June 27, 2006
Contact: Rita Mitchell, University Relations
‘Meet in the Middle of Northwest Tenessee’ theme of Tennessee Soybean Festival
MARTIN, Tenn. - Diamond Rio and 38 Special will headline the 13th Annual Tennessee Soybean Festival, Sept. 4-10, in Martin., with Diamond Rio’s first hit single, used as part of the theme, “Meet in the Middle of Northwest Tennessee.”
A varied mix of entertainment, along with a national car and truck show, pageants, barbecue cookoff and educational programs, also highlight this year’s event.
The 2006 festival will include Radio Daze in concert as the Tuesday night feature during festival week, the third annual Faith and Community Night, sponsored by the Martin Ministerial Alliance, with The Peacemakers as the Wednesday night entertainment, and the Spin Doctors (Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” and “Two Princes”) performing Thursday night.
The 38 Special concert Friday night and Diamond Rio’s performance Saturday night will cap festival musical events. All concerts will be on the main stage in downtown Martin.
Diamond Rio of “Meet in the Middle,” “One More Day” and “I Believe” fame, has had 25 Top Ten country hits and 15 top singles, including nine No. 1 songs. 38 Special’s hit songs include “Caught Up In You,” “Back Where You Belong” and “Hold on Loosely.”
Martin Mayor Randy Brundige said this year’s festival will be one of the best with top musical entertainment, activities for all ages, “one of the biggest carnivals” and continued support of sponsors. “We couldn’t do it without our sponsors,” said Brundige, at last week’s festival kickoff luncheon. “Let’s get ready to welcome people to Martin, and show them what we have.”
Big Harvester sponsors include the city of Martin, the University of Tennessee at Martin, Union City Coca-Cola Bottling Co., MTD Products Inc., Tyson Foods, Inc., First State Bank, First Citizens National Bank, Volunteer Community Hospital and Martin Area Ministerial Alliance.
Added to this year’s venue is “Meet in the Middle of Martin: A Celebration of Community Spirit,” sponsored by Sodexho Dining Services, at noon, near the main stage in downtown Martin. Those joining Sodexho for lunch will be given a ticket entitling them to dessert provided by downtown businesses.
Traditional festival events will include the Mayor’s Kickoff Luncheon and First State Bank-sponsored Soybean Festival Parade; the Soybean Farmer’s Breakfast; Union City Coca-Cola Bottling Co.-sponsored School Children’s Street Fair with Volunteer Community Hospital hosting lunch for the children; “The Price is Right” live game show, sponsored by Thunderbolt Broadcasting Co.; Rotary Club golf tournament; Kiwanis 5K run; Optimist Club bicycle rodeo; the 10th annual national car and truck show, sponsored by MTD Products Inc. and Bluegrass Productions; and the 13th annual barbecue cookoff, sponsored by Tyson Foods.
Complete festival information will be posted on the Web at www.tnsoybeanfestival.org.
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