This weekend is filled with festivals, which means it’s also filled with food. In Collierville, the 12th annual Partners in Preservation Party will kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday, September 25th, at the Historic Town Square.
The event theme is “The Lizard Lounge,” so drag the bell bottoms, stack shoes, and butterfly-collar shirts out of the closet.
“It’s one of the signature events of Collierville,” says Laura Todd, executive director of Main Street Collierville. ”It’s our fund-raiser that helps us put on other events throughout the year and fund activities such as promoting and protecting our historic square.”
“Taste of the Town” booths will be set up around the square, featuring 25 area restaurants, including Yia Yia’s, Seasons at the White Church, and the Half Shell. There will also be barbecue from Corky’s and the Rendezvous, chocolates from Dinstuhl’s, and ice cream from Lickety Split.
“It will be a great party,” says Todd. “There will be a hospitality train at the depot sponsored by the Grizzlies.”
In keeping with the theme, the Gecko Brothers will perform songs by the Commodores and KC & The Sunshine Band in front of a metallic backdrop. Bubble and fog machines and disco lighting will complete the mood.
In Confederate Park, tables will be set for 10, costing $40 per person, which will cover three beverage tickets and food from the booths.
To reserve a table or purchase advance tickets, call 853-1666.
In Midtown, Evergreen Presbyterian Church will celebrate all things Scottish with its fund-raiser, Clanjamfry, on September 24th through 26th.
The three-day festival will feature an invitation-only dinner on Friday. A live performance Friday and activities Saturday and Sunday will be open to the public.
Friday, from 8 to 10 p.m., Ceilidh, a traditional Scottish dance and music, will be held at the McCallum Ballroom at Rhodes College.
Saturday kicks off with a 5K run (or walk) through Overton Park. The Scottish Faire will open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the lawn of the church at 613 University, across from Rhodes College.
“The faire will feature Scottish foods, vendors selling crafts, a children’s area with games, clan booths, and music,” says volunteer David Canon.
In addition to American foods like hamburgers and hot dogs, traditional Scottish food, such as Scots pie (a meat pastry), shortbread, and haggis will be served in the food tent.
“Haggis is a sausage traditionally cooked in a sheep’s intestine. The ones we have will not be cooked in that way,” says Canon.
The festival began in 1999 to celebrate the history of the Presbyterian Church, which originated in Scotland in 1560.
The sound of bagpipes will set the mood during the day, and an evening concert will be presented in cooperation with the Mid-South Celtic Arts Alliance. Calasaig from Scotland will perform in the church sanctuary at 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets for this event are $20 per person.
On Sunday a church service called the “Kirkin of the Tartans” a blessing of tartans will be open to visitors at 10:55 a.m. A Southern-style potluck dinner will be served on the lawn afterward. This dinner is free for those who attend the service.
“There will be plenty to eat so visitors don’t have to worry about bringing anything,” Canon says.
Proceeds from the weekend’s festivities support the Recreation Outreach Ministry of the church to fund after-school programs, tutoring, and athletic activities for youth.
Admission Saturday is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students and military personnel with ID, and free for children under age 5.
For more information, contact the church at 274-3740.
Bluefin Edge Cuisine and Sushi lounge is coming to Peabody Place and will be located in the former site of Prime Minister’s. Though initial reports slated the restaurant to open in September, according to Sekisui founder, Jimmy Ishii, Bluefin will open its doors in November. •
