East Tennessee heads into a busy fall weekend with the Tennessee-Alabama football rivalry, symphony performances, marching bands, community service and outdoor activities. Whether you’re cheering for the Vols, enjoying the arts or helping a neighbor, there’s plenty happening around our town.

Friday High Five

Give a high five to someone who makes your community better without expecting recognition. A volunteer, teacher, neighbor or coworker may never realize how much their efforts mean until someone takes the time to say thank you.

Today in History

  • 1793 — Marie Antoinette, the former queen of France, was executed during the French Revolution. Learn more.
  • 1846 — William T. G. Morton publicly demonstrated ether anesthesia during surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. Explore medical history.
  • 1923 — Walt Disney and his brother Roy established the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, which eventually became The Walt Disney Company. Explore Disney history.

Tennessee Trivia

The Tennessee-Alabama football rivalry is traditionally called the Third Saturday in October, although the game has not always been played on that exact Saturday. This year, the Volunteers host the Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, October 17. Tennessee football.

Today’s Smile

Why did the football coach bring a ladder to practice? Because he wanted his team to reach new heights!

National Day

World Food Day — October 16: Established to recognize the importance of food security and sustainable agriculture, World Food Day encourages communities to work toward a world without hunger. East Tennesseans can participate by supporting food pantries, donating needed supplies or volunteering with organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. Learn more about World Food Day.

Today’s Highlights

  • Vols welcome Alabama to Knoxville. The Tennessee-Alabama rivalry returns to Neyland Stadium on Saturday, October 17, bringing one of college football’s most anticipated matchups to East Tennessee. Game information.
  • Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performs tonight. Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony and the Tennessee premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s Songfest are featured at the Tennessee Theatre. Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
  • Marching bands compete Saturday. Twenty-four high school bands are scheduled to participate in the Bands of America East Tennessee Regional Championship in Johnson City. Bands of America.
  • First Creek cleanup planned for Sunday. Church of the Good Shepherd is organizing a community cleanup October 18, providing an opportunity for residents to help care for a local waterway. Community cleanup details on Facebook.
  • Pilot employees support area nonprofits. Knoxville-based Pilot held a regional volunteer day Thursday, October 15, through its Miles of Good program. Learn about Pilot.
  • Fall in the Foothills coming to Walland. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has announced a Fall in the Foothills Experience for October 25. UT Institute of Agriculture.

Featured Resource

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee: In recognition of World Food Day, Second Harvest is today’s featured resource. The organization works with community partners to help address hunger throughout East Tennessee, and its website provides information about food assistance, volunteering and giving opportunities. Visit Second Harvest.

Community Connections

These five resources offer regularly updated information for families and residents throughout East Tennessee.

  • Knox County Public Library — Explore children’s programs, genealogy resources, educational events and activities at local branches.
  • Ijams Nature Center — Find outdoor programs, nature experiences, seasonal events and volunteer opportunities.
  • Outdoor Knoxville — Discover hiking, biking, paddling and other outdoor recreation opportunities.
  • Zoo Knoxville — Find visitor information, animal experiences and upcoming family activities.
  • 865 Puzzles on KnoxTNToday — Take a break with WordroW, crosswords, word searches and three levels of Sudoku.

Beyond Knoxville

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