Unfortunate circumstances can produce silver linings. Take the annual Discover White House Expo & Safety Day, for example.

The COVID pandemic forced a change from the event being held indoors to outdoors. What was a spring event switched to fall.

If this past Saturday is any indication, that change will stick. Boosted by gorgeous fall weather, a record crowd flocked to White House City Park for the 2023 edition of Discover White House presented by The Farmers Bank, White House Area Chamber of Commerce, White House Parks and Recreation, and the City of White House.

Another all-time high was reached in vendor participation. More than 70 booths set up shop at the free, family friendly event, which has occurred yearly since the mid-1990s.

There was truly something for all ages. Children enjoyed inflatables, face painting, airbrush tattoos, balloon twisters, and even rides on the White House Fire Department’s miniature fire truck. The street fair-style event also featured several food trucks, crafters, artisans, a bike parade and bike giveaways, live music, and many local businesses sharing their services at vendor booths.

Local police, fire and EMT units were prominent in the Safety Day presentation. Police cars, fire engines, ambulances, a seatbelt simulator, a SWAT unit, and even police horses were all part of the activities.

“It’s great to see the community come out like they did and support this event,” said Dr. Chris Banning of White House Chiropractic Nutrition and Wellness. “I know there have been a lot of new people who have moved to our area, so I really wanted to experience meeting them and see some familiar faces as well. I was able to do that today and share some of the services we offer. The food was great, too!”

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Among the new residents in attendance were Tiffany Thompson, her 8-year-old son Clayton, and her mother Diane. The family, who recently relocated to White House from Illinois, came away “really impressed” with their visit to Discover White House.

“We didn’t even know anything was going on here today, but we drove by and saw all the tents so we stopped and had a great time,” Tiffany said. “We’ve been here for at least a couple of hours. We loved all the free booths, and they had a lot of activities centered around kids. It’s a great event.”

LaVonne Clifford of White House’s NP Clinic has participated in Discover White House for the past several years and said it’s beneficial to bringing awareness about the many services the clinic offers.

“The community is growing so much, and a lot of people have no idea who we are,” she explained. “It not only about educating these new people, but also the people who have lived in the area for a while, have seen our name, but aren’t sure about what we do.”

Over at the Fitness 1440 booth, owner Jonathan McAllister was busy “inspiring health and fitness.”

“We want to make White House the healthiest town north of Nashville,” said Jonathan as he hoisted a young visitor up to the onsite pull-up bar, where participants took part in a hanging challenge. “The interaction has been great. We’ve gotten to meet a lot of new people in the community and instill fitness, especially with kids.”

Planning will begin soon for the 2024 Discover White House Expo & Safety Day. Businesses interested in participating can contact the White House Area Chamber of Commerce at 615-672-3937.