In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Scattered Thunderstorms with a High of 77

🗓️ Author Patti Callahan Henry to speak at East Tennessee History Center Today at 7pm

📰 Farewell to a Cobbler Legend: Hardy Johnson’s Enduring Legacy

📰 Tate’s School & Camp Welcome Families to Hayride & Open House

📰 Spring into Hope: A Free Festival Celebrating Mental Health Awareness and Community Resilience

🗓️ Upcoming Events (Lots of new events added!)

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

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Tate’s School & Camp Welcome Families to Hayride & Open House

On Saturday, April 13th, from 10am - 2pm, Tate’s School and Tate’s Camp will host their 15th Annual Open House. This is the first time the public has been on campus since the tornado this past August.

Families can enjoy a hayride tour of the beautiful, tranquil 54-acre campus featuring 3 saltwater pools, zip lines, an archery range, an axe throwing range, climbing walls, a rappelling tower, a boating pond, and the unique rustic classrooms that define the campus.

Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt for some great prizes, taste homemade snacks from the chef, and try the 200-foot hillside slide! The event is free and open to the public. Tate’s only opens the campus to the public once each year and this year will be spectacular!

Teachers will be in each classroom and will be hosting student-centered activities across campus. Children can explore the Teaching Garden and learn more about the wonder of plant life and gardening. Families are invited to enjoy lunch (provided free) with Tate’s Camp Counselors in the picnic area by our boating and fishing pond and play on the wonderful playgrounds. Families can also register to win a free week of camp for their child!!

Author Patti Callahan Henry to speak at East Tennessee History Center Today at 7pm

Friends of the Knox County Public Library and Union Ave Books are excited to welcome author Patti Callahan Henry today - Tuesday, April 2nd at a 7 pm event at the East Tennessee History Center celebrating the paperback release of Henry’s most recent book, The Secret Book of Flora Lea.

Henry is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of several novels, including Surviving Savannah and Becoming Mrs. Lewis. She is the recipient of the Christy Award, the Harper Lee Award for Alabama’s Distinguished Writer of the Year, and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year. Henry is also the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly online live web show and podcast Friends and Fiction.

Tickets for the event can be purchased here. Each $20 ticket includes a paperback copy of The Secret Book of Flora Lea.

Spring into Hope: A Free Festival Celebrating Mental Health Awareness and Community Resilience

"Spring into Hope" is a free mental health awareness festival happening on Saturday, April 6th from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Ijams Nature Center, co-hosted with UTK Knoxville Sources of Strength and CONTACT Care Line.

This family-friendly event offers community resources, live music, art, speaker sessions, and workshops aimed at promoting hope, resilience, and support, while addressing mental health stigmas.

The festival also coincides with a Free Parking Day at Ijams. Additional support comes from various sponsors, including the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network. For more information or to donate, visit visit Ijams.org or call (865) 577-4717.

Farewell to a Cobbler Legend: Hardy Johnson’s Enduring Legacy

Hardy Otto Johnson, Jr., a beloved shoe cobbler with a remarkable 80-year career, passed away at the age of 95 last week. A veteran of the Korean War and a cornerstone of the Fountain City community, Johnson was celebrated for his dedication to his craft and his unwavering positivity.

Known for his kindness and resilience, he left a profound impact on those around him, embodying the spirit of perseverance. Johnson's legacy is remembered by his family and the many lives he touched, both through his work and his character, as a testament to a life well-lived in service and community.

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

Community:

Game Nights at Fountain City Social: on all Mondays in April from 6pm-8pm, 4842 Harvest Mills Way, Everyone welcome, More Info

Book Signing: Meet the author of ‘Finding a Hiding Place: Revealing God’s Way’ by Reverand Dr. Geneva Silvernail, on Saturday, April 6th starting at 2pm at the Lenoir City First Church of the Nazarene, 111 Sharp Drive in Lenoir City

HonorAir Knoxville's Flight 34 Welcome Home Event: at McGhee-Tyson airport lobby area on Wednesday, April 10th, starting at flight landing time of 7:40pm, All are welcome, More Info

Baby Shower Event to Support Expectant Mothers in Need: is happening on Saturday, April 13th, from 12pm - 2pm at the Change Center, 208 Harriett Tubman Street, More Info or (865) 896-9357

Used Book Sale at the Karns Branch Library: on Saturday, April 13th from 10am - 5pm, 7516 Oak Ridge Hwy

Rossini Festival: Downtown in various locations on Saturday-Sunday, April 20th-21st, Knoxville Opera’s annual International Street Fair celebrates the global impact on the music, food, art, and culture of East Tennessee, More Info

Used Book Sale at the Sequoyah Branch Library: on Saturday, April 27th from 10am - 5pm, 1140 Southgate Rd SW

Food & Beverage:

Tea-Infused Cocktails/Mixology Class: Learn how to mix delicious cocktails and mocktails infused with teas and sugars, herbs, and spices, at the Spice & Tea Exchange on Wednesday, April 24th at 6:30pm, 522 S Gay St. Cost: $60 per person. Call (865) 985-0913 to reserve your spot!

Colored Pasta Workshop: Learn how to make colored pastas and a homemade Bolognese sauce, at the Spice & Tea Exchange on Wednesday, April 30th at 6:30pm, 522 S Gay St. Cost: $50 per person. Call (865) 985-0913 to reserve your spot!

Gardening:

Growing Roses: Ron Daniels, Master Rosarian and author of Rose Therapy, will be speaking on "Growing Roses” and have a book signing on Sunday, April 7th at 2:00 p.m. at the Biotech building on U.T. campus 2505 East J. Chapman Dr. In room 156. More Info

Know Before You Grow - Toxic Plants in the Home and Garden: Join Master Gardener Claudia Kirk, DVM, to learn which plants commonly found in the home, garden, or florist bouquets are toxic to your pets or people, at UT Extension Eastern Region Office, 1801 Downtown W. Boulevard on Tuesday, April 16th from 10am - 11:30am. Free to the public. More Info

Health & Wellness:

Myofascial Release and Yin Yoga Workshop: on Saturday, April 6th from 10am - 12pm, this workshop blends the therapeutic benefits of myofascial release techniques with the practice of Yin Yoga, offering participants a holistic approach to enhancing physical well-being, all levels of yoga experience welcome, More Info/Registration

Music:

Union County Opry - Liquid Velvet: brings the bangers from Journey, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Toto, 38 Special, Pat Benatar, and more on Saturday, April 13th from 7pm - 10pm, More Info

Knoxville Community Band: will be playing at the Rossini Festival Downtown on Saturday, April 20th at 11am at the Market Square Stage. More info on the Rossini Festival 

Veterans:

Free Veteran’s Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 13 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly, Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

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