Liz Rhea leads MTSU's annual Homecoming parade.

But, a huge variety of activities come in the fall, offering a great opportunity to sample the diversity and unique communities in Rutherford County.

Most of the events on this week’s Murfreesboro Post Top 10 (and there’s always a bonus making 11) are free and aimed at a family audience.

Later Top 10 lists will highlight Halloween and Christmas holiday activities.

1. 7th Annual Rutherford County Community Fair and 9/11 Memorial Event, Sept. 11 – Held at the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, 940 New Salem Hwy., this event is in remembrance of 9/11/01. Activities start at 4 p.m.; Remembrance Ceremony at 5 p.m., Musical performances. Huge kids area with inflatables, petting zoo and games. Equipment displays by local Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, First Responders and the Military. Free admission and activities. Primary parking lot will be located at the Murfreesboro Auto Auction on Old Fort Parkway with a shuttle service provided by Rover. Contact: RCSO Community Service Unit, 615-217-0074 or 904-3019

2. 6th Annual Wings of Freedom Fish Fry, Sept. 13 –Held at the Smyrna Airport, 278 Doug Warpoole Rd., Smyrna, this event also commemorates 9/11. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Smyrna, serving starts at 5 p.m. Flight line activities will feature Corporate Flight aircraft. The Boomers and The Francis Family will perform. Contact: 615-459-2651

www.rotaryofsmyrna.org

3. Taste of Stones River, Sept. 14 –The Taste of Stones River is an annual event benefiting the United Way of Rutherford & Cannon counties. Everyone is welcome to this fun-filled family event. With over 40 restaurants participating, attendees will be able to sample signature dishes and beverages. In additional to the tasting, this second annual event will include entertainment by Blackman High School Band & Shannon Aplin as well as a kids’ area featuring face painting, inflatables, and cotton candy. Noon-5 p.m., Contact: United Way, 615-893-7303

www.tasteofstonesriver.org

4. Old Timer's Day, Sept. 20, –Held at Veteran's Memorial Park, 115 Floyd Mayfield Dr., La Vergne, this City of La Vergne’s annual festival celebrates La Vergne and its citizens. A parade starts at 10 a.m. with musical entertainment throughout the day, Fireworks end the festivities at 7:30 p.m. Contact: Angie Mayes, 615-287-8690

www.lavergne.org

5. Greenway Arts Festival, Sept. 20 – Held at the Thompson Lane Trailhead, Murfreesboro. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., artists will display and sell their work along the trail; the festival will also include live trailside music, food vendors, children’s activities and more. This is a juried event; the selection committee will be looking for original handmade artwork such as oils, acrylics, watercolors, pottery, metalsmithing, photography and many other mediums. Contact: Angela Jackson, 615-893-2141

6. International Grand Championship Performance Walking Horse Show, Sept. 25-27 – Held at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum, 304-B West Thompson Ln., this is the second largest and most prestigious horse show in the region. This event will showcase 44 classes of horses. Admission is $5. Children under 6 are free. Contact: Tommy Hall, 615-494-8822

www.walkinghorseowners.com

7. 22nd Annual Heritage Days, Oct. 1-3 - Held at the Sam Davis Home, 1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna, the farm will be preparing for winter during this event, which includes demonstrations of food preservation, quilting, spinning, weaving and blacksmithing. Contact: Sam Davis Home, 615-459-2341

8. Eagleville Fall Festival, Oct. 11 – Rutherford County’s smallest city revels in this event featuring music, including performances by Hollow Creek, Rank Stranglers and others, food, crafts (booths available for $20) and lots of children’s activities, starts at 9 a.m. at Eagleville's City Park, South Main Street, Eagleville. Contact: Colleen Adams, 615-274-6992 or Gloria Hill 274-6044

9. The Murfreesboro Half Marathon, Oct. 11 – After a phenomenally successful inaugural event, the half marathon boosted participation to 2,000 runners this year and appears likely to hit that mark. The 13.1-mile race starts at MTSU at 7 a.m., winds through historic downtown Murfreesboro and finishes on the newly renovated track back at MTSU. Free for spectators. Volunteer opportunities available. Contact: Race Director Natalie Tate, 615-849-9291

10. Harvest Days and Fiber Festival, Oct. 25 – Historic Cannonsburgh Village, 312 South Front St., Murfreesboro, celebrates the arrival of fall with old-time music, clogging and traditional fiber artists from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. Free admission. Contact: Cannonsburgh Village, 615-890-0355

11. MTSU Homecoming, Nov. 8 – “Bet on Blue” is the theme for this year’s homecoming, always a major town-and-gown event. The traditional parade starts at 10 a.m. on Maney Avenue, proceeding down Main Street and Middle Tennessee Boulevard to Greenland Drive. The highlight of the day’s many activities will be the football game between the Blue Raiders and Louisiana-Monroe at 2:30 p.m. at Floyd Stadium.