JACKSON, Tennessee – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture held their highly anticipated Summer Celebration at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, 605 Airways Boulevard, today.

The Summer Celebration – which is now a biennial event – featured educational sessions, UTIA researchers, Extension specialists and horticulturists, as well as regional experts on topics such as gardening, weed and animal control, plant health and diagnostics, turf management, pesticide application and more.

The UT Kitchen Divas held their always popular cooking lessons inside the center.

“The theme this year is ‘Come for the Show,’ … we’re doing all things Hollywood, and we literally rolled out the red carpet, right here in the lobby,” Tate Cronin said. “We have 14 different educational presentations, four garden tours, vendors, plant sale wagon tours, arts and crafts for kids – really just a family-friendly event … a whole lot going on.”

Tate Cronin, who serves as the marketing and communications specialist – West Tennessee AgResearch & Education Center, said the number of visitors expected would hit the 1,000 mark.

“A lot of newcomers,” Cronin said. “But also a lot of old friends coming back, learning something new and hanging out with friends.”

The event ends at 4 p.m., today.

The UT Gardens, Jackson, is located on campus and is open from dawn to dusk every day. For more information about Summer Celebration and other events at the center, visit westtn.tennessee.edu.

(PHOTOS – Summer Celebration at  the West Tennessee AgResearch & Education Center – courtesy of Tate Cronin – marketing and communications specialist)