In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Cloudy with a High of 69

📰 Advisory Issued at Mead’s Quarry Lake Due to Toxic Algae Bloom

📰 Sunsphere Upgrade: Welcoming Center and More in Phase II

📰 March Madness at MEDIC - Socks, Gifts, and Lifesaving Donations

🗓️ Upcoming Events

🗓️ Know of Some Local Events not Listed? Send us the Details!

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Advisory Issued at Mead’s Quarry Lake Due to Toxic Algal Bloom

Ijams Nature Center has issued a swim advisory for Mead’s Quarry Lake due to a toxic algal bloom, advising against wading, swimming or ingesting water from the lake. The advisory will remain until the bloom dissipates and toxin levels drop.

The bloom gives the lake a pink tint. The center is collaborating with health and environmental departments to monitor the situation.

Sunsphere Upgrade: Welcoming Center and More in Phase II

Phase II upgrades to the Sunsphere, which includes the addition of a new welcome center on the third floor, aligning with Clinch Avenue is set to begin at the end of March and expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The welcome center will offer staffed ticketing, expanded retail, and detailed information about the area, all within a space overlooking the World’s Fair Park.

The exterior will receive a new roof and a vibrant paint scheme inspired by the Rubik’s cube, paying homage to the world’s largest Rubik’s Cube gifted to Knoxville during the 1982 World’s Fair. While renovations are ongoing, the Sunsphere will remain open to the public, with specific areas closed as needed.

March Madness at MEDIC - Socks, Gifts, and Lifesaving Donations

MEDIC Regional Blood Center is running three special campaigns this March, including giving away basketball-themed socks to donors, offering e-gift cards to O blood type and platelet donors, and a "Skip the Gift" option where instead of receiving socks, $5 is donated to Ronald McDonald House on the donor's behalf.

Donors can schedule their appointments through MEDIC's website, or call (865) 524-3074. MEDIC is the main supplier of blood products for 25 hospitals in 23 counties and emphasizes the local impact of donations, which support communities in East Tennessee and Southeastern Kentucky. The campaign highlights the importance of blood donations, which are critical for emergency preparedness and ongoing medical needs.

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

Community:

Pancake Fest 2024: on Friday, March 22nd from 7am - noon at the O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona St. More Info

Used Book Sale at Farragut Branch Library: on Friday-Saturday, March 22nd-23rd from 10am - 5pm, 417 N Campbell Station Rd

Spring Has Sprung Shopping Event at the Painted Perch & Co: shop sales and win prizes on Friday-Saturday, March 22nd-23rd from 10am - 6pm, 9715 Kingston Pike, More Info

Successful Seed Starting in Six Easy Steps: hosted by Knox County Master Gardners, on Saturday, March 23rd from 10am - 11:30am at the Bloom Center, Attendance is free, but registration is required Register Here, space is limited to 20 registrants, at The Bloom Center, 6228 Anderson Drive

Farm Animal Baby Cuddling: from 3pm - 5pm every Saturday in March (March 23rd, 30th), at the Friendly Farm, 1104 Rebel Hollow Rd in Tazewell, Get your tickets

46th Annual CFA Cat Show: Over 200 pedigreed cats + household pets judged in 10 rings, Cost: Adults: $10, Kids & Seniors: $7, Family of 4: $30, Saturday-Sunday, March 23rd-24th at the Jacob Building, Chilhowee Park, 3301 Magnolia Avenue

Game Nights at Fountain City Social: on Mondays, March 25th from 6pm-8pm, 4842 Harvest Mills Way, Everyone welcome, More Info

Food & Drink:

Easter Afternoon Tea: with teas, finger sandwiches, scones, sweets and guitar music, at the Spice & Tea Exchange on Sunday, March 31st at 3pm or 5pm, 522 S Gay St. Cost: $55 per person. Call (865) 985-0913 to reserve your spot!

Music:

Big Ears Festival: Music, Film, and Visual Arts Festival, Downtown, Thursday-Sunday, March 21st-24th,  More Info

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