In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 83

📰 Celebrate Independence Day with a Boom at the Museum of Appalachia!

📰 Step into the Buzzing World of Beekeeping at Norris Dam State Park!

📰 Painting with Highland Cows

📰 Dutch Oven Cobbler Campfire at Frozen Head State Park

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Celebrate Independence Day with a Boom at the Museum of Appalachia!

Step back in time this Fourth of July at the Museum of Appalachia, where the holiday is celebrated the old-fashioned way—with a 200-pound flying anvil!

That’s right—while most Americans are lighting fireworks, the Museum will launch anvils hundreds of feet into the air using real gunpowder, in a tradition known as an anvil shoot. Once a popular way for pioneers to mark holidays and big events, this dramatic display is sure to thrill guests of all ages.

 What to Expect:

• Anvil Shoots every hour on the hour from 10 AM to 3 PM

• National Bell-Ringing Ceremony and Patriotic Flag Procession

• Live Music and performances throughout the day

• Southern Food available for purchase

• Live Demonstrations by blacksmiths, beekeepers, dulcimer makers, spinners, weavers, and more

This is more than just a celebration—it's a history-rich experience that honors Appalachian traditions and brings community together in a truly explosive way.

Located just north of Knoxville, the Museum of Appalachia makes for the perfect destination to celebrate America’s independence with a bang—and a little bit of educational fun, too! More Info

Step into the Buzzing World of Beekeeping at Norris Dam State Park!

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a beekeeper? Now’s your chance! Join Ranger Trent at Norris Dam State Park for an immersive Beekeepers Experience that gives you a hands-on introduction to the fascinating world of honeybees. June 29 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Shelter #2 | $35 per person (Your registration fee helps support the ongoing care of honeybee hives at Norris Dam State Park.)

 What to Expect:

• Learn about the life cycle of honeybees, how they make honey, and the important role they play in our environment.

• Get familiar with beekeeping tools and protective gear.

• Suit up and experience a guided hive inspection to see firsthand how hives are managed and maintained.

• Discover how to identify the inner workings of a hive—from queens to drones and worker bees.

This 90-minute program is perfect for curious minds and aspiring beekeepers of all experience levels.

Whether you're looking to start your own hive or simply want to learn more about these essential pollinators, this is an experience you won’t want to miss! More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

On Tuesday, June 17th at 11 a.m. master gardeners will lead tours of Collier Preserve, a native plant garden and birding area. The guided nature walks will be one hour and are free. Meet at the Powell Branch Library next to Collier Preserve, which is located at 316 W. Emory Road. More Info

Master gardener Cid Letsinger will answer garden and plant questions at the Norwood Branch Library on Saturday, June 21st from 10 a.m. - noon. The library is located at 1110 Merchant Dr. Other master gardeners will be at community farmer’s markets in June, including those at Dixie Lee at Renaissance, Ebenezer Road, Tellico Village, New Harvest Park and Market Square. More Info

Networking:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

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

Painting with Highland Cows

Looking for a creative and unforgettable summer experience? Painting with Highland Cows is back for two special dates this June, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to combine art, farm fun, and face-to-face time with these beloved shaggy creatures at Cedar Pond Farm!

Whether you choose the Premium Experience or the Regular Experience, every guest will enjoy a 1 hour and 45-minute painting session, meet and interact with real Highland Cows, and learn about these majestic animals.

Event Dates & Times:

June 21

• Premium Experience: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Regular Experience: 3:45 PM – 6:00 PM

June 27

• Premium Experience: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Regular Experience: 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM

Experience Options:

Premium Experience – $85

• 3 full hours of fun!

• Intro to cow safety and history

• 45 minutes inside the fence brushing and feeding the cows

• 1 hr. 45 min. guided painting lesson

• Finish with gelato from Gelato Brothers and coffee from Brew Bros Coffee

• Plenty of photo ops and time to soak in the peaceful farm atmosphere

Regular Experience – $49

• 2 hours and 15 minutes total

• 15 minutes of up-close cow interaction inside the fence

• 1 hr. 45 min. painting session

• Same Highland Cow charm, but without the gelato and coffee

 Painting instruction provided by: Mountain Mama’s
 Sweet treats and sips provided by: Gelato Brothers & Brew Bros Coffee

Location: 1326 Groseclose Rd, New Market, TN

🐄 Don’t miss your chance to bond with Highland Cows and leave with your very own painted masterpiece! Spots are limited and sell out quickly—so reserve your place today for this unforgettable farm-meets-art adventure! More Info

Dutch Oven Cobbler Campfire at Frozen Head State Park

Join SIR Kaelin for an evening of sweet Appalachian tradition at Frozen Head State Park! Gather around the firepit for the Dutch Oven Cobbler Campfire, where you’ll learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking and savor the rich, warm taste of freshly made peach cobbler. June 20 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Firepit across from the Visitors Center | $1.00

Whether you're a campfire cooking enthusiast or just there for the dessert, this event is a cozy way to connect with nature and Appalachian heritage.

What to Bring:

• A camp chair

• Your appetite

• A sense of adventure and community

• Registration is required, so be sure to sign up in advance to secure your spot.

Come early, settle in by the fire, and enjoy the simple pleasure of cobbler cooked the old-fashioned way. It’s a perfect summer evening treat you won’t want to miss! More Info

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