Whites Creek, TN (September 21, 2011)… A little known part of Middle Tennessee History will come alive at the James Gang Festival and Shootout in historic Whites Creek on Saturday, October 2nd from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.
It will be a dramatized shootout on the exact site where, almost 130 years ago to the day, a James Gang member was captured, forcing Jesse and Frank James to flee the Nashville area and thus end the James Gang era in Tennessee. Shootouts & reenactments are scheduled at 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM.
“Jesse James and his gang were very active in the Whites Creek area,” said John Grimes, proprietor of The James Gang Company’s …”Not so general, general store & Saloon Café,” where all the excitement took place so long ago. “And that’s just part of the rich history of the Whites Creek community that few residents of Nashville and the surrounding area know about.”
The James Gang Company’s building was constructed in 1874, and is now listed as an historical site on the Tennessee Registry. In 1881, the building was a combination grocery store and saloon where James Gang member Bill Ryan, alias Tom Hill, was arrested and carted off to the Nashville Jail after implicating himself in a James Gang heist in which he participated in Muscle Shoals, Al. As a tribute to that historical point in time, old time photos will be offered inside the store & saloon, with a large assortment of costumes available.
In addition, a number of Nashville musicians will be performing throughout the day both at the James Gang Company, and across the street at Ri’chard’s Cafe. A jam session on the grounds is scheduled for 4:00 until after the festival officially ends. “With the plethora of unbelievable talent in this city, you will not want to miss the opportunity to sit back and relax to the tunes of what could be the next biggest stars to come out of Music City”, said Richard Trest, proprietor of Ri’chard’s Louisiana Café, a family style restaurant with great food & some of Nashville’s hottest new talent performing originals most nights out on the L’il Easy Patio, or inside on the Cafe’s stage.
Also in attendance will be representatives from neighboring Fontanel Mansion & Farm House, with shuttle buses bringing guests to and from the festival from their venue just down the road.
Craftsmen will be offering tips & displaying their wares among more than 40 booths with Decoupage, Quilting, Cigar Box Guitars, Bird Houses, Soap & Candle Makers, Jams & Jellies, Local Honey Makers, Leather Crafts, Wood Carving & Gift Baskets.
In addition, fun-filled activities for the kids will be available, including face painting & more. Lots of food will be offered on site including Cajun & German dishes, BarBQ, hamburgers, hot dogs, fresh baked goods & Blue Bell ice cream specials.
For the shootout, everyone is encouraged to wear 1880’s period clothing (but not mandatory) and to bring their own chairs & blankets. The James Gang Company is located just seven miles and only 10 minutes from downtown Nashville. Take I-24 West to Old Hickory Blvd.(Exit 40), and turn left. Travel two (2) miles to Whites Creek Pike, and turn left. The James Gang Company’s …”not so general, General Store & Saloon Café,” is the 2nd building on the left. Overflow parking is available just up the road at Fontanel, with shuttles running every half hour.
About the James Gang Company
Steeped in history, and located at 4409 Whites Creek Pike, Whites Creek, TN 37189, the once saloon and grocery provides the perfect atmosphere for luncheons, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, fundraisers and more. The “not so general, general store” & cafe hosts music and theatrical events, murder mystery dinner shows, comedic performances, local art exhibits, book signings, antique car shows, arts and crafts festivals and more. Come enjoy the culture of Music City and take home a piece of Tennessee history at the same time. www.jamesgangcompany.com/ • 615/876-8668
About Fontanel
The Fontanel Mansion and Farm, located at 4225 Whites Creek Pike, will be supporting the James Gang Fall Festival and Shootout by providing free parking and shuttles from the Farm House Restaurant parking lot to the festivities. Middle Tennessee’s newest visitor destination, the Fontanel Mansion and Farm offers Nashville’s only country music mansion tour through the 27,000 square foot log home formally owned by Country Music Hall of Fame member Barbara Mandrell and her family. In addition, the 140-seat farm-to-fork Farm House Restaurant serves up delicious southern-style comfort food with a fun creative twist. The free Trails at Fontanel wind over two miles through the 136-acre property. For ticket information, hours of operation, directions and more, visit www.fontanelmansion.com.
About Ri’chard’s Café
Ri’chard’s Café at 4420 Whites Creek Pike and the corner of Old Hickory Blvd is a Louisiana Cajun / Creole restaurant and live original music venue. Opened in 2005 by New Orleans born Richard Trest, the family fun dining style has been receiving great reviews for everything from burgers and steaks to fresh seafood, jambalaya, ettoufee and beignets. A 35 seat “Little Easy” courtyard and a 1917 “Bank” private dining facility are now open. Come for the food and stay for the music. It’s a sensational destination and great dining and entertainment value for all. www.Richardscafe.com • 615-299-9590
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