Folks, we live in the prettiest place on earth. Let’s get outside and enjoy this season in this place.

Clinch River Antique Festival is May 1-2

Just Horsin Around is an example of the metal work on display

Lots of goings on in Anderson County (besides the election!) The Clinch River Antique Festival will be May 1-2, 2026, in the historic business district of Clinton, Tennessee. The event features over 100 antique vendors, more than 20 brick-and-mortar shops, live music, food and family-friendly activities.

On Friday, starting at noon, over 100 antique dealers will line Market Street. On Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m., artisans will join the festival on Main Street. There will be live music and food vendors on both days. Headquarters is the Clinton Community Center, Hicks Street. Here is the demonstrations schedule:

Friday, May 1

  • Noon – Candle Making by Chirp & Whist
  • 1 p.m. – Butter Making (DAR)
  • 2 p.m. – Ammo Making (DAR)
  • 3 p.m. – Spinning (DAR)
  • 4 p.m. – Whole Wheat Pie Making with Chicken Librarian
  • 5 p.m. – Federal Era Food & Finery with Pender & Peony
  • 6 p.m. – Wood Carving Uncle Sam with Stump Smith

Saturday, May 2

  • 9 a.m. – Clinton High School JROTC
  • 10 a.m. – Embroidery Guild of Knoxville
  • 11 a.m. – Clinch River Needle Workers
  • Noon – Butter Making (DAR)
  • 1 p.m. – Ammo Making for Muskets (DAR)
  • 2 p.m. – Genealogy (DAR)
  • 3 p.m. – Spinning (DAR)
  • 4 p.m. – Joey Smith: Connecting Clinton to the National Stage of American History
Paws for a Cause Pet Expo is April 25

The annual Pet Expo, sponsored by Anderson County Animal Rescue Foundation (AC ARF) will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Carden Farm Dog Park.

Paws for a Cause will bring vendors, food trucks and adoptable pets from local shelters and rescues. ACARF homes many of the shelter animals and volunteers can tell prospective adopters about the pets.

Manhattan Project National Park marks 10th year

Oak Ridge will be abuzz on Thursday, April 30, as the Manhattan Project National Historical Park celebrates its 10th anniversary. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. at the Oak Ridge Conference Center. All museums will have free admission and “Oppenheimer” will be shown free at Cinemark at 5:30 p.m. Details here.

Damage (Photo/ Mike Durham)

Repairs underway

A job well done

Ijams river boardwalk reopens

Less than a week since a tree smashed into the boardwalk at the Ijams Nature Center River Trail, members of the nonprofit’s natural resource team has repaired the damage and reopened the boardwalk.

These staff members have other jobs at Ijams, but the boardwalk repairs were done “swiftly and with great care,” according to a post on April 23. “It took people on land, in the water and sometimes dangling in the air to fix a structure that is anything but easy.

“We are so proud of these amazing folks and the nonprofit spirit that comes from wearing many hats and lots of moxie!”

“The Ijams River Trail has a long wooden boardwalk that runs right along the edge of the Tennessee River. As you walk, you get wide views of the water, tall rock walls and the old marble quarry that once operated here. … You can clearly see the quarry cliffs, small cave openings, and layers of rock along the path. The boardwalk keeps you close to the river, and it’s common to spot herons standing near the water, hawks flying overhead, and turtles resting along the river’s edge. It’s a simple, peaceful walk with a lot to see from start to finish,” from a review by Hidden Gems of US Travel.

Come meet Mark Stevans and save a few more farms

Mark Stevans

Foothills Land Conservancy (FLC) plans its largest fundraiser on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at RiverView Family Farm, 12130 Prater Lane, Knoxville.

The Summer Celebration will feature a southern-inspired menu, open bar and scenic views of the Tennessee landscape. This year is the first for Mark Stevans, FLC executive director, who replaced longtime director Bill Clabough, who retired after 17 years as FLC leader. Tickets, host committee participation and sponsorship opportunities are available here.

Notes & Quotes

SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk: Deadline is Monday, April 27, 2026, for artists – both  mural and sculpture – to submit proposals for the trail. Artist selection and coordination is managed by Dogwood Arts. Details here.

Scottish Festival: Tennessee’s oldest festival celebrating Scots-Irish culture and impact is set for the third weekend of May, Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, at the Greater Smokies Event Grounds adjacent to the Blount Partnership Townsend Visitor’s Center, 7930 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Townsend, Tennessee. More here.

 

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