Besides cleaning, springtime trumpets a wave of events in Williamson County. Arrington Vineyards will kick off spring with its free fourth annual spring break party 4-8 p.m. Saturday.

“We like to steam it up and welcome the wonderful weather with a spring break party,” said Christel Foley, vice president of the vineyard. “We’re the most affordable good time in Tennessee.”

Calypso band Deep Grooves will play for about 2,000 expected visitors to the vineyards, which were founded in 2005 by country music star Kix Brooks, businessman Fred Mindermann and winemaker Kip Summers.

Music will start at 4 p.m., but partygoers can come as soon as the vineyard opens at 11 a.m. to set up blankets and picnics. The vineyard sells cheese and crackers. The only things participants may not bring to Arrington Vineyards are pets or their own alcohol.

“It’s become such a wonderful thing for people in these economic times, whether you like wine or not,” Foley said. “It’s free. And it’s about the rolling hills, the music, being in a totally different environment.”

SPRING BREAK PARTY

What: Live music with Calypso band Deep Grooves. Patrons are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and chairs.

When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Arrington Vineyards, 6211 Patton Road, Arrington

Why: It’s spring!

Cost: Free

More details: 615-395-0102 or www.arringtonvineyards.com

MUSIC IN THE VINES AT ARRINGTON VINEYARDS

What: The concerts feature jazz musicians (no vocals). Patrons are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and chairs. Simply Living Life caterers will sell food for those who don’t bring supplies but still want to eat.

When: Saturdays in April and
Fridays-Sundays in May through November. The vineyard will stay open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays.

Where: Arrington Vineyards, 6211 Patton Road, Arrington

Why: To showcase bands and the wine of Arrington Vineyards

Cost: Free

More details: 615-395-0102 or www.arringtonvineyards.com

MAIN STREET FESTIVAL

What: 200 artisans and crafters, four stages, two carnivals and two food courts will fill downtown Franklin.

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
April 30-May 1

Why: The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County and its division, the Downtown Franklin Association, produce the festival, which draws about 100,000 people. Proceeds are used to preserve the architectural, geographic and cultural heritage of Franklin and Williamson County and to promote downtown businesses.

Cost: Free

More details: 615-591-8500 or www.historicfranklin.com

BLOOM ‘N’ GARDEN EXPO

What: Shop among 120 vendors, learn from professionals and ogle 10 big show gardens.

When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 8-9 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 10

Where: Ag Expo Park, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin

Why: Inspiration and instruction for casual and serious gardeners.

Cost: $8, free for ages 11 and younger

What’s new: New at the eighth annual garden and outdoor expo, which is organized by volunteers from the Williamson County Master Gardeners Association, will be “potting parties.” For a $25 fee, participants will get all the materials and guidance to make a container garden to take home.

More details:
http://bloomngarden.com

A VINTAGE AFFAIR

What: Four wine-centered events that, during the course of three days, raise money for local nonprofit organizations that support the well-being of women and children in Williamson County.

The events: The casual Vintage Champagne & Vintage Country Music event will be 6-9 p.m. April 13 at Green’s Grocery in Leiper’s Fork. The black-tie optional Meet the Vintner event will be 6-9 p.m. April 14 at Boxwood Bistro. The Sommelier Preview Party is set for 5:30-7 p.m. April 15 at Jamison Hall at The Factory at Franklin. The Main Event, also business casual, will immediately follow the preview party and run until 10:30 p.m.

When: The four events will be April 13-15.

Where: Events are in Green’s Grocery, Leiper’s Fork; Boxwood Bistro in Franklin and Jamison Hall at The Factory at Franklin

Why: Beneficiaries this year include the neonatal intensive care unit at Williamson Medical Center, to which A Vintage Affair has given $500,000 during its 11 years. It also will give to Mercy Children’s Clinic, My Friend’s House and the Williamson County Library Foundation. Also two O’More College of Design students who help with A Vintage Affair will earn half-tuition scholarships.

More details: http://avintageaffair.org

A Vintage Affair presented "A Fashion Affair", a special runway tribute to Johnny and June Carter Cash on Saturday January 29th at The Factory in Franklin. Since 2001, A Vintage Affair has contributed nearly one million dollars to deserving non-profit organizations in the area. The featured designer of the runway show was Manuel, and the evening was supported by Stephanie Williams from Dan Talent Group with her models. Musicians included Nashville’s Calico Trail, and Constant Craving supplied fantastic food. Other sponsors included The Premiere Event, Salon Capelli,O’More College of Design and others.

100 Reasons to LOVE Nashville

A Vintage Affair offers a host desirable vintages to sample. Each April, a multi day/night roster of events brings vintners and supporters together, and it’s become so popular that the organization spear-headed by Ralph Drury has branched out to include A Fashion Affair and The Grape Stomp at Animalia. .
Walking the line: Fashion Affair shows many sides of Cash fashion styles

As models moved down the runway Saturday at “CASH: A Fashion Affair,” John Carter Cash and his wife Laura were all smiles as they saw fashion pieces representing his parents, the late June Carter and Johnny Cash, move down the runway.

Mindy Tate
Laura and John Carter Cash prepare to watch the runway show Jan. 29 at CASH: A Fashion Affair, which honored the fashion legacy of his parents, the late June Carter and Johnny Cash.

Saturday’s event, staged as part of the slate of activities of A Vintage Affair, drew a packed house to The Factory at Franklin to see DAN Talent Group models strut their stuff in black catsuits accented by pieces of bedwear and streetwear belonging to Mrs. Cash, as well as hats and furs.

The male models, carrying Bibles, showed the work of Manuel, one of the “Man in Black’s” favorite designers and a Nashville icon.

A Vintage Affair’s mission is to provide significant financial contributions to various non-profit organizations in Williamson County whose services benefit the community at large. All funds raised are designated for programs that support the well-being of women and children in need. To date, A Vintage Affair has contributed nearly a million dollars. A Vintage Affair will be held April 13-15. To learn more, visit www.avintageaffair.org.

The 2011 beneficiaries include the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Williamson Medical Center, Mercy Children’s Clinic, My Friend’s House, the Williamson County Library Foundation and the A Vintage Affair Fellowship at O’More College of Design. ]]> http://www.avintageaffair.org/walking-the-line-fashion-affair-shows-many-sides-of-cash-fashion-styles/feed/ 0 http://www.avintageaffair.org/a-vintage-affair-teams-with-o%e2%80%99more-on-second-annual-fellowship/ http://www.avintageaffair.org/a-vintage-affair-teams-with-o%e2%80%99more-on-second-annual-fellowship/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 02:21:57 +0000 avaadmin http://www.avintageaffair.org.php5-20.dfw1-2.websitetestlink.com/?p=33 Continue reading →]]> Two O’More Students Receive Scholarships, Will Work With AVA on Projects

FRANKLIN – A Vintage Affair, the Williamson County-based non-profit organization that supports charity programs through a series of fund-raising events, has again partnered with O’More College of Design to provide fellowship awards for two O’More students.

Senior fashion design student Shima Mojouni of Esfahan, Iran, and junior visual communications major Bianca Blue of Franklin have been selected to receive semester scholarships in exchange for their work in planning and executing AVA events throughout the year.

“We were given a highly qualified group from which to select the two recipients, and we have been thrilled with the results,” said Ashley W. Roberts, managing director of A Vintage Affair. “Through last year’s program, we really saw what a resource we had right here in our community, and through the fellowship we are able to assist talented students with their tuition expenses. It makes great sense for two local non-profits to partner in a way that helps everyone involved.”

The fellowship is a semester scholarship. Recipients must meet certain criteria and are required to complete a designated amount of volunteer hours with AVA.

“For the students, it’s a bit of an apprenticeship,” said Dr. Mark Hilliard, president of O’More College of Design. “They have an opportunity to put into practice, in a professional setting, the skills they’ve learned at O’More.”

Mojouni, who was awarded the fellowship for a second time in 2010, interned in New York City this summer with custom clothier Jussara Lee. Her work with AVA is centered on A Fashion Affair, which will be held on Saturday, January 29th at The Factory. This year’s A Fashion Affair will feature a runway show of vintage clothing worn by celebrities, including June Carter Cash’s hat collection.

“The people involved with AVA have become like a family to me,” she said. “They’ve welcomed me from the first moment and have helped me grow professionally. It’s great to see how much they give back to the community and to be involved in their mission while continuing my education as a fashion designer. I wouldn’t have been able to complete my degree without this fellowship.”

Blue worked with AVA on the Grape Stomp event held in October, designing the logo and all collateral materials while also helping with the event planning and production.

“The inaugural Grape Stomp event was not only a great portfolio project, but I also gained so much experience in working with clients and developing professional relationships,” Blue said. “I am very appreciative of the opportunity they have provided.”

About A Vintage Affair
A Vintage Affair is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that is dedicated to raising money for Williamson County charities that benefit women and children in need. AVA hosts various events throughout the year in order to fulfill the goal of fundraising for the community. Since its inception in 2001, AVA has contributed nearly a million dollars to local non-profit organizations.

About O’More College of Design
O’More College of Design is a four-year, post-secondary institution offering bachelor of fine arts degrees in interior design, fashion design and visual communications.
The College is located in the historic district of Franklin, Tenn. To learn more, visit their Web site at www.omorecollege.edu.
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