In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Clear with a High of 56

📰 Local Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

👮🏾‍♂️ Fatal Shooting Near Downtown Knoxville - Police Seek Anonymous Tips

📰 Knoxville's Program Cultivates Future Firefighters through Hands-On Student Training

🐕‍🦺 Pets: Training and Holiday Tips of the Day

📅 Upcoming December Events, including Christmas Parades

💡 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!
 

Local Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

Looking to eat out on Christmas Day? The following restaurants will be open:

• Applewood Farm & Grill

• Bravo!

• Calhoun’s

• Chesapeake’s

• Copper Cellar

• Corner 16

• Oliver Royale

• Smoky Mountain Brewery

• Waffle House

Knoxville's Program Cultivates Future Firefighters through Hands-On Student Training

Knoxville has teamed up with its fire department to encourage students to become future firefighters, offering hands-on experience with firefighting tools and techniques. This partnership, which includes donating a firetruck to Fulton High School, aims to inspire students and address a shortage of firefighters in the region.

Students in the fire management program learn various firefighting skills, potentially paving the way for careers in public service without a college degree. The Knoxville Fire Department sees this program as a promising way to recruit skilled, trained individuals directly from high school.

Fatal Shooting Near Downtown Knoxville - Police Seek Anonymous Tips

An investigation is underway following a fatal shooting that occurred on Wednesday afternoon near downtown Knoxville.

The incident took place at around 3:20 p.m. at 218 E. Depot Avenue, where responding officers discovered a victim, who had been shot at least once, next to a box truck. The victim was declared deceased at the location.

The individual responsible for the shooting had left the scene in a vehicle before the police arrived. Investigators are currently working to confirm the identity of the shooter. The name of the deceased is being kept confidential until family members are informed.

To assist in the investigation, members of the public can provide information anonymously to Crime Stoppers. This can be done by calling 865-215-7165.

Pet Training Tip of the Day

Tip: Make sure to puppy proof your house.

Today’s Pet Training Tip of the Day is brought to you by Sharon Short of Zoom Room Knoxville-Hardin Valley.

Christmas Season with Pets Tip of the Day

Tip: Antifreeze and the chemicals used to deice sidewalks and streets can be hazardous to your four-legged friends. Whenever possible, avoid walking your pet on areas that have been chemically deiced.

Today’s Christmas Season with Pets Tip of the Day is brought to you by Carol Logue of KT Walking Paws.

Upcoming December Events

Have an event to add? Let us know! [email protected] 

Thursday, 12/14:

• Sip & Shop Ladies Night at the Painted Perch: 6pm - 8pm, Wine, Cheese, Sales, & a Ton of Fun, 9715 Kington Pike

Friday, 12/15:

• "Holiday Dance Party!" with The Streamliners Swing Orchestra: 6:30 pm - 9 pm at The Concourse, 4328 N. Broadway. Cost: $20 at the Door. More Info

Saturday, 12/16:

• Christmas Holiday Market: 9am - 3pm in Halls, Black Oak Plaza. This is free to attend, outdoor event.

• Yoga for Martial Arts: 9 am - 10 am at Warrior Heart USA, 297 Oak Ridge Turnpike Suite 400 in Oak Ridge. Cost: $20 drop-in or included in membership. More Info

Monday, 12/18:

• Christmas Party at the Strike & Spare Fountain Lanes: December 18th, 5pm - 8:30pm. This party is for anyone that needs assitance during the holiday for their children (ages 0-12 will receive a gift & ages 13-16 are also invited). They will provide bowling, food & snacks. Santa Claus will be there for photo opportunities and visits. NO gifts will be given before 8pm. MUST be present to receive gift. Limited Lanes are available, call to sign up (Ricky Spiva - (865) 283-2394 or Fountain Lanes - (865) 687-4611)

• The Grand Victoria Christmas Open House: December 18th, 3pm - 8pm, 6325 Tazewell Pike. Come check out the newest venue in Knoxville, enjoying a Christmas open house and local vendors with gifts and crafts. More Info

Thursday, 12/21:

• Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour: December 21st, Second Presbyterian Church, 2829 Kingston Pike, 4pm and 7pm. Cost: Varies. More Info

Multi-Date Events:

• 37th Annual Clayton Holiday Concert: December 15th, 7:30pm; December 16th, 3pm & 7:30pm; December 17th, 3pm at the Civic Auditorium. More Info

• The Best Thing About Christmas at the Bijou Theatre: December 19th & 20th, See the Christmas Spirit…Nashville Style, Doors open at 6pm, Show begins at 7pm, More Info/Get Tickets 

• Downtown Peppermint Trail: Now through 1/7/2024. More Info

• Holiday Open House at Sanctuary Day Spa & Boutique: December 16th and 17th from 9am - 5pm, 9700 Kingston Pike. Holiday food, drink, retail sales and more! Get your holiday shopping wrapped up with our free gift wrapping 🎁 & enjoy some Spa treats and door prizes at the same time! More Info

• Ice Skating in Market Square: An open-air ice rink, Now through 1/2/2024. More Info

• Safety City’s “Christmas in the City”: December 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th; 4 pm - 8 pm, More Info

• Santa & the Grinch: Have your photo made with Santa & the Grinch every Sunday until Christmas, 2pm - 5pm at Painting with Friends Studio, 4301 East Emory Road 1st come 1st serve. Cost: $3.00/person. More Info 

Expanding Small Business Saturday into Small Business December

As the holiday season approaches, we have a unique opportunity to transform the success of Small Business Saturday into a broader, more impactful initiative: Small Business December. This initiative is more than just a campaign; it’s a community-driven movement to support our local economy and the small businesses that are its backbone. Small businesses give our community its unique character, create jobs, and invigorate our local economy. By choosing to shop locally throughout December, we not only find unique gifts for our loved ones but also contribute to the prosperity and resilience of our neighborhood.

Our collective efforts can make a significant difference. We encourage each of you to be ambassadors for this cause. Share your local shopping experiences on social media, recommend your favorite small businesses to friends and family, and consider buying your holiday gifts from local artisans and shopkeepers. Local businesses often offer beautifully crafted, unique items that make thoughtful and memorable gifts. Remember, every purchase you make at a small business is an investment in our community’s future.

Let’s come together to make Small Business December a new tradition that supports and celebrates the heart of our community - our local businesses. It’s more than just shopping; it’s about building a stronger, more connected community. Your support can help turn a challenging year into a brighter season for our small business owners. Let’s show them how much they mean to us and make this December a month of local love and community spirit.

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider?

We ❤️ Local Businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Knoxville Insider" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message to [email protected] and let's celebrate the spirit of Knoxville together! Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it at the email address above!