Many partygoers and history enthusiasts proclaim the most widely anticipated event of the summer season is The Gala at Cragfont State Historic Site located in Castalian Springs, east of Gallatin off Tennessee State Route 25. In honor of the 250th Anniversary of America during 2026, this year’s Gala will feature an Americana theme, adding a festive patriotic touch to the evening as the group celebrates both the nation’s history and the local history preserved at Cragfont.
Mary Jane Garrott Fowler, Gala chair for the past three years, has served on the Gala planning committee for 10 years. Other current committee members include Carlene Fox, Betty Brooks, Jenny Goslin, Taylor Verble, Shelby Crane, Demi Preskitt and Jennifer Brown.
This annual fundraising event for Historic Cragfont at 200 Cragfont Road will offer a delicious meal by Gallatin-based Bit-O-Heaven Catering & Events, returning for the fifth consecutive year to the event.
"For entertainment, we’re excited to welcome back the Rock & Roll Pianos from Nashville, which always bring a fun and energetic atmosphere to the evening," says Mary Jane.
This year's event again includes a live auction of great experiences and items donated from friends of Cragfont. "We’re incredibly grateful for the generous donations from local businesses and community members. Some highlights from past years include items from Tennessee Hardware, select bourbons, women’s baskets, trips and a variety of men’s items," says Mary Jane.
Volunteer committee members comprised of these dedicated women have been meeting since earlier this year to collaborate about new ways to bolster this popular event that helps safeguard local historic sites. Via these planning committee members, the event offers a range of sponsorship opportunities, from table sponsorships to the interactive photo booth.
Cragfont is listed with the National Register of Historic Places, and is open to the public during the year. Architecturally, it's known as a Federal, Georgian-style mansion, with a special T-shaped design and seven iron stars. While most homes in Tennessee at the time were log cabins, this two-story, 19-room home is built of limestone cut from a nearby quarry, and poplar, walnut, cherry and ash wood from the surrounding forest.
During spring through fall, guided tours are typically available at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., and tickets can be purchased on-site. The 26-acre property is owned by the State of Tennessee and administered in partnership with the Tennessee Historical Commission by the nonprofit group Historic Castalian Springs. Construction of the home was started in 1798 and completed in 1802. During that time, Cragfont was considered to be the finest mansion on the Tennessee frontier, showcased by notable grandeur.
With Cragfont being located on the original road from Knoxville and the East coast, the house stood as a grand and prominent landmark for those making their way West.
The first Cragfont Gala was held in August 1981, with the money raised being applied to preserve Historic Cragfont home and a few other historic sites nearby. Self-professed history nerd and former Gala chair Carlene says the event has been important for the funding that has been raised to support Cragfont. She adds, "The party has been able to showcase the site to folks who might have never visited a historic site. The Castalian Springs community was one of the first settlements in middle Tennessee before Tennessee was a state. We're preserving the sites and keeping the history alive for those who come behind us."
Proceeds from this year’s gala will support several important projects, states Mary Jane, including restoration of the original rock wall in front of Cragfont, a Hidden History educational series and the ongoing care and preservation of the entity's remarkable artifact collection.
"Funds raised also benefit our other two historic Castalian Springs sites: Historic Wynnewood and Historic Hawthorne Hill," she adds.
Gala tickets will be available beginning June 1 through the committee's Eventbrite page. The price for individual tickets will be $135 each. Additionally, a table can be sponsored for $1,850, which includes 10 seats per table.
"Guests can expect a lively evening filled with great food, music and community. The night will begin with a cocktail hour, giving guests time to mingle with fellow community members while enjoying the beautiful grounds of Cragfont," assures Mary Jane.
"Guests will then enjoy dinner, followed by the auction, before the evening transitions into music and dancing. The Rock & Roll Pianos from Nashville will provide an interactive, high-energy show that always keeps the crowd entertained."
Throughout the evening, attendees also can snap photos in the provided photo booth and enjoy time visiting with friends and neighbors.
"The Gala is always a memorable night of fun, fellowship and support for these treasured historic sites," concludes Mary Jane.