FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A BILLY GOOD TIME WAS HAD AT THE 27TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL GOAT DAYS FESTIVAL IN MILLINGTON, TN
MILLINGTON, TN (September 13, 2016) – There is no place in the world quite like Millington, TN during the annual International Goat Days Festival the second weekend of September each year. This year’s event featured arts and crafts, business and food vendors, games and inflatables for the kids, a KCBS Championship BBQ Contest, the West TN Mini Pullers, the Dixie Irons Tractor Pullers, an antique tractor show and parade, the El Toro Taco and Hot Rod Barn Goat Days Car Show and Swap Meet, a fishing rodeo, horseshoe tournament, corn hole tournament, hot air balloon rides, Rock the Goat Battle of the school bands, three performance stages packed with school choirs, musical groups, dance groups, local bands and other performers including a stand-up comedian, stage hypnotist, Duke Henry and the Way Down South Band in concert, plus an American Flag Retirement Ceremony by the Boy Scouts, the Barnstormers with aerial demonstrations, a Professional Rodeo, Myotonic Goat Shows, Dairy Goat Demonstrations, Kids on Parade and more, there was certainly something for everyone to enjoy.
“Goat Days is Millington’s signature event. It is truly a community event that celebrates our unique heritage,” said Kate Armitage, Director Millington Arts, Recreation and Parks and the festival coordinator. It began years ago when Millington native, Babe Howard, invited a couple of goat farmers he met in Ireland, to visit his hometown of Millington, TN. Mr. Howard and the City of Millington held a parade to welcome the Irishmen and their goats to Millington. That was the 1st International Goat Days Festival 27 years ago. Mr. Howard, then hosted this event for the next 18 years for his community. After his passing, the City of Millington continues this tradition in memory of Mr. Howard. “It is a privilege for me to work with so many civic – minded people in Millington to present this wonderfully eclectic family festival. Goat Days is a truly a time when the entire Millington community comes together to celebrate our history, raise funds to support countless charities and enjoy great food and family-friendly fun with friends and neighbors,” said Armitage.
The annual event is made possible by the generous support of title sponsors: Homer Skelton Ford, Homer Skelton Chrysler Dodge Ram, Republic Services and Ritter Communications. International Goat Days is presented by the City of Millington with the support of other area businesses, numerous citizens, civic groups and organizations including Millington Kiwanis Club, Millington Lions Club, Millington Rotary Club, Millington Arts Council, TN Diary Goat Association, Variety Club Children’s Charity, Kansas City Barbeque and Operation BBQ Relief, Boy Scouts of America, West TN Mini Pullers, Dixie Irons Tractor Pullers, Old West Special Trails and Calvary Rodeo, El Toro Taco and Hot Rod Barn, Millington Crisis Center, the Barnstormers and more. If you would like to know how your organization can participate next year, please call 901.873.5770.
ABOUT MILLINGTON, TENNESSEE
Located just minutes from Memphis, Millington enjoys an exceptional quality of life for an estimated 10,000 citizens. Quality education, recreation and economic growth make Millington a great place to live, work and play. Millington is home to the Millington Municipal School District as well as a variety of public and private, faith based schools and various colleges, universities and technical institutions are in the area. In 2004 The University of Memphis opened its Millington Campus and offers undergraduate and graduate courses in numerous fields of study. Millington is home to Naval Support Activity Mid-South, Ingram Micro, Memphis International Raceway, USA Stadium, Mirimichi and other golf courses providing opportunities for economic growth and world-class recreation. Millington’s West Tennessee Regional Business Center, a publicly owned business and industry center, features 1900 acres of prime industrial space with easy access to the Millington Regional Jetport and the Canadian National Railroad. True intermodal transportation and shipping, makes Millington the perfect place for business. Widely known as “Flag City, USA,” Millington truly offers the best of the Mid-South.
