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MURFREESBORO – Members of Murfreesboro’s recreation committee attended the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18 to share their vision for a proposed upcoming event.

James Futrell, representing the committee, made the presentation about “First Friday,” a proposed monthly event running from April through July. The family-friendly event would be held from 6-10 p.m. on the first Friday of the month in the same general area where the Watermelon Festival is held (at the Murfree Center on Broad Street and on the grounds at Hertford Academy across the street).

Futrell explained that their plans are to include a DJ, a cornhole tournament, line dancing, field day games for the kids, bingo (inside the Murfree Center), educational vendors, food vendors, and more.

He also stated that they hoped to have teenagers volunteer to help out as well, particularly as a way for them to earn their required public service hours for school.

“We’re just trying to come together to figure out what we can do to get our kids out. We want to see kids outside. We want to see our citizens out and about,” Futrell said. “We believe Murfreesboro has the potential to be the best small town.”

“It’s geared towards being a family night,” added council member Berna Stephens, who serves as the town’s recreation commissioner. “Also, this will open the town up so the citizens can really see what’s here.”

Stephens emphasized that children should be accompanied by an adult when attending the event, and there will be something fun to do for people of all ages.

Mayor Hal Thomas asked if they planned to have alcohol at the event, and Futrell answered no. Council member James Byerly asked if they planned to charge admission, and again Futrell answered no, but he did explain that there would be a fee for some events, such as the cornhole tournament.

Police Chief David Griffith asked if the department would be needed to block traffic or maintain road closures. Futrell said they’re currently working on making arrangements with other law enforcement and security agencies so that there will be more manpower available to put less strain on the police department.

Council member Jay Revelle asked if they needed liability insurance. Town Attorney Cecelia Jones said she would look into that, and they can iron out the details before the first planned event takes place.

“It sounds like something really positive for the area,” Jones added.

The council did not take a formal vote, but the mayor did ask for a consensus from the group for the recreation committee to move forward. The council was unanimously in favor by those in attendance. Council member Mike Bunch was unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting.

During council remarks at the end of the meeting, Stephens and Craig Dennis both thanked the recreation committee for organizing the community event.

“I think this First Friday is going to be a good event,” said Dennis.