Calendar of Events

Anvil shooting used to be a fairly common way that rural folks celebrated special events--they "shot the anvil" to celebrate the nation’s Independence, Christmas, and even Davy Crockett’s election to the U.S. Congress. Some years ago, two men, each more than 100 years old, watched the Museum’s anvil shoot and recalled this tradition from their early boyhood. Now, shooting the anvil has come to be the highlight of the Museum's fabulous July 4th Celebration. Folks as far as 15 miles away have reported hearing the blast, and certainly everyone gathered for the excitement feels the earth shake under their feet.

Along with the big boom several times during the day, there are patriotic ceremonies and lots of music—the old-time mountain music of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. A bell-ringing ceremony will occur at precisely 2:00 p.m. coinciding with the National Bell Ringing Ceremony when more than 10,000 bells across the country are rung in unison. Thirteen youngsters will be selected from the audience to ring the bell in honor of the thirteen original states. The Liberty Pole raising at 2:15 p.m. will commemorate a Colonial American practice signifying dissatisfaction with the English government. It illustrates the spirit of liberty among colonists in the early days of the War for Independence.

Wander the Museum's Village and see demonstrations of spinning, blacksmithing, woodcarving, mountain dulcimer making, sassafras tea brewing and cedar rail splitting. Tasty summertime treats will be available, including grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, kettle corn, homemade ice cream, cakes, pies and cookies.

The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., so July 4th visitors will have ample time to tour. The extensive village ~ farm complex includes dozens of historic log structures, display buildings filled with authentic Appalachian artifacts, gardens surrounded by split rail fences, and farm animals in a traditional setting. The Hall of Fame offers a portrait of the Appalachian people, both famous and not-so famous- and these exhibits may be enjoyed in air-conditioned comfort. Advanced tickets are available for purchase at the Museum, or may be purchased the day of the event.

Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Hwy., Clinton, TN 37716 (16 miles north of Knoxville at I-75, exit 122, then one mile east). Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Information: 865-494-7680, www.museumofappalachia.org

This annual observance of the 4th of July, is in co-operation with the Sons of the Revolution, The Daughters of the American Revolution and the Children of the Revolution; Flag Ceremony, Reading of the Signers of the Declaration and a short speech! Refreshments served, Free Admission

James White's Fort, 205 E. Hill Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915. Information: 865-525-6514, www.jameswhitefort.org

July 4th, 2016
World's Fair Park
4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Festival on the 4th delivers a wide variety of family fun including entertainment, activities and treats at the City of Knoxville's 4th of July celebration at the World's Fair Park.

The free festival begins at 4 p.m. and ends at approximately 10 p.m. at the conclusion of the fireworks display. This event is RAIN OR SHINE.

Throughout the day festival goers will be treated to good music, good food, good fun and good times on the Festival and Performance lawns of the World's Fair Park.
From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Regal's Kids Zone is sure to please kids of all ages with fun activities by Home Depot and Lego building with Bricks for Kids. Join us at 4 p.m. for some live music on the Festival Lawn.

Kelsey's Woods will be performing on the Festival Lawn from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Combining equal parts of roots, country, folk and a little rock and roll, Kelsey's Woods boasts four-part harmonies, interchangeable lead singers and all original songs.

Fourkast will be performing on the Festival Lawn from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Fourkast is a local Pop/Rock cover band.

The musical finale will be performed, starting at 8 p.m., by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. They will present the 32nd Annual FREE Pilot Flying J Independence Day Concert on the World's Fair Park's Performance Lawn. This is a FREE concert - no ticket required!

Fireworks start at 9:40 p.m.

FREE PARKING: World's Fair & Blackstock Parking Lots, 11th Street, Locust Street, Walnut Street, State Street & Market Square Garages - ADA Parking at Fort Kid Parking Lot

NO PETS - NO ALCOHOL, NO PERSONAL TENTS / TENT CANOPIES
RAIN OR SHINE!
For more information, call the Knoxville Office of Special Events at 865-215-4248.

Mabry-Hazen House will host its first Fourth of July Celebration on Monday, July 4th, 2016. On historic Mabry’s Hill attendees will enjoy a great view of the July 4th fireworks show, good food, and live music by Lost Fiddle String Band. Tours of the historic home will begin at 6pm, and dinner will be served at 7:30. Alcohol is BYOB.

Previously voted one of the best places to watch the Boomsday fireworks show, Mabry-Hazen House also offers food and entertainment without the traffic. Tickets are $60 per adult and children under 12 are free when accompanied by a ticket holder. Tickets are limited to 200 adults to ensure a quality event. Purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee your attendance. There is plenty of parking and the site offers easy access to I-40 without traffic concerns. Tickets may be purchased in advance by visiting www.mabryhazen.com or call 865-522-8661 for more information. The event will take place rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable. Sponsored by WDVX, All Occasions Party Rentals, and Crowne Plaza Knoxville.

Mabry-Hazen House, 1711 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915. Information: 865-522-8661, www.mabryhazen.com

Please join us at Marble Springs State Historic Site as we celebrate the Fourth of July with a "Let Freedom Ring" Bell Ringing ceremony. This event is in collaboration with the General Henry Knox Chapter of the Sons of the Revolution and local reenacting community.
This event will take place from 10:00am until 4:00pm on July 4th and is free to the public, though donations are appreciated. Activities will include a bell ringing ceremony, a freedom pole, and a long hunter camp. For more information, please call (865)-573-5508, email info@marblesprings.net or visit our website at www.marblesprings.net. Details subject to change.
All activities will take place at the Marble Springs State Historic Site at 1220 W. Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920.

Marble Springs State Historic Site is the last remaining home of John Sevier. Born in Virginia in 1745, John Sevier made a name for himself as a Revolutionary War Hero during the Battle of Kings Mountain (1780), a key player & Governor of the short-lived State of Franklin (1784-1788), and ultimately was elected to serve as the first Governor of the State of Tennessee (1796).
Marble Springs was the approximate 350-acre farm that Sevier lived on from 1801-1815, the last years of his life. Sevier named his farm Marble Springs because of the Tennessee Rose Marble that was quarried on site and the natural springs that flowed on the property.
While visiting Marble Springs, you will have the opportunity to tour several historic structures that are designed to represent various aspects of John Sevier’s life & times. These structures include: the Tavern, Loom House, Smoke House, Spring House & the John Sevier Cabin and detached kitchen.

Marble Springs: 1220 West Gov. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-573-5508, www.marblesprings.net

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will perform the 32nd Annual FREE Pilot Flying J Independence Day Concert Monday, July 4th at 8:00 p.m. at World's Fair Park. This free community concert is open to the public; no tickets are required.

Enjoy patriotic tunes such as the Star Spangled Banner, Armed Forces Salute and recognizable tunes including "Rocky Top," "America the Beautiful," Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, and music from Olympic fanfares in honor of the summer Olympics. The performance will air live on WBIR-TV Channel 10.

Newly-named KSO Music Director Aram Demirjian will conduct the Orchestra in this patriotic performance, sponsored by Pilot Flying J and in conjunction with the City of Knoxville's Festival on the Fourth. View musical program.

Those who post on social media with the hashtag #KSOJuly4 will be entered to win a pair of Masterworks tickets for the upcoming KSO season.

Monday, July 4th at 8:00 p.m. at World's Fair Park.
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: 865-291-3310, www.knoxvillesymphony.com

Artists from the greater Maryville area are creating artwork to honor our country and show appreciation for the freedom we enjoy because of those who protect us. Stop by Vienna Coffee House and enjoy some wonderful artwork from local artisans!

Customers will have the opportunity from July 2 through July 9 to vote for their favorite artwork.

Vienna Coffee House, 212 College St, Maryville, TN 37804. Phone: 865-980-8282

Our exhibit features the work of quilters Melissa Everett and Emily Doane. Melissa describes her quilting in this way: "I started quilting in 2011, after my first son was born. I wanted to make him something he could have forever. The obsession just snowballed from there. In 2012, I opened my Etsy shop, Cycling Jane's Closet, and through it met Emily Doane. Emily, whose work is also featured in this exhibition, invited me to a Knoxville Modern Quilt Guild meeting. That meeting, i joined the guild. I have continued to be an active member and in 2014 became the president. I've enjoyed the creativity, inspiration and education I've gained from the other members. My work is somewhat all over the map. I love trying new techniques, taking classes and learning how others approach the craft. I am a self-taught quilter, learning the craft form other bloggers. My grandmothers were seamstresses and made clothing, but only a great-grandmother, whom I never met, was a quilter. It has been such a healthy outlet for me while staying at home to raise my two boys. This is my first solo exhibition and you can see my growth and exploration of styles throughout the pieces showcased."

On display at Westminister Presbyterian Church, 6500 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919. Info: (865) 584-3957 or www.wpcknox.org.

Hours: Monday thru Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM

Rusted Beings: attachments to survival for life, oxidations marked by the passing of generations clinging to a physical space that blinds reality, where we evaded the basic needs of human beings.

Please join us for an artist reception for First Friday, August 5, 5:00 to 9:00 PM

HoLa Hora Latina, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 112, Knoxville, TN 37902. Gallery hours: M-F 1-5 PM. Information: 865-335-3358, www.holahoralatina.org

"Home" - a Mixed Media Exhibition by Regional Artists and Selections from the Permanent Collection
Featuring International Artists including Henri Matisse, Georges Rouault, Salvador Dali and many others.

Artists Reception: Friday Evening, July 8 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Gallery Talk at 5:30 PM
The event is free and open to the public. Bring your friends and family!

Oak Ridge Art Center, 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: Tu-F 9-5, Sa-M 1-4. Information: 865-482-1441, www.oakridgeartcenter.org

Bird Feeder Gallery's thematic focus for July, 1-31 is Diversity: the quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc.

Opening reception will be the second Friday, July 8th, 6-9 and will also have spoken word/poetry hosted by Rose Porter.
The Birdhouse, Bird Feeder Gallery, 800 N. Fourth Ave. Please check website for open hours. birdhouseknoxville.com.

The Shelby Cobra replica was 3D-printed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. After being unveiled by President Obama and Vice President Biden in January 2015, the Cobra traveled the U.S. and was exhibited in Europe. The Cobra will be on display at AMSE through July except for its expected appearance Monday, July 4, in the Farragut Independence Day Parade. Researchers printed the Shelby Cobra at DOE’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at ORNL using the Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) machine, which can manufacture strong, lightweight composite parts without the need for tooling.

Website: http://web.ornl.gov/sci/manufacturing/shelby/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXvIMRklWiM

American Museum of Science & Energy, 300 S. Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: M-Sa 9-5, Su 1-5. Information: 865-576-3200, www.amse.org