Excuse me, I can’t help myself:
“Thar be dragons!”
Isn’t that what everyone says when the annual KARM Dragon Boat Festival rolls around? It must be – my ears have been ringing with it for weeks.
Saturday, June 22, is the big day. Teams formed by families, friends, churches, civic groups and companies will start arriving at The Cove at Concord Park around 7 a.m. The first race will launch at 8:45 a.m. There’s an hour-long lunch break at noon, and then races start again at 1 p.m.
The Dragon Boat Festival is a community fundraiser for Knox Area Rescue Ministries, which helps men, women and children break the cycle of homelessness. Volunteers and sponsors work together to put on a fun and eye-catching event for participants and observers alike. There will be food trucks and activities throughout the morning and afternoon.
The awards ceremony will be held from 3-4 p.m.
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Another fundraising activity taking place this weekend is The Longest Day – Pedal for Alzheimer’s, starting at 8 a.m. Saturday at West Bicycles in Village Green Shopping Center. With similar rides and walks going on around the world on June 22, The Longest Day is dedicated to those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Ride routes vary in length: 81, 63, 42 and 34 miles. Online registration ends at 9 p.m. today (6/21). Day-of registration is 7-8 a.m. Rollout is 8 a.m. Pro cyclists in town for the USA National Cycling Championships will also be participating.
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If you want to show some love to Legacy Parks Foundation, come enjoy Hoppy Hour at the Sunspot on Cumberland Avenue 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 25. The monthly pint night will feature a free taco bar, and proceeds from Hoppy Trails beers will go to support Legacy Parks.
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As noted above, the 2019 USA Cycling Pro Road Nationals are headed to the Knoxville area. The U.S. Pro Road and Individual Time Trial Championships are on Thursday, June 27. The U.S. Pro Criterium Championships are on June 28. The Para-Cycling National Championships are on June 29, and the Pro Road Race is on June 30.
Get details on these and other outdoor events in the Outdoor Knoxville calendar.