Series of themed social events to benefit Discovery Center this spring

April 12, 2021 - MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - As warmer weather takes hold and residents begin to reengage in social activities, Discovery Center is offering multiple opportunities to safely gather and support the museum. The series of fundraising events are part of its “Rediscover” campaign to help reconnect with neighbors and friends – and to keep learning and growing.

The special events include:

• Secret Garden Tea Party – Saturday, May 8
• Wine & Whiskey + Shakesbeer – Saturday, May 15
• Secret Garden Party – Friday, June 4
• Secret Garden Tours – Saturday, June 5

Tickets and information are available at explorethedc.org/special-events.

SECRET GARDEN TEA PARTY
Saturday, May 8, at 9 & 10:30 a.m.
Outdoors at Discovery Center

Spring is the season of blossoming flowers, tender unfurling tree leaves, and celebrations like Mother’s Day and graduation. It’s a time of renewal and new life, and what better way to herald its arrival than joining the Discovery Center for a Secret Garden Tea Party. This new event is a family-friendly extension of the organization’s signature fundraising event, the Secret Garden Party.

Guests of the Secret Garden Tea Party will enjoy boxed tea-time treats, craft stations, beautiful photo opportunities, and more. This outdoor event will be nestled among the wetlands of Murfree Spring on the grounds of the Discovery Center. Two seating times are available at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $10 for Discovery Center members and $15 for non-members.

The tea party will take place on Mother’s Day weekend, making it a wonderful way to celebrate the special ladies in your life. So put on your spring-time best and join the Discovery Center for this beautiful celebration!

WINE & WHISKEY + SHAKESBEER (21+)
Saturday, May 15, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Outdoors at Discovery Center

“Ale’s well that ends well,” and this year Discovery Center is combining its popular Wine & Whiskey and Shakesbeer events to offer one of the most extensive tasting experiences of the year.

The event takes place at the Discovery Center’s serene Murfree Spring natural area and features theatrical performances by Murfreesboro Little Theatre, along with samples of a variety of local craft brews plus wines and whiskeys from Stones River Total Beverage. Delectable cuisine is available from local food vendors (not included in ticket price). Tickets include entrance to the event, a souvenir, and unlimited beverage samples. Proceeds benefit the Discovery Center. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Event participants include: Cedar Glade Brews, Dark Humor Brewing, Emerald Abbey, Mayday Brewery, Mid-State Brewsters, Mos Alesley Brewing, Panther Creek Brews, Pennington Distilling Company, Smackdab Brewing, and Spring Street Brew Garage.

If rain is forecast, the event will be postponed to the following Saturday, May 22.

Event sponsored by FirstBank, Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Murfreesboro Little Theater, Roscoe Brown, Stones River Liquors, and S&W Contracting Company, Inc.

SECRET GARDEN PARTY
Friday, June 4, at 7 p.m.
Outdoors at the home of Judy and Ken Stone, Murfreesboro

Serving as Discovery Center’s major fundraising event of the year, the 29th annual Secret Garden Party will feature a French theme, “A Stroll by the Seine,” with signature cocktails, crafted plates, and a rich array of fine auction items including travel and novel home accessories.

The evening is highly anticipated after a year of closed events in 2020, due to the pandemic. The Secret Garden Party committee, chaired by Kelly Goodman and Maegan Snyder, will also plan features that allow patrons to support the event online.

“After a year of virtual and ‘no-show’ events, we’re excited to see the Secret Garden Party bloom back to life with an in-person party, complete with everything our supporters love about this event including a captivating venue,” Goodman said. “Our auction committee is working hard to create a collection of unique and sought-after trips, experiences, and packages for our live auction. They’ve also been exploring several ways to expand the auction to allow guests who can’t be with us in person to still be able to participate from their homes.”

“For over 34 years, Discovery Center has opened our doors to discovery through hands-on exhibits that educate and engage kids and their grown-ups,” said Discovery Center CEO Tara MacDougall. “The support of the Secret Garden Party is critical for our operations and allows us to continue to update and design new experiences for our guests. We are so excited about these new spaces and exhibits: The Great Outdoors, The Studio, The Science of Music, The Chill Zone and coming soon, a renovated Tot Space! We also have some surprises coming for Nature Play. The funds raised will help ensure that Discovery Center remains accessible to all visitors.”

SECRET GARDEN TOURS
Saturday, June 5
Outdoors at locations throughout Murfreesboro

Get sneak peeks at beautiful gardens hidden in backyards or behind walls or fences in and around Murfreesboro during the annual Secret Garden Tour benefitting Discovery Center. From the backyards of amateur gardeners to professional landscaping projects, the tour features the many horticultural talents of local residents. This year’s tour will feature a scavenger hunt element for children to encourage interest and engagement with gardening and agriculture.

Stay tuned for more details about the tour locations and tickets.

REDISCOVER Campaign
Join us on a journey of REDISCOVERY in 2021! With science leading the way towards overcoming the coronavirus pandemic, Discovery Center invites you to come along as we offer reimagined ways of learning and having fun together.

Immunization and mitigation efforts continue to offer our community a greater sense of relief from these enormously challenging times, and Discovery Center is committed to being a resource for those seeking to re-engage in a variety of activities and programs. So be on the lookout for exciting opportunities to REDISCOVER hope, joy and fun throughout the coming months! #rediscover2021
 

About the Discovery Center
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is a hands-on, environmental, cultural and educational museum located in the heart of Middle Tennessee. More than 120,000 children and families visit annually, exploring exhibits and participating in programs that promote STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & math) education. Adjacent to the Center is the protected Murfree Spring wetlands, a natural habitat for a variety of fish, amphibians and birds. Located at 502 S.E. Broad Street in Murfreesboro, TN. For more information, visit www.explorethedc.org or call (615) 890-2300.

Engaging Curious Minds to Fuel the Future.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeff Krinks, Prufrock Communications
jeff@prufrockcommunications.com
(615) 478-0267