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THIS WEEK
Brighton Beach Memoirs-February 17 – March 4 at Oak Ridge Playhouse (Mainstage)
Part One of Neil Simon’s autobiographical trilogy. The poignant and funny memoir captures the life of a struggling pre-war Jewish family living in a crowded, lower middle-class Brooklyn home. Adolescent Eugene Jerome, dreaming of baseball and girls, must somehow cope with the mundane existence of his family life; a formidable mother, overworked father, and his worldly older brother. Add in his widowed Aunt Blanche, her two rapidly aging young daughters, and Grandpa the Socialist and you have a recipe for hilarity, served up Simon-style. Show times are: 2/17 and 18 at 8pm; 2/23-25 at 8pm; 2/26 at 2pm; March 2-3 at 8pm and 2/4 at 2pm. For more information, visit www.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.
International Festival – February 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge
This annual festival showcases the world’s cultures through international performances, food, crafts, children’s activites and more than two dozen booths highlighting countries and regions of the world. The featured performers will be Coyote Run with additional entertainment provided by Brandon Beavers and Kukuly Uriarte, Tenpenny Rappers Sword Dancers, Chinese dancers and classical Indian folk dancers. For more information, call 865-482-1074 or visit www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org.
Flea Market – Oak Ridge High School Parking Lot – Every Saturday
Time: 7am-2pm approximately.
Oak Ridge Farmers Market
The Farmers Market operates every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon and Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. on Broadway in the parking lot across from Jackson Square. For more information, visit www.agriculture.state.tn.us/Marketing.asp?QSTRING=DETAIL&SCREEN=MKT&DISPLAY=49
Live Bluegrass-every Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Lenoir Museum in Norris
Spend your Sunday afternoon listening to bluegrass music at the Lenoir Museum located at Norris Dam State Park. It is a great place to listen to live music and socialize. Feel Free to bring you own instrument and join in. All are welcome. For more information, call 865-426-7461 or visit www.norrisdamstatepark.org.
Farmers Market-every Monday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Norris Middle School
Live Jazz every Tuesday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Flatwater Grill in Oak Ridge
Enjoy dinner on the patio overlooking the scenic Clinch River while listening to “The Flatwater Four”. For more information, call 865-862-8646.
March
Kite Flying Days – March 10th and 24th at River Ridge Farm
Come fly a kite in River Ridge Farm’s hay field on top of River RIdge from 12 noon to 6 p.m. each day. Picnic tables are available for bring-your-own lunch or snack. Don’t forget to bring your own kite(s). Wagon rides available for a small fee. For more information, call 865-457-6774 or visit www.riverridgefarmtn.com.
Catch the Leprechaun 5K-March 17 at Jackson Square
This is a USA Track & Field certified event. Race starts and finishes in historic Jackson Square. Cost is $25 until March 7th and $30 Day-of-Race and after March 7th. There will be live music and entertainmen. The race begins at 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 865-441-0881 or visit www.Leprechaun5K.org.
St. Patrick’s Day Train-March 17th at Secret City Excursion Train
Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and a dinner train at 6pm. Enjoy the hallmark of the golden age of passenger rail travel aboard our restored 87 year old Pullman dining car. It’s a rare opportunity to experience an event that graced most of the major trains crisscrossing the country. The dinner trains match the cuisine of the finest hotels of the time, as Chef Andras and his staff serve up fine cuisine in your choice of four delicious entrees. Each trip lasts about one hour and is hosted by knowledgeable car hosts. The ride takes you past the original site of the K-25 Building and into the beautiful hills and hardwoods of rural Poplar Creek Valley. Call for departure times and more information at 865-241-2140 or visit www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.
Shamrock Ride – March 10th at Coal Creek OHV Area
Guided shamrock ride is open to all OHV’s. Meet at trailhead at 9:00 a.m. For more information, call 865-435-1251 or visit www.coalcreekohv.com.
Spring Wildflower Tours – March 24th at River Ridge Farm
Come along for a spring flower tour through several wildflower habitats, upland oak forests, a meadow and the moist Clinch River bluff. A two hour horse drawn wagon ride to the river is included. The wagon holds 8 people but the group may be of any size. The 4-hour ride with lunch or afternoon snack covers the same area but allows time for the snack and for a stroll along the river and bluff. For more information, call 865-457-6774 or visit www.riverridgefarmtn.com.
Charlotte’s Web-March 31-April 1 at Oak Ridge Playhouse
Proving to be “a true friend and a good writer,” Charlotte, a clever and extraordinary spider, sets out to save the Zuckerman family’s irresistible young pig, Wilbur, from the butcher. Spinning her “miracle” web, she begins masterminds a victorious campaign which ultimately ends with the now-safe Wilbur doing what is most important for Charlotte. A beautiful touching story that explores the meanings of true friendship and sacrifice. For more information, visit www.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.
April
Wildflower Walks – March 31st and April 7th at Norris Dam State Park
Guided wildflower hikes are available at Norris Dam State Park. This program will acquaint participants with the identification, natural history, and folklore of over 30 different kinds of spring wildflowers. At 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., join the park staff on the River Bluff Trail, for a three mile hike and at 2 p.m. at the Lower Clear Creek Trail. For more information, call 865-426-7461 or visit www.norrisdamstatepark.org.
Nostalgia Days – April 7th and 21st at River Ridge Farm
River Ridge Farm’s Nostalgia Days are a time to pay tribute to a simpler time when the mode of transportation were horse drawn wagons. Special rates are available for grandparents who bring their grandchildren. The ride takes about 20 minutes and will be available between 12 noon and 6 pm each day. Picnic tables are available for bring-your-own lunch or snack. For more information, call 865-457-6774 or visit www.riverridgefarmtn.com.
Egg Hunt Ride – April 7th at Coal Creek OHV Area
The Egg Hunt ride ia a guided ride open to all OHV’s. Eggs will be hidden along route! Fun for all ages. Meet at the trailhead at 9:00 a.m. For more information, call 865-435-1251 or visit www.coalcreekohv.com.
Appalachian Arts Craft Center Spring Benefit – April 14th at Norris Community Building
This annual fundraiser for the Appalachian Arts Craft Center will be held at the Norris Community Building. Everyone is welcome! There will be music by the swing band, The Little Big Band, scrumptious food and drink, and a silent auction of handmade crafts and services. For more information, please call 865-494-9854 or visit www.appalachianarts.net.
Coal Creek OHV Spring Jamboree – April 19-22 at Coal Creek OHV Area
Guided ATV rides, mud bog, drag races, poker run, kids scavenger hunt, pole bending and barrel racing are just a few activities for ATVers. You don’t have to be a rider to enjoy. Spectators can watch the competitions then jump in the Dash for Cash. The event takes place at the Coal Creek OHV Area which consists of over 72,000 acres of off-road adventure for the entire family with many picturesque views of East Tennessee’s mountains and valleys. Explore over 250 miles of trails for riding ATV’s, Motorcycles, Mountain Bikes, in addition to four wheeling in Jeeps and Railbuggies and Hiking. The Coal Creek OHV Area is the perfect place to see the Tennessee Valley Authority’s windmill farm, which consist of eighteen 392 foot windmills on 210 acres. Camping facilities are available at Windrock Park. For more information about the event or the area, call 865-435-1251 or visit www.coalcreekohv.com.
7th Annual Tennessee Mountains Jeep Jamboree – April 25th-28th at Coal Creek OHV Area
Hosted by Jeep Jamboree, this event is for Jeep vehicles only. There will be guided trail rides, a Four-Wheel Drive Expo and other entertainment and food will be provided. For more information, call 865-435-1251 or visit www.jeepjamboreeusa.com.
Sheep Shearing Day – April 27th at Museum of Appalachia
For more information, contact the museum at 865-494-7680 or visit www.museumofappalachia.org.
Celebration of the Young Child – April 27th at Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge
This year there will be a special emphasis on healthy living. Emmy award winner Farmer Jason is tentatively scheduled to appear and outdoor activites in the new garden are being planned.For more information, call 865-482-1074 or visit www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org.
Chicago-April 27-May 13 at Oak Ridge Playhouse (Mainstage)
A sharp-edged musical satire set in roaring twenties Chicago. When chorine Roxie Hart murders her faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap, he turns on her and convicted Roxie is sentenced to death row. The murder becomes the center of a media circus, as she and another murderess, Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines. Ultimately they join forces in search of the “American Dream”: fame, fortune and acquittal. Winner of six Tony Awards and the Academy Award as Best Picture. For more information, visit www.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.
May
8th Annual Trailfest – May 4th-6th at Coal Creek OHV Area
Hosted by the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association, one of the largest and oldest 4-wheel drive clubs in the south east, Trailfest is open to all 4-wheel drive vehicles and will have guided trail rides, dinner and other evening entertainment. For more information please visit www.sfwda.org. For information on the Coal Creek OHV area, call 865-435-1251 or visit www.sfwda.org.
8th Annual Clinch River Spring Antique Fair – May 4th-5th at Historic Downtown Clinton
This fair starts with a Kick-Off Party on Friday, May 4th from 6 to 9 p.m. with musical entertainment. The shops on Market and Main Street will be open late and food vendors will be set up in Hoskins-Lane Park. On Saturday, May 5th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., over 90 exhibitors from East Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina and Ohio will offer a wide range of antiques and collectibles to suit every taste. Knoxville antique appraiser Scott Bishop will be available to appraise your personal treasures on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 pm under the big tent in the Hoskins/Lane Park. Each item brought for an appraisal will cost $5. A wide selection of foods from local vendors will be available all day. For more information, call 865-457-5250.
Oak Ridge Sustainable Energy & Environmental Expo – May 5th at Oak Ridge Civic Center
The Oak Ridge Revitalization Effort in conjunction with the City of Oak Ridge, the Environmental Quality Advisory Board, the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau will be hosting the premier Oak Ridge Sustainable Energy & Environmental Expo (ORSEEE) on Saturday, May 5th at the Oak Ridge Civic Center. This event will be free to the public. For more information, call 865-272-3009.
Sundown Saturday’s – each Saturday evening beginning in May through Labor Day at Stardust Marina
Sundown Saturday’s will feature live entertainment each Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the patio at Stardust Marina, voted one of the top five marinas in East Tennessee. For more information, call 865-494-7641 or visit www.stardustmarina.com.
Lightening Bug Tours – May 19th and 26th at River Ridge Farm
For more information, call 865-457-6774 or visit www.riverridgefarmtn.com.
June
DOE Facilities Bus Tour – June 4-August 31
This tour is free with paid admission to the American Museum of Science and Energy and runs Mondays through Fridays during the summer, except holidays. Explore the original Manhattan Project sites around Oak Ridge and learn the history behind the development of the world’s first atomic weapon which helped to end WWII. For more information, contact AMSE at 865-576-3200 or visit www.amse.org.
Secret City Festival – June 15-16 at Oak Ridge Civic Center
Join us for this citywide celebration featuring the largest multi-battle WWII re-enactment in the South! Tours of Manhattan Project sites will be offered throughout the weekend. A special children’s festival area features free games, the Euro Bungy, rock climbing wall, live entertainment, a petting zoo, pony rides, and more! Arts & Crafts vendors, antique dealers, and exhibitors will be showing off their wares. Free entertainment from marionettes to music to tai-chi demonstrations will take place on various stages. Oscar the Robot will be teasing kids with his wit and charm, and the Tennessee State Parks will have their eagle and owl on hand for photo opportunities. For more information, visit www.secretcityfestival.com.
Lavendar Festival – June 16 at Historic Jackson Square
The Lavendar Festival is an herb fair featuring the farmers market, music throughout the day, enticing food, vendors selling herb plants and herbal products, handmade soap, jewelry, pottery, culinary and garden items, as well as arts and crafts. The focus is on gardening, cooking, aromatherapy, health, sustainability, and all things herbal. There will be cooking demonstrations, herbal tastings, informativelavender presentations, and a special Herb of the Year. For more information, call 865-483-0961. For an up-to-date schedule of events, visit www.jacksonsquarelavenderfestival.com
Side X Side World Camping Jamboree – June 21-23 at Coal Creek OHV Area
The Camping Jamboree will be open to any S X S World member with no registration fee. This will be a great opportunity to meet fellow SSW members at one of the easts premier riding destinations, located in the beautiful Cumberland Mountains of East Tennessee. For more information, call 865-435-1251 or visit www.sidexsideworld.com.
Fire on the Water – June 30 at Sequoyah Marina on Norris Lake
The largest 4th of July Fireworks show in Tennessee Enjoy food and fun on Norris Lake at Sequoyah Marina. For more information, call 865-494-7984 or visit www.sequoyahmarina.net.
July
July 4th Celebration and Anvil Shoot – July 4 at Museum of Appalachia
July 4th will be celebrated in an unusual, dramatic, and traditional fashion at the Museum of Appalachia with historic anvil shoots. In addition, there will be demonstrations of mountain arts and crafts. Bluegrass, old time and folk music will be played and sung on the porches of the cabins and in the old log church, hymn singing and church services will be conducted. The demonstrations and music can be found throughout the 65-acre farm/village complex. For more information, please contact the Museum of Appalachia at 865-494-7680 or visit www.museumofappalachia.org.
Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry – July 16-19 at CDF Haley Farm
Join clergy, seminarians, Christian educators, young adult leaders and other faith-based advocates for children at CDF Haley Farm in Clinton for four days of spiritual renewal, networking, movement building workshops, and continuing education about the urgent needs of children at the 18th annual Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry. Each evening features the Great Preachers Series and is free to the public beginning at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 865-457-6466 www.childrensdefense.org/proctor.
Anderson County Fair – July 16-21
For more information, visit www.andersoncountyfairtn.com.
September
Days of the Pioneer Antique Show – September 14th-15th at Museum of Appalachia
A Simple Life Magazine presents Days of the Pioneer Antique Show. An 18th and 19th century antiques show to benefit the Museum of Appalachia. Enjoy traditional craftsmen demonstrating old timey ways of life, live mountain music and down home cooking. For more information, please contact the Museum of Appalachia at 865-494-7680 or visit www.daysofthepioneer.com.
Full Moon Moonlight Tours in a Horse Drawn Wagon – beginning with the September Harvest moon through the Snow moon in December at River Ridge Farm
The tours will start nightly at Dusk and continue until 9 p.m. For the cool months dress warmly and we will provide wool blankets for your lap. There will be hot chocolate and a camp fire afterward to warm your fingers and toes. Please call for reservations. The ride will be about 20 minutes.The cost is $4.00 per person with children up to age 5, sitting on an adult’s lap, for free. The tours will be canceled if it is raining or snowing. See our home page for dates, www.riverridgefarmtn.com.
XMA – National Nissan Xterra Event – September 20-23 at Coal Creek OHV Area
For more information, call 865-435-1251 or visit www.nationalxterrameet.org.
October
Student Heritage Day – October 11th at Museum of Appalachia
There will be hands on activities, from pottery making to guitar workshops and clogging lessons. Countless opportunities for learning, observing and participating will be offered to students. For more information, contact the museum at 865-494-7680 or visit www.museumofappalachia.org.
Hummer Club-October 11-13 at Coal Creek OHV Area
For more information, call 865-435-1251 or visit www.thehummerclubinc.com/.
Tennessee Fall Homecoming-October 12-14 at Museum of Appalachia
Come and visit the most extensive and authentic gathering of old-time musicians and pioneer-type craftspeople in the country. Explore the 65-acre museum complex with hundreds of people engaged in frontier, mountain and rural activities, along with over 300 traditional, folk, early country and bluegrass musicians. For more information, call 865-494-7680 or visit www.museumofappalachia.org.
Clinch River Antique Festival-October 12-13 at Historic Downtown Clinton
The Anderson County Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the Clinch River Antiques Festival in Historic Downtown Clinton. The Festival will kick off with a “Kick-Off Party” on Friday, October 12th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Market Street antique and specialty stores will be open and there will be entertainment and food. On Saturday, October 13th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than 70 antique dealers and artisans will line Market Street. In addition, Market Street’s antique and specialty stores will be open and there will be antique cars, kiddieland, entertainment and great food. Free admission and parking. For more information, call 865-457-2559.
Fall Color Cruises – October 13th-28th on Norris Lake, Sponsored by Friends of Norris Dam State Park
Spend a day admiring the picturesque scenery of the Norris Lake, nestled in the majestic mountains of East Tennessee. Enjoy the wonderful mosaic of natural colors during a two hour cruise on Norris Dam State Park’s pontoon boat. You will also enjoy learning about the natural wonders and fascinating history of the first dam and lake built in the Tennessee Valley. Groups are encouraged to register early. Limited to 10 people per ride. Rides begin at 11 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 865-426-7461 or visit www.norrisdamstatepark.org.
Fall Jamboree – October 18-21 at Coal Creek OHV Area
There will be guided ATV rides and other activities such as mud bog, drag races, sled pulls, rock crawls, a kid’s scavenger hunt, tug of war challenge, poker run and much more. Spectators can watch the competitions then jump in the Dash for Cash. The event takes place at the Coal Creek OHV Area which consists of over 72,000 acres of off-road adventure for the entire family with many picturesque views of East Tennessee’s mountains and valleys. Explore over 250 miles of trails for riding ATV’s, Motorcycles, Mountain Bikes, in addition to four wheeling in Jeeps and Railbuggies and Hiking. The Coal Creek OHV Area is the perfect place to see the Tennessee Valley Authority’s windmill farm, which consist of eighteen 392 foot windmills on 210 acres. Camping facilities are available at Windrock Park. For more information about the event or the area, visit www.coalcreekohv.com or call 865-435-1251.
Pumpkin Fest – October 27th at Grove Center
Experience the magic of a child’s smile during Pumpkin Fest. Experience community spirit at its peak. You will be awe-struck as you watch the creativity of children in our community at an event sponsored by the merchants of Grove Center. For more information, call 865-272-3009.
November
Holiday Market – November 30th-December 1st in Historic Grove Center
More than 70 booths will be filled with original works of fine art and craftsmen. This European-style holiday market is quickly becoming one of the largest and most festive markets in East Tennessee during the holiday season. Tents will be filled with winter accessories, holiday trinkets and some less predictable, more interesting merchandise for all your shopping needs. For more information, call 865-272-3009.
December
Holiday Homecoming – December 8th at Norris Dam State Park
Step back though time at the 9th Annual Holiday Homecoming at Norris Dam State Park. This event will showcase holiday traditions through living history in the park’s holiday themed Rustic Cabins. The themes will include Nature at Norris Dam, Life of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Old Fashioned Bakery, Life before Norris Dam, TVA’s First Dam, Native American Life, Old Time School House, Veterans Cabin, and Old Time Santa’s Cabin. There will also be horse-drawnwagon rides and old time music! Be sure to come hungry as meals will be set up in the Tea Room for you to purchase. Be prepared to walk about a mile through a sea of luminaries by dressing warmly and comfortably and please bring a flashlight. In lieu of an entrance fee, donations will be greatly appreciated. For more information, please call the park office at 865-426-7461 or visit www.norrisdamstatepark.org.
Christmas in Old Appalachia – December 1st through 24th at Museum of Appalachia The simple joys of an old-fashioned Christmas await Museum of Appalachia visitors during December. Music of the season can be heard across the grounds. Cabins will be decorated in pioneer style, recalling times past when Christmas was a simple family holiday including cedar Christmas trees draped with paper chains, popcorn strings, sweet gum and sycamore balls. Christmas shoppers will find many hand-crafted items in the gift shop. Hot, country-style lunches are served daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the museum restaurant and homemadecakes, pies, cookies and other holiday treats are available all day. For more information, contact the museum at 865-494-7680 or visit www.museumofappalachia.org.
Caroling Tours in a Horse Drawn Wagon – December 17th through 22nd at River Ridgge Farm
The tours will start nightly at dusk and continue until 9:00pm. Hot chocolate and a camp fire will be provided to warm you up afterward. Please call for reservations. The ride will be about 20 minutes. The cost is $4.00 per person with children up to age 5, sitting on an adult’s lap, for free. The tours will be canceled of it is raining or snowing. For more information, call 865-457-6774 or visit www.riverridgefarmtn.com.
