🎁 100 years, a WWII veteran, and one big surprise parade

One of our favorite things about this area is how people show up for each other. Clinton proving that with a surprise 100th birthday parade for Arnold Wallace felt like the perfect reminder this week. Between the firetrucks, school cards, and neighbors lining the streets, it’s a story that makes Tennessee feel “small” in the best way.

We’ve also packed this edition with plenty to do, whether your ideal weekend involves golf, concerts, farmers markets, or simply sitting outside before summer humidity fully arrives. Scroll on!

🎂 A Centenarian Celebration For Our Local Hero

The Gist: Clinton came together on May 9, 2026, to throw a surprise 100th birthday parade for World War II Navy veteran Arnold Wallace. Led by Clinton firetrucks and police, the celebration included a motorcade, cards from Luttrell Elementary fifth graders, and a special breakfast at the Rocky Top Cracker Barrel. Arnold, a local beekeeper of 40 years, celebrated the milestone alongside his son Kenneth and many neighbors.

Why It Matters: Honoring a century of life for a local veteran reminds us of the deep history right here in our neighborhood. The massive turnout from local schools, businesses, and emergency services shows the immense respect Clinton has for its oldest heroes.

🏌️ The Visit Knoxville Open is free this year, and that's a real change

The Gist: Visit Knoxville announced that the Visit Knoxville Open, the longstanding Korn Ferry Tour stop at Holston Hills Country Club, will be free to the public for the 2026 tournament. The Tennessee Golf Foundation is now operating the event in partnership with Visit Knoxville, Holston Hills, and Knoxville-based PGA Tour pros Scott Stallings and Peter Malnati. The tournament runs May 18 through May 24.

Why It Matters: This is one of the four remaining founding events on the Korn Ferry Tour and a real point of pride for the city. Making general admission free turns what was always a niche ticketed event into something a lot more Knoxvillians might actually go check out.

What's Next: Tournament rounds run Thursday, May 21 through Sunday, May 24 at Holston Hills. Tee times for Thursday will be released by the Korn Ferry Tour on Monday, May 18.

🍕 A masterclass in sourdough and wood-fire

A Dopo quietly raises the bar for what a neighborhood pizzeria can be. The downtown room hums with a steadily, centering on an open kitchen that produces the blistered, naturally leavened pies recently recognized by the Michelin Guide.

While the Margherita and Funghi are local staples, the seasonal vegetable plates and sourdough crust feel particularly right for a summer evening. A glass of chilled wine on tap followed by a scoop of their small-batch gelato makes for a dinner that is easy as it should be.

🛶 Your Gear-Up Spot for River Days

River Sports Outfitters has anchored Knoxville’s outdoor scene for over thirty years. The Sutherland Avenue flagship is packed with everything from mountain bikes to specialized NRS Vector PFDs with integrated safety reflectors.

With summer approaching, the second location at Ijams Mead’s Quarry is back open for hourly rentals. The team understands the local trails and knows exactly which hiking boots will handle the Urban Wilderness terrain.

It is an independent space that captures the city’s straightforward spirit.

At thirteen years young, Henry is a seasoned gentleman

This fifty seven pound mixed breed is the ultimate low energy companion, preferring a slow stroll through the park to any high speed chases. He is remarkably easygoing, though he appreciates a calm environment where his personal space is respected.

Henry is a perfect match for a peaceful home looking for a loyal couch potato. His adoption fee is waived at Young-Williams Animal Center.

To learn more about this handsome guy,

🎈 Grand Opening Celebration | Campers Inn RV | Knoxville | 05/14-05/17 | More
Festive cookout: a balloon artist, face painting, and door prizes for neighbors.

🐾 Foster Family Weekend | Zoo Knoxville | Knoxville | 05/16 | More 
Interactive activities and educational displays centered around the black bear exhibit.

📚 Children's Festival of Reading | World's Fair Park | Knoxville | 05/16 | More
Twentieth anniversary, dino theme, parade of books, all free.

🌳 Open Streets Knoxville | Gay Street | Knoxville | 05/17 | More 
A car-free Gay Street with Slippery Stairs, food trucks, and bikes. Free.

🛶 Sunrise Paddle | Ijams River Landing | Knoxville | 05/17 | More 
Guided morning exploration of the Tennessee River to spot local wildlife and flora.

🦄 Triple Moon Market | Rebellious Unicorn | Knoxville | 05/17 | More 
Family-friendly day of shopping local handmade items and food trucks.

🌹 Beauty and the Beast | Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville | 05/20-05/24 | More
Enchanting musical production featuring dazzling costumes and classic songs!

☕ Feel Like a Founder | U Brew Coffee Co | Knoxville | 05/14 | More 
Exclusive social with specialty roasts and founder perks.

👑 Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen | Bijou Theatre | Knoxville | 05/16 | More
The premier Queen tribute act delivering classic-rock anthems live.

🎭 The 2026 Marquee Awards | Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville | 05/17 | More 
Red-carpet ceremony celebrating regional theatre excellence with live performances!

🏌️ Visit Knoxville Open | Holston Hills CC | Knoxville | 05/18-05/24 | More
Elite golfing experience where amateurs join professionals on a designed course.

🎸 Sevendust | The Mill & Mine | Knoxville | 05/20 | More 
Hard-hitting alternative metal with heavy riffs and powerful, melodic vocals.

🍑 Landon Talks | Bijou Theatre | Knoxville | 05/21 | More 
Witty and charming Southern storytelling that feels like a front-porch conversation.

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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