Wednesday offers fresh produce on Market Square, advance registration for young writers and a first look at this weekend’s Secret City Head Race in Oak Ridge.

Wednesday Wonder

How do trees know when it is time for their leaves to change color?

Shorter days and cooler temperatures slow chlorophyll production, allowing yellow and orange pigments already in the leaves to show. Learn more from the U.S. Forest Service.

Today in History

Tennessee Trivia

Which Tennessee lake was created by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812?

Reelfoot Lake in northwest Tennessee. The 18,000-acre natural area is known for cypress forests, waterfowl and wintering bald eagles. Explore Reelfoot Lake through Tennessee’s natural areas program.

Today’s Smile

Why did the farmer bring a ladder to the market?

The prices were going up. Find more reasons to smile at KnoxTNToday.

National Day

National Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Day celebrates the sweet-and-salty snack in dark, milk or white chocolate.

Today’s Highlights

  • Market Square Farmers’ Market opens at 10 a.m.: The producer-only market runs until 1 p.m. in downtown Knoxville with regional growers, food producers and makers. See the official event listing.
  • Senior Job Fair arrives Thursday: Knox County Senior Services will connect job seekers age 50 and older with employers from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 8. Visit Knox County Senior Services.
  • Secret City Head Race brings 31 clubs to Oak Ridge: Oak Ridge Rowing Association expects 478 entries Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10-11, at Melton Lake. Crews race separate downstream and upstream 5,000-meter courses. See race information.

Local Events

  • Frozen Head Heritage Day: The free event runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Stonecipher Kelly Homeplace in Wartburg with traditional crafts, music and demonstrations. Browse Tennessee State Parks events.
  • Blessing of the Animals: The Episcopal Church of the Ascension welcomes pets Sunday, Oct. 11, at 4 p.m. at 800 S. Northshore Drive and invites Pet Pantry donations. Visit the church website.
  • Young Creative Writer’s Workshop: Pellissippi State’s free workshop returns Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Strawberry Plains campus with fiction, poetry, publishing and songwriting sessions. Registration is open. Register through Pellissippi State.

Featured Resource

Oak Ridge Rowing Association: ORRA manages the Melton Lake rowing venue and hosts racing, training and community programs. Its spring training season draws crews from across North America, while local regattas bring athletes and visitors to Oak Ridge year-round. Explore Oak Ridge rowing.

Helpful Links

  • KnoxTNToday Calendar — Find upcoming events submitted by local organizations and community partners. Open the calendar.
  • Nourish Knoxville — Check farmers market schedules, vendors and local food programs. Visit Nourish Knoxville.
  • Oak Ridge Rowing Association — Find regattas, volunteer opportunities and venue information. Visit ORRA.
  • Pellissippi State Events — Browse college programs and public learning opportunities. See upcoming events.
  • Knox County Senior Services — Explore employment, transportation, nutrition and caregiving resources for older adults. Find services.

Across Tennessee

Carson-Newman University has been named a “Best in the South” institution by The Princeton Review, according to a university announcement received Monday. Visit Carson-Newman University.

Across America

NASA and partner agencies continue studying the moon’s far side with modern orbiters, building on the first Luna 3 photographs returned in 1959. Explore NASA’s moon missions.

Around the World

International crews and students are part of Oak Ridge’s rowing community, which draws athletes from across North America for training and competition. Learn about the sport through World Rowing.

Stock Market

U.S. markets are open Wednesday. Indexes and individual stocks can change throughout the day, so check current information before making financial decisions at MarketWatch.

Have an event, resource or community connection for a future edition? Send it to news@knoxtntoday.com.

OUR TOWN. YOUR NEWS.

Stories that connect our community. Read. Respond. Share.

Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and TikTok. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our free newsletter. Comments may be sent to news@knoxtntoday.com.