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Community Day at Little Ponderosa Zoo & Rescue
Issue #487
In this Knoxville Insider Issue…
🌤️ Weather | Partly Cloudy with a High of 65
📰 The Thorn at Knoxville Civic Auditorium
📰 Sequoyah Branch Used Book Sale
🗓️ Upcoming Events
📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here
✅ Advertising Opportunities
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Today’s Record High: 86 in 1978 — Record Low: 23 in 1985
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Community Appreciation Day at Little Ponderosa Zoo & Rescue
FREE Admission!
Bring the whole family and join in the fun at Community Day, a heartfelt tradition at the Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue! Created by founder James Cox as a way to give back to the community he loved, this special day continues in his honor—and it’s all about YOU, the community that supports the zoo year-round.
What to Expect:
• Up-close animal encounters
• Live music and entertainment
• Delicious food and treats
• Bounce houses and kids’ activities
• Fun for the whole family!
Whether you're a longtime fan or it's your first visit, Community Day is the perfect opportunity to explore the zoo, meet the animals, and enjoy a full day of free fun.
Come celebrate, connect, and create memories that’ll last a lifetime—all for FREE.
Mark your calendar: Saturday, May 3 | 10 AM – 6 PM
199 Tipton Hollow Road, Clinton, TN
Let’s make this Community Day the biggest and best one yet!! More Info

The Thorn at Knoxville Civic Auditorium
Prepare to be captivated by a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience as The Thorn brings its powerful performance to Knoxville. This immersive stage show combines live music, drama, aerial acts, modern dance, and stunning visual effects to tell the epic story of God’s love and the spiritual battle for all humanity.
Described as “Cirque meets the Passion of Jesus,” The Thorn has moved and inspired over 1 million viewers nationwide with its dynamic storytelling and awe-inspiring artistry. From heart-pounding performances to deeply emotional moments, this is a show that will stir your soul and leave a lasting impression.
🎭 Showtimes:
April 22 at 7:00 PM
April 23 at 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Knoxville Civic Auditorium
Whether you’re drawn by the message, the music, or the mesmerizing visuals, The Thorn is more than a performance—it’s an experience. Don’t miss your chance to witness this unforgettable journey of faith, redemption, and spiritual warfare live in Knoxville. More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page
Upcoming Events:
The Women of Lockerbie presented at St. Gregory Auditorium, Knoxville Catholic High School (9245 Fox Lonas Road). April 10, 11, 12 at 7:30 PM | April 5, 12, 13 at 2:30 PM Tickets & Info: Visit theater23.org
Join us at The Kraken's Cup as we welcome local author Stephanie Edwards for a special author event! April 9, 2025 | ⏰ 11:00 AM More Info
Step into the dazzling world of the Roaring Twenties with the World Ballet Company’s brand-new production of The Great Gatsby Ballet! This stunning adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel brings the glitz, glamor, and tragic romance of Gatsby’s world to life LIVE on stage. April 10 | 7:00 PM at the Civic Auditorium-Coliseum
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Bourbon & Bowties Gala, benefiting the Rocky Top Veterans Foundation. This elegant event promises to be a night of celebration, charity, and incredible experiences—all in support of our veterans. Date: April 11, 2025 | Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Skyview at Broadway Social More Info
Get ready for a knightly adventure at Ritterfest 2025, Knoxville’s premier German Knight’s Festival! Now in its third year, this medieval celebration transforms Schulz Bräu into a lively medieval village, complete with battling knights, minstrels, merchants, and more. Friday, April 11 – Sunday, April 20 at Schulz Bräu Brewing Co. No Ticket Required – Free Admission! More Info
Networking:
Veterans:
Free Veteran’s Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 14 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly, Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates



2025 Cool Beans Annual Crawfish Boil
Spring is heating up at Cool Beans with the return of the Annual Crawfish Boil—and you won’t want to miss this all-you-can-eat Southern-style feast! Saturday, April 26 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Cool Beans Bar & Grill, 1817 Lake Avenue
Live Music | SweetWater Brews | All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish
In partnership with SweetWater Brewing Company, this year’s boil brings the flavor, the fun, and the festive vibes with plenty of spicy crawfish, cold craft brews, and toe-tapping live music.
Pre-Registration Tickets ($45) include:
• Two pints of SweetWater beer
• An exclusive event t-shirt
• All-you-can-eat crawfish
• Extra surprises just for early birds!
At-the-Door Tickets ($55) include:
• All-you-can-eat crawfish
• Live music and good vibes all day long
Live Music Lineup:
• Josh Bruce: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Cory James Clifton: 1 PM – 4 PM
Bring your friends, grab a beer, and dig into a pile of crawfish while soaking up the sun and sounds. It’s one of Knoxville’s tastiest spring traditions—don’t miss it!
Sequoyah Branch Used Book Sale
April 12 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Calling all book lovers! The Sequoyah Branch Library is hosting a Used Book Sale you won’t want to miss. Whether you're hunting for hidden literary gems, building your home library, or looking for budget-friendly reads, there's something for everyone.
From bestsellers and classics to children’s books and cookbooks, this sale is a great way to support your local library while finding treasures for your bookshelf. Come early for the best selection!
All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library and help support community programs.
Stock up and support a good cause—see you there!
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Hero or section banners
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and more…
Reach out to us at [email protected].
We Want To Spotlight Local Businesses!
Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider? Apply Here. Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]!
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