If there’s one night every fall when Murfreesboro truly sparkles, it’s Wine Around the Square live event downtown on our historic public square— that magical evening when music, food, spirits, laughter, and pink ribbons fill our beloved downtown. It starts from the first pour to the final song, it’s not just about tasting fine wines — it’s about tasting the goodness of community.
And for us at Veda’s Flowers & Gifts, affectionately known by many as “the little flower shop on the square,” it was a night to remember — full of friendship, generosity, and yes… hundreds of long-stem roses that found new homes in the hands of smiling guests.
What is “Wine Around the Square”?
If you’re new to Murfreesboro or just haven’t yet experienced this incredible event, Wine Around the Square (WATS) is a progressive wine and spirits-tasting celebration that winds its way through the charming shops and restaurants of Historic Downtown Murfreesboro.
Each stop offers something special — from fine wines and cocktails to small bites, live music, and warm welcomes from local business owners.
But what makes it truly beautiful is its purpose:
All proceeds go to the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation’s Power of Pink Fund, supporting breast cancer awareness, prevention, and care right here in Rutherford County.
The program funds mammograms, screenings, diagnostics, ultrasounds, and MRI scans. It helps cover transportation and lodging for patients during treatment, and even supplies life-saving equipment. In short — every glass raised helps save lives.
A special shoutout goes to Stones River Total Beverages, who provide all the wine and spirits each year, making the event possible for thousands of attendees and dozens of downtown businesses.
“That Little Flower Shop on the Corner”
This year, our shop was buzzing long before the first cork popped.
We had volunteers working behind the counter, serving up bubbly spritzers to the steady stream of guests making their way around the square. These four lovely ladies were so much fun to be around.
The energy was contagious — laughter, conversation, and the sound of clinking glasses, cups and wine tumblers filled the crisp October air.
Before the evening even hit full swing, we’d handed out 200 plus long-stem roses to the ladies visiting our shop. Each rose carried a simple message: You’re beautiful, you’re strong, and you’re appreciated.
The reactions? Absolutely priceless.
We’ll never forget the moment two women walked by our storefront, one holding her rose like a trophy. Her friend gasped and asked,
“Oh my gosh, where did you get that beautiful rose?”
She smiled and pointed down the street, saying, “Down there — at that little flower shop on the corner.”
We chuckled to ourselves. Close enough, we thought. Around here, we’re known as “The Little Flower Shop on the Square.” And on nights like this, it feels like every petal we give out helps our town bloom just a little brighter.
A Toast to Good Music and Good Company
The heartbeat of the night pulsed from the main stage where the Mixtape ’80s Tribute Band played one crowd favorite after another. Their selections all night long was a blast to the past.
Neon lights reflected off wine glasses as couples danced in the street. You could almost feel time rewind to the days of big hair, cassette tapes, and rock ballads.
“Don’t Stop Believin’” echoed around the courthouse square — and honestly, how perfect is that for an event that’s all about hope and perseverance?
We loved watching our fellow shop owners and restaurant partners having a blast, too. From The Alley on Main to Clay Pit and Tennessee Craft Butchers, every business brought their A-game. The food smelled divine, the drinks sparkled, and every corner of downtown felt alive.
As the night went on, we took turns sneaking out to visit our neighbors’ stations, tasting a few wines and chatting with friends old and new.
It’s one of our favorite parts of the evening — supporting one another, laughing together, and seeing just how far this event has come since it first began.
The Heart Behind the Event: The Power of Pink
While Wine Around the Square is an absolute blast, the true heart of the evening is the Power of Pink Fund — and its mission is deeply personal to so many in our community.
This year marked the 14th annual Wine Around the Square, and it continues to be Rutherford County’s premier fundraiser in the fight against breast cancer.
Since its inception, this event has raised more than $2 million, funding over 24,000 mammograms, distributing 779 breast cancer education books, and — just in 2024 — providing 639 rides to and from treatment.
Those numbers represent more than statistics — they’re stories of mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends who were given the chance to fight, heal, and thrive thanks to the generosity of this community. And that’s something worth raising a glass to.
Honoring a Visionary: Patty Marschel
This year’s event was dedicated to Patty Marschel, a beloved Murfreesboro resident and community leader whose compassion helped turn Wine Around the Square into what it is today.
Nearly two decades ago, Patty hosted a simple gathering with friends — a wine and cheese evening inspired by her best friend’s breast cancer diagnosis.
What began as a small show of support has since grown into a signature event that now draws thousands of people and spans multiple city blocks.
Patty’s vision, passion, and commitment have made a profound difference.
She has served on the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital Board of Directors for 19 years, becoming its first female chair two years ago.
Through her leadership and community engagement, she’s helped expand access to care, grow the Power of Pink Fund, and bring a second mobile mammography coach to serve 26 counties across Middle Tennessee.
And perhaps most inspiring of all — her best friend Susan Loyd, whose diagnosis sparked the very first fundraiser, is now a 20-year breast cancer survivor. Their friendship remains the heartbeat of this cause.
When Patty says, “It is not me. It’s the people like Charlie and PJ Patel and the Stones River Total Beverages team who donate all the wine and spirits, the 150+ volunteers who give their time, and the local businesses who support us,” we can’t help but nod in agreement.
Because it’s true — this community shows up for one another. And we’re proud to be one of the local shops standing shoulder to shoulder in that effort.
Cheers to Community
The thing we love most about Wine Around the Square is how it blends celebration with purpose.
Yes, there’s wine. Yes, there’s music. But beneath it all, there’s this current of compassion and shared pride that makes Murfreesboro such a special place to live and work.
From the early-evening VIP party to the lively crowd dancing under the courthouse lights, the energy is pure joy. We met visitors from all over the county (and even a few from out of state!) who couldn’t stop talking about how friendly and welcoming our downtown is.
Many were return guests who remembered visiting our shop in previous years. One even told us, “I still have the rose you gave me last year — I dried it and kept it in a vase.”
Moments like that remind us why we do what we do.
Reflections from the Team at Veda’s Flowers
As the evening wound down and the last few spritzers were served, our team stood outside the shop watching the glow of string lights and hearing the faint echoes of the band’s final encore.
We couldn’t help but feel grateful — for our neighbors, our customers, and everyone who supports this incredible event.
Every year, Wine Around the Square gets a little bigger, a little brighter, and a little more impactful.
And every year, we’re honored to be part of it — representing small businesses, spreading joy through flowers, and cheering for those who fight breast cancer with courage and grace.
Until Next Year…
So, here’s to the women we celebrate, the survivors we honor, and the community we love.
Here’s to Patty Marschel and her enduring vision, to Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation for its tireless work, to Stones River Total Beverages for keeping the glasses full, and to everyone who walked the square with purpose and pride.
And, of course, here’s to the many hands that helped make the night unforgettable — from volunteers to musicians, from restaurant chefs to business owners, from rose-givers to rose-receivers.
We can’t wait to see what next year brings. We’ll be here — at that little flower shop on the square — ready with fresh blooms, friendly faces, and maybe a few more surprises up our sleeves.
Until then, keep raising your glasses, your hopes, and your hearts. Because together, we make Murfreesboro shine.
About the Event
Event: 14th Annual Wine Around the Square
Date: Saturday, October 25
Location: Historic Downtown Murfreesboro
Hosted by: Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation
Benefiting: The Power of Pink Fund
Entertainment: Mixtape – 1980s Tribute Band
Catering: The Alley on Main, Clay Pit, Tennessee Craft Butchers
Beverage Partner: Stones River Total Beverages
About the Cause
The Power of Pink Fund supports:
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Free and low-cost mammograms, diagnostics, and screenings
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Transportation and lodging for patients during treatment
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Educational resources and outreach
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Mobile mammography coaches serving 26 counties
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Life-saving medical equipment and patient care assistance
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From All of Us at Veda’s Flowers & Gifts
Thank you for letting us be a part of your story, your smiles, and your celebrations — on this night and all year long. If you missed us this time, stop by anytime. Whether you need a single rose or a full bouquet, we’re here to brighten your day, right here on the square.
If you missed us this time, stop by anytime. Whether you need a single rose or a full bouquet, we’re here to brighten your day, right here on the square.
Here’s to love, laughter, and living beautifully — one flower at a time.
