There’s a long-running Reddit thread challenging users to "Ruin a Band’s Name by Dropping One Letter." Among the best entries are Pubic Enemy, Panera, The Grateful Dad and the increasingly appropriate Oldplay. Another winner was Pear Jam, which as it turns out is the title of an upcoming celebration at Mill Ridge Park in Antioch.
Pear Jam is a free festival on Saturday, Sept. 28, celebrating the one-year anniversary of the park’s opening. Organized by the Friends of Mill Ridge Park, the event is inspired by the natural opportunities and agricultural history of the 622-acre park. There will be live music from local performers, dancing, food from local vendors and food trucks, a cooking demo courtesy of the next-generation students at Nashville State Community College, yoga, sound bathing, arts and crafts, park games and giveaways. There will also be lots of kites to kick off the semiannual Kite Fest at Mill Ridge Park.
Among the Pear Jam merch available for purchase will be honest-to-goodness pear jam, made from scratch and packaged in 8-ounce jars. "We are excited to bring the community together for a flavorful, fun day," says Friends of Mill Ridge Park executive director Darrell Hawks in an official announcement. "Pear Jam is not just about enjoying great food and entertainment at our favorite park, but it’s also about celebrating our vibrant, diverse community. At Pear Jam, we look forward to making memories and creating a tradition of togetherness at Mill Ridge Park, and we invite everyone to join us!”
In another upcoming niche food event, the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery invites you to its Chicken + Caviar Dinner at the winery on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Your $125 ticket entitles you to a cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres and wine pairings followed by a three-course family-style dinner with beverage pairings courtesy of the portfolio at Belle Meade. Belle Meade has reached out to its neighbors at Waldo’s Chicken and Beer to handle frying the birds, which will be served with caviar and seasonal sides.
Nashville singer-songwriter Carter Windham will entertain at the event, and proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Grab your spot at the table at the event website before all the tickets fly the coop.
[Update 10/1/24 Organizers have reached out to say that the Chicken + Caviar event has been postponed, although no specific date has been announced yet. If a new date is decided on, we'll be sure to share it with you.]
