Smyrna Beer Board approves beer garden for library's 'Walking Through History' event

The Smyrna Beer Board voted to grant a special‑event permit for the Smyrna Public Library's "Walking Through History" event, scheduled for Aug. 1.

Cassandra Taylor, branch manager for the Smyrna Public Library, told the board the library won a $25,000 grant from the Tennessee State Museum to support the program and described plans that include historical reenactments, a children's area, a stage and a fenced beer garden limited to attendees with wristbands. “We won a $25,000 grant from the Tennessee State Museum,” Taylor said, describing the funding that helped the library plan the event.

Taylor said the beer garden will be secured with fencing, require a wristband and use third‑party age verification and ABC‑certified bartenders; the library intends to hire a catering company and invite local breweries to pour. She identified the site near the pond/old football field in the park and said typical event hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., though beer service might begin later in the afternoon depending on vendor availability.

Board members asked specifically about safety and age verification; Taylor said reenactors who operate cannons will be performers and will not be permitted to drink while performing. The board closed the public hearing, a motion to grant the special‑event permit was made and seconded, and the board voted to approve the permit.

The chair advised Taylor to work with town staff (Amber) to settle the fee and administrative details; the chair also noted that permits are normally available the next day.