A free event called Recovery Fest Hickman took place in Hickman County during Suicide and Addiction Awareness Month. It was organized by Hope In Recovery and The Booker D. Foundation. The festival was held at the Famous Hideaway Farm, a site once owned by Johnny Cash. The goal was bringing people together in a community-oriented setting focused on suicide prevention, substance abuse recovery, and mental health awareness.
Participants gathered Saturday morning for a Live Love Run 5K trail run. After the run, attendees released butterflies as a symbolic gesture. Each butterfly represented people lost to suicide and overdose and those still on the journey of healing. The organizers explained that as the butterflies fly, they carry with them love, grief, and hope for healing.
Once the formal events concluded, the festival continued with free food, games, bounce houses, live music, and interactive booths. There was a section devoted to resources where people could connect with mental health professionals, recovery services, and nonprofit groups working in healing and support. Some family members of Johnny Cash also attended and made guest appearances.
The founders of Recovery Fest Hickman emphasized their mission to highlight how community, shared stories, and creative expression can foster hope. They said that the festival’s spirit reminds people that recovery is possible and no one has to go through it alone. By combining music, movement, and conversation, the event sought to bring healing, connection, and visibility to the challenges of mental health and addiction.