Country Skies
Extreme Hike & Festival for Ataxia Awareness
More than a cause, we are a community!
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Wondering what Ataxia is?
Click the logo to for more information.
Who? EVERYONE is invited to attend this FREE inaugural event and enjoy great music, shopping, food trucks, and more! We are accepting VENDORS and SPONSORS (Please see dedicated sections below). Contact Ondie Mitchell at ondiemitchell@gmail.com with questions.
What? A day full of FREE entertainment by musical artists Matt Wynn, Warehouse 64, Jason Kabler, and local school groups will have you tapping your foot and put a smile on your face. Hendersonville native, Jeremy Cowart, a well-known photographer and philanthropist sharing his story of being an Ataxian promises an inspiring and meaningful time for all who attend. Hendersonville's Poet Laureate, Mr. Henry Jones, will be sharing an original work. Do the names Belle, Gaston, Moana, and Cinderella sound familiar? They will be there, too! You may want to shop with the vendors or visit the food trucks (listed below) while listening to fantastic music and showcasing talents of many. Interested in participating in the Country Skies Extreme Hike of (up to) 26.2 miles (or 13.1 or whatever part you wish to complete)? We can help you get set up with that, too! Hikers - some who have Ataxia and some who do not - from all over the country are making their way to Hendersonville for this hike, so if you would like to join them, you can register on-site or contact derosam2004@gmail.com for more information. Want to know more about what Ataxia is? Visit ataxia.org for more information.
When? Saturday, April 24, 2021
7:30 AM: Opening Ceremony for Hike
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Vendor booths open
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Musical Entertainment begins (Schedule will be posted soon farther down the page.)
Where? Open lot beside Fairfield Inn by Marriott/behind Jonathan's Grille, 303 Indian Lake Boulevard, Hendersonville, TN 37075
Why? Local members of the community are joining with hikers and volunteers from all over the country to spend a day raising awareness for Ataxia - a rare, degenerative neurological disorder that (while each person responds differently) impacts a person's ability to walk, talk, use fine and gross motor skills, and many other aspects of daily life. While there is no cure - yet - research is helping improve the quality of life for Ataxians through treatments and support.
How? With tremendous support from the City of Hendersonville, the Hendersonville Parks Department, and the Sumner County Tourism Association welcoming visitors from around the country and helping with the logistics of this event, we hope this is the beginning of an annual event that will only grow for years to come. Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State, and we are ready to help others see why! It has been a tough year for many, and this event promises an opportunity for bringing the community together. Mark your calendars and join the fun.
Warehouse 64 of Savannah, Tennessee
Albert Bromley, Keyboard
Eddie Bromley, Bass Guitar
Jarrod Bromley, Drums
R.T. Rhinehart, Vocals & Lead Guitar
Come hear the inspirational story of Hendersonville Native, famous photographer, dedicated philanthropist, and Ataxian Jeremy Cowart!
Named the “Most Influential Photographer on the Internet” by Huffington Post, Forbes and Yahoo in 2014, Jeremy Cowart is a photographer, artist, and entrepreneur whose goal in life is to use his creative platform to inspire and help others. Jeremy is a sought-after speaker, having presented at TEDx, the United Nations and creative conferences across the country. His latest endeavor is The Purpose Hotel, a planned global for-profit hotel chain designed to fuel the work of not-for-profit organizations. He’s also the founder of a global photography movement, Help-Portrait and an online teaching platform, Liminal Society. The story of all of these projects is told in his brand new book “I’m Possible: Jumping into Fear and Discovering a Life of Purpose. He lives in Franklin, TN with his wife and four children.
www.jeremycowart.com @jeremycowart on Instagram and Twitter
Disney Characters Mingle and Photo Opportunities from 11:30-1:30!
Moana
Cinderella
Belle
Gaston
Bring your children (or your inner child) to mingle with Moana, Cinderella, Belle, and Gaston from Character Visits 4 U . They will be with us from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, and pictures are welcome...and free!
Food & Beverage Options
The Thirsty Boomerang
https://boomerangsaustraliancoffee.com/
Kona Ice
@konaice_northnashville on Instagram
NY Pie of Hendersonville
Mr. Henry Jones, Hendersonville's First Poet Laureate, performing his original poem about Ataxia
Henry L. Jones is an award-winning poet, artist, playwright, and author as well as an activist. Jones writes and paints about social issues, historical events, cultural connections and personal experiences.
He's the author of Run into Blackness: Feeling My Poetic Gumbo (2010), a 131 page book containing 110 poems. Currently, he's working on my second book, Black Skillet Blues: Poetry without Cornbread.
This creative arts person is currently creating paintings and writing poetry for a museum exhibition about historical and cultural changes. Recently, he was inducted as the first Poet Laureate of Hendersonville, Tennessee. He's an editor of Sinew Anthology of Poetry in the Brew. Likewise, he's a poet in Dream Geographies and a poet of the Haiku for Healing Project of Poetry in the Boro. His visual and literary side are completing a children's book and converting one of his poems into a film. Jones is a graduate of Fisk University and a Detroit native and Chicago transplant. He lives in Middle Tennessee with his wife. They have three adult children.
Click the button below for information on SPONSORSHIP opportunities.
Can I make a donation?
Absolutely! Just text NAFX to 71777 then follow the prompts. If you wish to donate in honor/memory of an Ataxian, you may do that, or you may mark it for CSXH.. You are also welcome to make a donation via cash, check payable to The National Ataxia Foundation, or online at the event, but there is no obligation to do so and no cost to attend!
Learn more about Ataxia at www.ataxia.org
