In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Scattered Thunderstorms with a High of 92

🗓️ It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Summer – Christmas in July at Monday Night Proofing Co.!

📣 Business Spotlight: Meet the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

🗓️ Surf’s Up, Farragut! Beach Party at McGill Plaza

📰 Smoky Mountain Service Dogs

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Summer – Christmas in July at Monday Night Proofing Co.!

The heat may be on, but Monday Night Proofing Co. is cooling things down with a week-long celebration that brings all the holiday cheer—Southern-style. It's Christmas in July, and the taproom is transforming into a winter wonderland (minus the frostbite) from July 20 through July 26.

From trivia to tree-building and smooth jazz to salsa dancing, there’s something festive happening every single day—plus seasonal brews, giveaways, and over-the-top decor to get you in the merry mindset.

The Daily Lineup of Holiday Shenanigans:

• 7/20 – Christmas Puzzle Showdown at 3 PM

• 7/21 – Christmas Trivia Night from 7–9 PM (Prizes for Top 3!)

• Tues 7/22 – Ornament Decorating Contest from 6–8 PM – win an MNB holiday sweater!

• Wed 7/23 – Christmas Movie Marathon + FREE popcorn all night

• Thurs 7/24 – Beer Can Christmas Tree Workshop – build one, get a beer!

• Fri 7/25 – Christmas-Themed Salsa Night – dance through the "snow"

• Sat 7/26 – Live Smooth Jazz with Jazzspirations on the lawn, 7–10 PM

All Week Long:

• The taproom is fully decked out in holiday décor 🎅

• Try the $15 “Dark Delights” Flight, featuring Seven Deadly Stouts + more

• Sip on $5 Cranberry-Lime Mom Waters for something light and festive

• Wear a Christmas sweater—get a free beer

• Buy an MNB holiday sweater—get a free 6-pack

Whether you’re a trivia buff, puzzle champ, dance floor regular, or just a fan of cold beer and good vibes, Christmas in July at Monday Night Proofing Co. is the mid-year celebration you didn’t know you needed.

Grab your ugliest sweater, bring your holiday spirit, and get ready to jingle all the way through summer. More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Get ready for a thrilling night at the theatre as Encore Theatrical Company brings the chilling tale of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street to life! Performances run July 11–20 at Jefferson County High School (115 W Dumplin Valley Rd, Dandridge). More Info

Book lovers and bargain hunters alike are invited to the Hi-Wire Brewing Used Book Sale, hosted by the Friends of the Knox County Public Library. From July 15th to July 22nd, the event will take place during Hi-Wire Brewing's business hours, at 2020 Barber Street. More Info

Ijams Nature Center invites nature enthusiasts to delve into the fascinating world of pollinators at the "Butterflies, Bees, and Beetles" program on Saturday, July 19th, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This family-friendly event offers an opportunity to learn about the vital roles these insects play in our ecosystems. Ijams Nature Center website.

Break out your bell bottoms and tie-dye, and get ready to groove! Join us for a one-day-only Hippie Day celebration at Sunflower Fest, where it's all about Flower Power, Peace, and Love in full bloom! July 19 | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Nightfall Acres – 13100 W Lee Hwy, Philadelphia More Info

Through July 31st, Downtown Knoxville invites adventurers of all ages to embark on the 8th annual "Where’s Waldo?" scavenger hunt. This free, family-friendly event encourages people to explore local businesses in search of the elusive Waldo hidden in plain sight. More Info

The Tennessee Stage Company proudly presents the 35th Shakespeare Festival, Knoxville Shakespeare, featuring two of the Bard’s most beloved plays:

• Love’s Labour’s Lost
  July 17, 19, 25, 27, 31; August 2, 8, 10
  7:30 PM nightly; 2:00 PM indoor matinee on July 27

• Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
  July 18, 20, 24, 26; August 1, 3, 7, 9
  7:30 PM nightly; 2:00 PM indoor matinee on August 3

More Info

Join us for a fun and flavorful morning at your local Rural King Farmers Market ( 945 McCammon Ave, Maryville)! On Saturday, July 26th from 8 AM to 12 PM, come shop fresh, shop local, and enjoy big savings all in one place. 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

Surf’s Up, Farragut! Beach Party at McGill Plaza

Get ready to trade your flip-flops for dancing shoes—the Beach Party is coming to McGill Plaza on August 23rd, 6pm - 8pm (101 N Campbell Station Rd), and you don’t need an ocean view to catch the summer vibes!

While there may not be sand or surf, this event promises to bring the full beach party experience to the heart of Farragut, complete with music, food, games, and laid-back summer fun for the whole family.

Live Music That’ll Rock Your Flip-Flops Off

Get ready to groove with the 103.5 WIMZ Garage Band, cranking out classic hits and just the right amount of yacht rock to keep things breezy. Bring your lawn chairs, your dancing feet, and your best beach attitude!

Beachwear Encouraged!

It’s not a beach party without Hawaiian shirts—so break out those florals, leis, and sunglasses. The more tropical, the better!

What Else to Expect:

• 3 to 4 local food trucks serving up crowd-pleasing bites

• Beach-themed games perfect for all ages

• Bright summer décor to set the tropical scene

• Family-friendly fun and community celebration

Whether you’re looking to dance, relax, snack, or just soak in the good vibes, McGill Plaza is the place to be. No tickets needed—just show up ready to celebrate summer in true beach party style!

Come kick back, cool off, and let’s make waves right here in Farragut! More Info

Knoxville’s “First Responders” on the Water: Meet the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

You may have seen them at the Knoxville Boat Show, volunteering at area lakes, or teaching a local boating safety class—but do you know the story behind the Knoxville-First Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary?

Founded in 1939 by Congress and proudly celebrating its 86th anniversary this year, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer branch of the U.S. Coast Guard, made up of dedicated civilians who serve as sentinels of safety and support on the water. Knoxville holds the honor of hosting the one of the very first official flotillas in the nation—appropriately named Knoxville-First.

Based out of the Fort Loudon Yacht Club, the Knoxville-First Flotilla has been active in East Tennessee for over half a century. While they don’t have law enforcement authority, these uniformed volunteers are deeply involved in education and prevention. Their mission is simple but vital: promote boating safety, conduct free vessel safety checks, assist with community events, and educate boaters to help ensure every trip on the water ends safely.

From local lakes to regional reservoirs, Auxiliarists provide an essential presence, partnering with agencies like TWRA and the Coast Guard by offering non-law-enforcement support. In fact, last year alone, Auxiliarists across the country volunteered over 1.7 million hours, performed 77,000+ safety inspections, and traveled over 1.6 million miles—all at their own expense.

Locally, you’ll often find the Knoxville-First team setting up public education booths, offering safety classes, and performing complimentary inspections at marinas like Swann’s in Dandridge. They’re also proud to be a part of national investigations and recovery efforts, from assisting after hurricanes to contributing to high-profile cases like the TITAN submersible incident.

If you're interested in becoming part of this incredible organization—open to U.S. citizens 17 years or older—membership includes training, wearing uniforms, and the opportunity to serve your community in a meaningful and highly respected way.

🛟 Get Involved or Learn More:
Contact Tim Scoggins at (865) 985-8500 or [email protected]
🌐 Visit www.cgaux.org
And remember: Real boaters wear life jackets!

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