August 2026

Volume Eleven: Issue Eight — August 2026

On Wednesday, September 23, from 10:30am to 1:30pm, McCoy Farm & Gardens will present “Lunch and a Matinee,” the third annual Antique and Vintage China Silent Auction and Luncheon on the grounds of the McCoy Farm. Mimosas will be served during the silent auction, followed by a gourmet lunch and program in the Pavilion with Nick Wilkinson of the Tivoli Theater Foundation. The ticket price for this fundraising event is $60 with a $10 early bird discount for purchases before September 1.

New this year, the “Encore Sale” will be held the next day, Thursday, September 24, from 10:30am until noon for a cost of $20. This sale (not auction) will provide the public with an additional opportunity to view the inspiring table displays and purchase any remaining china and glassware. Complimentary coffee and pastries will be served.

Each year, new luncheon themes inspire local designers to produce the creative table settings. From the initial “Celebration Tables” in 2024 and “TV Tables” in 2025 to this year’s movie motif “Lunch and a Matinee,” each theme has been showcased and presented in table designs and custom centerpieces. This year, 16 tables will feature favorite movies such as Titanic, Steel Magnolias, Barbie, Field of Dreams, Under the Tuscan Sun, and The Sound of Music, just to name a few.

Under the talented leadership of House Chair Anne Leonard, along with Community Events Co-Chairs Mary Catherine O’Kelley and Annette Wildman, and their trusty crew of dedicated volunteers, the past two fundraising auctions have sold out and raised more than $10,000 combined to further support and improve the McCoy property and programs. Get your tickets today and don’t miss these fabulous, once-a-year events.

Tickets for “Lunch and a Matinee” China Luncheon & Silent Auction — Wednesday, September 23

Tickets for “Encore Sale” Next Day Viewing & Sale — Thursday, September 24

Interested in birding but not sure where to begin? If so, join us on Saturday, August 29, at 8:30am, for Birding 101, an introductory class taught by the Chattanooga chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society (CTOS).

They’ll share the foundational skills you’ll need to observe and identify birds, including how best to use binoculars, field guides, smartphone apps, and your eyes and ears. The class will include a short walk around McCoy Farm & Gardens to put to use what you’ve learned. If you have them, bring a field guide (Sibley, Peterson, e.g.), binoculars, and a smartphone; otherwise, we’ll have binoculars and guides for your use.

Workshop cost is $10 per person, and space is limited. Children are welcome to participate with a family member. A family ticket for one adult and one child is $15.

Purchase Birding 101 Tickets Here

Back for a second year, McCoy’s online auction offerings are even better in 2026. Bidding starts Tuesday, August 18, and closes on Sunday, August 30, at midnight. Watch for an email on opening day to find dozens of offerings, including original art, fun experiences, and other Walden’s Ridge and Chattanooga favorites. The auction will also be listed on our website under Community Events starting on August 18. You won’t want to miss this terrific opportunity to shop and benefit McCoy all at the same time!

Left: Members of the Grounds Group repair the bridge along the trail. Many thanks to Andy Jones, Terry Knox, Caroline Woerner, Sherry Newcomb, Bob Street, Riley Burton, and Henry Malone.

Right: Girl Scout Troop 40487 led by Kris Bespalec recently completed a project learning about the importance of bats and how to promote healthy populations. As part of their project, they installed several bat boxes, including one at McCoy. Pictured with their bat box are, l-r, Lucia Bespalec-Davis, Teagyn Galloway, Tamsyn Galloway, and Lucy Hallman.

McCoy is seeking friendly volunteers to serve as docents, welcoming visitors at community events and open houses. Docents share the story of the property and people of this special place. No special experience is needed, just a love of people, history, and gardens. If you have questions or would like to register for the next docent training, please contact Katie Whitmire at katie@mccoywalden.org for more information.

Garden & Grounds Groups Need Your Help!

Volunteers are essential to McCoy Farm & Gardens.

If you have other particular interests, just let us know how you’d like to volunteer. Sign up below to receive information about regular volunteer days and events.

Sign up for Volunteer News

Contact McCoy Farm & Gardens at katie@mccoywalden.org to learn more about renting space at McCoy for your next event.

Donate Today

Or mail your check to McCoy Farm & Gardens, P.O. Box 443, Signal Mountain, TN 37377.

We are now able to receive your contribution of securities. If you would like to support McCoy in this tax-advantaged way, please contact our office at 423-598-1658.

McCoy Farm & Gardens is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. All contributions are charitable and tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.

McCoy Farm & Gardens is grateful to our Annual Sponsors, whose support allows the continued restoration and improvement of the property and buildings, as well as the expansion of McCoy’s programming. If you are interested in more information about becoming an Annual Sponsor, please check out our Partners page on our website or contact the office at 423-598-1658.

McCoy Farm & Gardens encompasses 38 acres and features the Bachman-McCoy House, gardens, and several outbuildings, including the Pavilion, Carriage House, Barn, and Blacksmith Workshop. Our Level 2 Arboretum contains 72 species. With over 2 miles of trails, the grounds also include the site of the former home of artist, poet, and naturalist Emma Bell Miles.