Sunday, December 14, 2014

‘Fall Harvest Hayride’ Celebrates Fall in Murfreesboro

By Tia Ellison


      MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- The Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department invited people of all ages to participate in fun-filled activities on Nov. 14 at the General Bragg Trailhead, located off West College Street in Murfreesboro.
     This event, called the "Fall Harvest Hayride", has been a 16-year tradition of the Greenway. Each year, the city offers live music as celebrants toast marshmallows and eat s’mores with loved ones around a campfire. A hayride is also there to enjoy with the whole family. Visitors didn't have to wait long in the cold. Two tractors were available to pull the hay-filled trailers. The Friends of the Greenway sponsored the event and also provided the live music.
     The music was performed around the campfire by Nashville singer-songwriter Ryan Bizarri. He is an inspirational family friendly musician with small-town roots in tiny Coal Valley, Ill. Bizarri recently co-wrote the song “Eat, Sleep, Love You, Repeat” for country star Rodney Adkins. The previous year, Bizzari performed on stage, but due to the cold weather, he decided to change the atmosphere. His performance around the campfire gave off a laid back, festive vibe.
      The "Fall Harvest Ride" is a popular way to celebrate the fall season, according to Greenway Program Coordinator Melinda Tate, who has been part of the Greenway for three years.
     “It’s a low-key event for people to come and go as they please," Tate said. "We provide this for the community each year just come out to relax and enjoy.”
     The Murfreesboro Greenway System consists of Stones River and Lytle Creek trials. It connects historical sites, parks, neighborhoods and businesses. Five miles of riverside trails are open for bicycling, running or even walking a dog. Everyone can enjoy the Greenway from daylight until a half hour before sunset each day of the year. The Greenway hosts several events year-round such as art festivals, live concerts, and boat days. The Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation is also offering "Christmas lights at Cannonsburgh Village", which can be seen after dark at the village located at 312 S. Front St.



     Reporter's Note: Do you want to get involved in the community? Grab a group of friends and volunteer to keep the Greenway clean. America spends approximately $11.5 billion dollars a year to clean up litter. If more people volunteered to clean up the community, that cost would drop substantially. Middle Tennessee hosts around 21,000 undergraduate college students, which will increase the amount of litter in the community. According to national study, most people who would deliberately litter are those between 18 and 34 years old. It’s time to start a revolution to end littering, to properly dispose of trash, and educate people on the benefits of recycling.
     For more information on the Greenway, Ryan Bizarri, or facts about littering visit the websites, visit www.facebook.com/MurfGreenway, www.ryanbizarri.com, and www.litteritcostsyou.org/9-interesting-facts-and-statistics-about-littering/.
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