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By David Walsh

PHOTO: The stage that will see the likes of the band Carrollton perform on Saturday during the Whole Hog Festival. / Photo courtesy of the Well Outreach

By ALEXANDER WILLIS

Spring Hill’s largest festival of the year – the Whole Hog Festival – is set to kick off this Saturday, and with that day’s weather forecast to be clear and sunny, things couldn’t have turned out better. At the festival, residents will get the chance to try endless amounts of pork products, enjoy live music, and participate in a litany of different games and activities, including the chance to see Spring Hill’s elected officials get soaked in a dunk tank.

Beyond the festival, the 11th annual Grey Ghost 5k is set for Saturday morning, with the race accepting registration up until the day of the race.

John Maher Builders’ Whole Hog Festival

Where: Tennessee Children’s Home, 804 Branham Hughes Circle

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Music will fill the air from morning until night on Saturday, Oct. 5, when John Maher Builders’ Whole Hog Festival comes to the 107-acre Tennessee Children’s Home campus in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the admission cost is $5 per person, with children 10 and under free. Nine different musical acts of national and regional stature will take the main stage at the festival, sharing sounds that range from country to Americana to Christian music to rock.

In addition to a day full of music, John Maher Builders’ Whole Hog Festival will feature:

  • Food – 20 food vendors will be on hand, with many serving various kinds of pork-based foods, including barbecue, ribs, brisket, sausage on a stick, gourmet bacon, country ham, hot dogs and pork rinds. Martin’s Barbecue is donating a whole hog to the festival as a food contribution.
  • Arts and Crafts – Local artisans will have jewelry, clothing, accessories and home décor for sale.
  • Kids Zone – For children of all ages, there will be attractions including a petting zoo, photo opportunities with pigs, circus performers, jugglers, stilt walkers, balloon artists and opportunities to “Touch the Truck” with vehicles on site for kids to check out.
  • Whole Hog Extras – Who doesn’t love a hog-calling contest? Presiding over the calling festivities will be Mayor Rick Graham of Spring Hill and Mayor Andy Ogles of Maury County. There will also be a “guess the weight of the hog” contest and a dunking booth.
  • Fireworks – The festival will conclude with a major fireworks display at 7 p.m.

Grey Ghost 5k

Where: Oaklawn Plantation, 3331 Denning Lane

When: Saturday, 7 a.m.

The Grey Ghost 5k, which will see participants run just over three miles near the historic Oaklawn Plantation off of Kedron Road, is set and ready to kick off this Saturday, with spots still open for registration.

Registration for the 5k is $30, and $10 for both the Goblin Gallop 1k and 1/2k. Would-be participants can register online by clicking here. Participants can pick up their racing packets early on Friday from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at TriStar Bank of Spring Hill, with the first 400 pickups receiving some free pizza from Papa John’s. TriStar Bank is located at 4930 Main St.

Beyond the 5k, 1k and 1/2k races, there will also be a Kids Zone for the little ones. Provided by Thompson’s Station Church, the Kids Zone will feature inflatables and carnival-style games such as Turkey Shoot and ring toss.

Touch-A-Truck

Where: Thompson Station Church, 2608 Thompson’s Station Road

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Featuring three helicopters, rescue vehicles and plenty of live entertainment, the free event will allow children to climb on and in all sorts of large vehicles.

The event will feature live interactive performances courtesy of Dreams Do Come True and Mr. Bond’s Science Guys, where kids can get hands on with science demonstrations, as well as meet their favorite Disney princesses. Prizes will also be awarded during the event by way of raffle ticket purchases, with some of the prizes being a premium pass to Williamson County recreation centers, an electric children’s sized motor vehicle, and passes to Franklin Family Entertainment Center.

Food trucks will also be featured at the event, as well as an Activity Zone for the kids with activities like rock painting and yard games. For details, visit the Williamson County Parks and Recreation website by clicking here.

Mahjong at the Library

Where: Spring Hill Public Library, 144 Kedron Parkway

When: Friday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Springing from China in the mid 19th century, Mahjong is one of the most popular games in Asia, and is the single most popular table game in Japan, with an estimated 7.6 million players in Japan alone. Those interested in learning how to play (or who have already mastered and want to play other skilled players) are encouraged to visit the Spring Hill Library on Friday, where experts will break down the rules and instructions. Admission is free, though participants may want to bring with them their thinking caps.