.

Read more about the Discovery Park of America in Vol. 2, Issue 1: Discovery and on our blog.


Experience: Jackson's largest light display
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland

Date: Runs through Sunday, January 7
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: The Ballpark at Jackson (4 Fun Place)
Cost: $25 per vehicle ($40 for buses)

Christmas may be gone, but let's keep the holiday spirit for just one more week! If you haven't been to see Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland at the Ballpark, you're missing out. Not only are the lights synchronized to local radio as you drive through, they're also 100% energy efficient, making this a surprisingly environmentally friendly show. Catch it before Sunday, January 7!


Originally from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Katie Howerton moved to Jackson in 2011 to study Graphic Design and Drawing at Union University. She discovered Our Jackson Home in January 2015 and used it as a guinea pig for her senior design project, creating the first issue of Our Jackson Home: The Magazine. After graduating she was given leadership over Our Jackson Home at theCO, where she now runs the blog, designs the magazine, and coordinates events. She and her husband Jordan live in Midtown and are active members of City Fellowship Baptist Church.