Fun Facts about Independence Day

Issue #215

01 Jul

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Partly Cloudy with a High of 86

📰 How Does Tennessee Rank in Best States 2024?

🗓️ Upcoming Events

🗓️ Make Your Voice Heard: Vote in the August 1 Primary Elections

🏡 Real Estate Section

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Fun Facts about Independence Day

As we gear up to celebrate Independence Day, a time-honored tradition in the United States, it’s always fun to delve into some intriguing facts that make this holiday special beyond its historical significance. Here are a few tidbits to ponder as you prepare for your 4th of July festivities:

  1. Hot Dog Mania: Did you know that Americans consume an astonishing 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day? According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, that’s enough to stretch from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles more than five times! It seems grilling hot dogs has become as much a part of our celebration as fireworks.

  2. Presidential Coincidence: July 4th holds a curious place in presidential history. Three U.S. Presidents—Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe—each passed away on this symbolic day. Their deaths, occurring years apart, add a solemn note to the festivities, reminding us of the historical weight of the day.

  3. Massachusetts Sets the Stage: Massachusetts was the first state to recognize July 4th as an official state holiday in 1781, setting a precedent that would eventually become widespread across the nation. This early acknowledgment reflects the state’s pivotal role in the birth of American independence.

  4. Federal Recognition: While Massachusetts led the charge, it wasn’t until 1870 that the federal government declared Independence Day a national holiday. This recognition cemented July 4th as a day of celebration and reflection for all Americans.

  5. Explosive Celebrations: The annual Macy’s fireworks display in New York City is renowned for its grandeur and scale. Over 75,000 fireworks shells light up the sky during this spectacular show, which costs approximately $6 million—a fittingly extravagant tribute to the nation’s birth.

  6. Ringing Symbolism: Every Independence Day, descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence gather in Philadelphia to tap the Liberty Bell 13 times. This ritual honors the original 13 colonies and underscores the enduring significance of the document that started it all.

  7. A Toast to Freedom: In 1778, General George Washington issued a special order to double the rum rations for his soldiers on July 4th, allowing them to mark the occasion with spirited revelry. This gesture exemplifies the camaraderie and jubilation that have always marked this day of national unity.

As you enjoy your cookouts, parades, and fireworks this 4th of July, take a moment to reflect on these fun facts that add depth and color to our celebration of independence. Happy Independence Day! More fun facts by Lindsay Lowe

How Does Tennessee Rank in Best States 2024?

U.S. News & World Report has released its highly anticipated Best States of 2024 list, which evaluates how effectively each state serves its residents across several critical areas. Tennessee secured the 27th spot overall!

Fiscal Stability: Tennessee shines in fiscal stability, ranking 5th. This category assesses the state's ability to maintain financial health and support government programs. The state's long-term stability was particularly noteworthy, indicating strong public confidence in Tennessee's financial commitments.

Economy: Ranking 12th, Tennessee’s economy is robust, showcasing solid job growth, business environment, and overall economic health.

Public Safety: Tennessee faces significant challenges in public safety, ranking 42nd. This low ranking highlights issues such as crime rates and the effectiveness of law enforcement.

Healthcare: Healthcare is another critical area where Tennessee falls short, also ranking 42nd. This category measures access to quality healthcare services, outcomes, and public health metrics.

Infrastructure: Tennessee ranks 21st in infrastructure, reflecting a solid but not outstanding performance in transportation, utilities, and broadband access.

Opportunity: With a ranking of 22nd, Tennessee provides moderate opportunities in areas such as affordability, equality, and upward mobility.

Education: In education, Tennessee is placed 31st. This category considers factors like primary and secondary education, higher education, and educational attainment, suggesting there’s work to be done to improve educational outcomes and resources.

Natural Environment: The state ranks 34th for its natural environment, which includes air and water quality, pollution, and the preservation of natural spaces.

Tennessee's ranking as the 27th best state overall reflects a balanced mix of strengths and challenges. For Tennessee to climb higher in future rankings, targeted efforts to address its shortcomings will be essential. More Info

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

Community:

Poetry as Narrative Workshop: July 3rd from 6pm - 8pm at The Kraken’s Cup.  Indulge in some tea and treats as you sharpen your writing abilities! Benefit from the expertise of our exceptional UT instructors without the need to enroll in the university. This workshop is conducted by Dr. Leauna Christensen, a lecturer from the UT English department and is tailored for writers at any skill level and experience. More Info

The East Tennessee Reentry Collaborative: will be hosting a One Stop Reentry Shop for all justice involved on July 11 from 1:00pm-3:00 pm at the American Job Center, 2700 Middlebrook Pk!  This shop is specifically  designed to help a justice involved individual get all of the resources he or she needs all in one place. You do not have to be justice involved to attend! More info call 865-456-1095

Howard Pinkston Library Used Book Sale: on Saturday, July 13th from 10am - 5pm, 7732 Martin Mill Pike

Used Book Sale at Hi-Wire Brewing: on Thursday, July 18th - Wednesday, July 24th during business hours, 2020 Barber Street

Ask a Master Gardener: Ask plant and garden questions at the Norwood Library, 1110 Merchant Dr. on Saturday, July 20th, from 10am - noon. KCMG public calendar.

Learn How to Play the Bridge Card Game: Recurring on Tuesdays starting on July 23rd from 6pm - 8:30pm at the Knoxville Bridge Center, 7400 Deane Hill Drive. Register. Questions: contact Maggie Hughes at (865) 680-7364 or [email protected]

Classic Movie at the Tennessee Theatre:
The Lion King and The Matrix are showing on Saturday, July 27th, Star Wars - The Return of the Jedi and Thelma and Louise are showing on Saturday, August 10th, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Jurassic Park are showing on Saturday, August 24th, More Info

Knoxville Community Band Concert: July 28th at Bearden Middle School at 3pm. No admission charge!

Farragut Library Used Book Sale: on Friday-Saturday, August 9th-10th from 10am - 5pm, 417 N Campbell Station Rd

Used Book Sale at East TN History Center: on Saturday, August 17th from 10am - 5pm during the History Hootenanny, 601 S Gay St

Game Night at Fountain City Social: happening Every Monday from 6pm-8pm at 4842 Harvest Mill Way, everyone welcome, current players range from their mid 20's up into their 60's, only requirement is a sense of humor

Support Knox County Mobile Meals at their Power of the Purse event! We are currently collecting new and gently used purses & jewelry for the event. Drop off donations at: Southern Market on Homberg; Chico’s at Turkey Creek; Mac’s Pharmacy on South Peters; and Lulu’s Tea Room in Powell. The event is September 12 at Rothchilds. Tickets go on sale July 15. More Info

A Meet (& Greet) Cute Author Signing Event: Hosted by Knox Bookish Babes on September 14 from 1pm - 6pm at Jubilee Banquet Facility. Join Knox Bookish Babes for the hottest book signing event in Knoxville, TN — A Meet (& Greet) Cute!! An exclusive event featuring a few favorite authors and local vendors. More Info

Food:

Say Cheese! Tea and Cheese Pairing Event: July 10th from 6pm - 8pm at The Kraken’s Cup. Pairing tea with cheese may appear unconventional, but for those who love culinary exploration, it’s a divine combination.The ticket includes a selection of teas, worksheets, and a handpicked assortment of cheese and snacks from the Euphoric Cheese Shop in W Knoxville. More Info

Tea Flights: offered Monday - Thursday at The Spice and Tea Exchange. Limited to 4 people per group at $8.99/person. Call the store for more information 865-985-0913

Market Square Farmers Market: happening Every Wednesday, now through November 20th from 10am – 1pm & Every Saturday, now through November 23rd from 9am – 1pm, More Info

New Harvest Farmers Market: happening Every Thursday, now through September 26th from 3pm - 6pm, 4775 New Harvest Lane, More Info

Traditional Cuban Cooking Class: offered on July 16th at 7pm at The Spice & Tea Exchange. Cost is $75/person (+tax). You will learn how to make fired plantains, a main course of ropa bieja (shredded beef dish). For more information call the store at 865-985-0913 or email [email protected].

Music:

Grooves in the Garden: Knoxville’s best outdoor music festival in jazz, R&B and soul. This is an adult only event with live music, a DJ, food trucks and a cash bar. Hosted by Knoxville Botanical Garden on July 20 5pm - 10pm More Info

Hillbilly Thomists and Fiddling Leona: at the Bijou theatre on Saturday, August 3rd. Enjoy some of your bluegrass favorites as well as Feona’s fresh take on fiddling! Tickets are on sale now! Partial proceeds benefit the Chesterton Academy, a local classical model high school, More Info/Tickets

Networking:

Motley Crew Community Luncheon hosted by Hubert Smith: Every month on the first Friday at Crowne Plaza Knoxville.  This is a public event. All are welcome. No RSVP. No speakers! No politics! Lots of fun, food, and fellowship! Doors open at 11:00 am for meet and greet. Buffet opens at 11:30 am. We're out close to 1:30 pm (provided everyone sticks to their 30 second introduction). Free parking in hotel garage. Lunch buffet is approximately $17.

If you're coming for the first time, when you come in lobby from parking garage, turn left, take elevator to M level, turn right. There is no admission cost. Only pay for your lunch and a tip for the server. Very few places (if any) that offer a full buffet, including 32 item salad bar, coffee, or iced tea, and a cup of ice cream, and wait service, and free parking for the price. We also give out door prizes. More Info call Cheryl 865-456-1095

Jamageddon: hosted by Alex  Pulsipher. 2nd Saturday of every month at Sustainable Future Center, 201 Ogle Ave from 5 - 10 pm. Open to artists, dancers, burners, fire performers, people with kids, aerialists, flow artists, drummers, and musicians!  Jam open to all with a 7pm potluck dinner break.  He will bring some sort of meat (likely a pork shoulder) and some corn tortillas so y’all bring some veggies or whatever.  Also bring your own plate and utensils! Would love for you to come get groovy with us!  We’ve got a nice Indoors space if it’s raining or chilly.  More Info call Cheryl 865-456-1095

Emotionally Sobriety: Each Thursday at 5pm (except July 4) at The Kraken’s Cup. The Kracken’s Cup has partnered with Sober in Knoxville to create a safe and accepting environment for their N Knoxville meetups. Emotional sobriety is being comfortably present with all your feelings without any one of them defining or controlling you. This community is for everyone who has a desire to improve their relationship with themselves and the world around them. Questions? Email [email protected].

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

July 4th Events (recap)!

Festival on the 4th: Kick off your Independence Day festivities with the Festival on the 4th at the Worlds Fair Park, a free, family-friendly event packed with activities for all ages. Starting at 5 p.m. and running until approximately 10 p.m

VIP Party at the Sunsphere: on July 4, 8pm - 10pm. Experience a private viewing of the city's spectacular fireworks show in an exclusive setting. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased here.

Gatlinburg's Midnight Parade; Prepare to stay up late for a one-of-a-kind experience! For the 49th consecutive year, Gatlinburg will host its iconic parade at midnight on July 4th (the night of July 3rd).

Museum of Appalachia's Old-Fashioned Anvil Shoot: If you're looking for something truly unique, head to the Museum of Appalachia for an old-fashioned anvil shoot. Instead of fireworks, the museum uses gunpowder to launch 200-pound anvils hundreds of feet into the air.

Westward Celebrations on Kingston Pike: Check out the parade in Farragut on Kingston Pike at Stadium Drive. Starting at 9:30 am.

West High School Class of 1974 - 50th Reunion

Saturday August 24th at The Foundry, 747 World's Fair Park Drive, at 6pm, For more information contact [email protected].

Knoxville Real Estate Insider

Do you have specific real estate questions you'd like answered? Submit a Question. A realtor will have an answer for you in the next issue of the Knoxville Real Estate Insider.

Are you a local realtor selling a home or property? Do you have an upcoming open house? Let us know at [email protected] or (865) 234-2421! We can include them here.

Make Your Voice Heard: Vote in the August 1 Primary Elections

The primary elections for the U.S. House of Representatives, Tennessee Senate, and Tennessee House of Representatives will take place on Thursday, August 1st. Voters will choose their preferred candidates for the Republican and Democratic parties in these races, with the general election scheduled for November. Additionally, several Knox County elections will be decided through a general election on the same day.

To participate, ensure you're registered to vote by Tuesday, July 2nd. For registration details, visit sos.tn.gov/elections.

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