It was a week of block parties, arts events, dancing, festivals, games, music, fireworks and a parade as Midvale City celebrated its annual Harvest Days Festival. Held from July 31 through Aug. 5, the festival committee made sure there was something for every resident to enjoy. 

Marilyn Stokes, 78, has lived in Midvale all of her life. Stokes was one of several residents who incorporated neighborhood block parties into this year’s Harvest Days celebration. Stokes has held the event for many years in an effort to bring her neighbors together.

“We usually talk amongst each other and visit and get to know each other,” Stokes said. “I always say you don’t have to like everybody, but you should know who your neighbors are.”

Thursday night was a family game night and Friday featured food trucks and a concert performed by James Romero y Los Amigos Three Generations at Midvale City Park (425 6th Ave.)

The main event was held Saturday, Aug. 5, starting with a fun run and parade. Throughout the day there were activities that included sumo wrestling, salsa dancing, inflatables, carnival games, Nerf Wars and more. A free concert by Shuffle was held before the event finished with a fireworks display.

“Our theme this year was Let’s Play Midvale which means we really focused on activities for kids and the entire family to engage with,” said Midvale Mayor Marcus Stevenson. “We’ve had Hillcrest High here with their football and soccer teams, we have bingo, mini golf, Nerf wars, all sorts of things. It’s been a great day and I’m really happy with the turnout and how things have gone.”

Midvale Arts Council announced the winners of the 2023 Visual Arts Contest during the festival week. Erin Grimshaw is a 16-year-old artist and the first youth to win Best of Show and People’s Choice at the Midvale Visual Arts Contest. 

Additional first-place winners include Chair’s Choice: “In a Hollow Log down by the Cumberland River Just Outside Nashville City Limits” by Wendy Dewey; Children’s Art: “My Friend Neil” by Akilan Sudhakar; Youth Art: “The Mexican Kiss” by Guadalupe Medina and “Snow” by Grimshaw; Traditional Media, painting: “Tova” by Suzanne King; Traditional Media, drawing: “loose ends” by Brian Abel; Three Dimensional & Heirloom Arts: “Elk in Coral” by Daniel Harman; and Electronic Media: “Still Standing” by Cassidy Huntsman.

For a complete list of winners, visit midvalearts.com and @midvalearts on Facebook/Instagram.

“There’s been a big push both from the city and from residents to revamp and revitalize Midvale and I think these events do just that,” said Harvest Days organizer Molly Signoretty. “We’ve had several mural festivals, Harvest Days and just a lot of community events that can bring the community together and revitalize what Midvale can be.” λ