A little Big Orange magic is coming to downtown Knoxville on Sunday — complete with a children’s book, an orange-and-white tuxedo and a special ice cream treat.
Knoxville author J.R. Greene will read and sign My Magic Tux: A Big Orange Story of Courage and Confidence from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Cruze Farm Dairy, 445 S. Gay St., Suite 105.
The book is the first children’s picture book published by the University of Tennessee Press and is based on Greene’s memorable connection to Tennessee football.
Vol fans may know Greene as the “Big Orange Tux Guy.” Before Tennessee played for the 1998 national championship, Greene famously ran onto the field with the football team wearing a handmade orange-and-white tuxedo.
That experience eventually became the inspiration for My Magic Tux, which turns Greene’s story into a message for children about courage, confidence, dreaming big and being yourself.
Greene worked with co-author Joe Shands and award-winning illustrator Nicholas Childs on the book, which is designed primarily for preschool and elementary-age children.
Sunday’s event adds another distinctly Knoxville ingredient to the story: Cruze Farm ice cream.
Cruze Farm created “The Tuxie Swirl” especially for the occasion. The special flavor will be available through the end of September, with sprinkles and sparkles available for a little extra magic.
Families attending Sunday’s event can meet Greene, hear him read the book and purchase signed copies.
The project also supports literacy beyond the pages. Proceeds from the book and 100% of Greene’s author royalties benefit UT Libraries, supporting literacy, education and lifelong learning.
For a children’s book born from an unforgettable moment in Tennessee football history, Cruze Farm seems like an especially fitting Knoxville stop.
More information about the book is available at MyMagicTux.com.
Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our free newsletter. Comments may be sent to news@knoxtntoday.com.
