I honestly don’t know how these words make readers feel: the new school year starts in three weeks. Whether you’re sad that summer has flown by (because it has) or glad that we’re expecting a mostly normal school year (because we are), the time to revel in unstructured fun is short. So, I’ve put together a list of things to work into the family’s schedule before you start filling out forms and packing lunches.
- Shop. The state’s tax-free weekend is always a big deal, but it’s bigger than ever this year. (Keep reading – you’ll see.) The traditional sales tax holiday on clothes, school supplies and computers begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 30, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1. It includes clothing items less than $100, school and art supplies that cost less $100 and computers that are $1,500 or less. Items can be purchased in stores or online. Get questions answered here. The best part—when you shop in Farragut, the town still receives sales tax revenue from the state. Thanks, Tennessee!
- Chow. Food is included in this year’s sales tax holiday, and it lasts for a whole week! For 2021, Tennessee’s General Assembly approved a sales tax holiday on food that begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 30, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 5. This includes food and food ingredients (think grocery store/Costco) as well as prepared foods (think restaurants)! Sorry, parents, alcohol isn’t included. But you can enjoy some peace and quiet while the munchkins chow down on chicken tenders.
- Watch. The town is partnering with the nonprofit Send Senior Citizens Love by hosting the inaugural Movies at McGill (Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza at the Campbell Station Inn). Monsters Inc. will be shown on a giant, inflatable screen at dusk on Saturday, July 24. The event is free and concession sales benefit an organization that provides joy to our most vulnerable citizens. So, eat up!
- Splash. We can’t make a list of summer activities without including the McFee Park splashpad. It’s still the best free way to beat the heat in Farragut. Slather up those kids with sunscreen and spend a day splashing and relaxing.
- Chill. Nothing is cooler than ice. Cool Sports, Home of the Icearium, has public skating sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It’s a refreshing break from the sun and maybe you’ll figure out that your kid has a gift for hockey or figure skating.
- Learn. One of the best ways to get ready for a new school year is to get those synapses firing. Stimulate students with a stroll on the Farragut History Walk! Pick up a map at the kiosk at the turnaround at Founder’s Park at Campbell Station (or a find a digital copy here) and venture from the park to the Campbell Station Inn, Memorial Plaza and the Farragut Museum at Town Hall, and Pleasant Forest Cemetery. You’ll get some exercise, too.
Summer is almost over, but I think we all have a new appreciation for the normalcy of back-to-school shopping, meeting new teachers and even a few homework assignments. Enjoy these last care-free days with the kids at home and be grateful for the opportunity to send them back to school on Aug. 9.
Town of Farragut marketing and public relations coordinator Wendy Smith is your reliable Farragut insider.