Dogwood Arts Trail opens on Gibbs Drive

A large crowd gathered Wednesday evening on Gibbs Drive in Fountain City to celebrate the opening of the Dogwood Arts Trails. This year showcases trails in north Knoxville/Knox County: Fountain City, North Hills, and Halls/Timberline.

Realty Executives agent Dylan Martin

The ribbon cutting ceremony featured remarks by Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon; Dwight Van de Vate, representing Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs; executives and board members from Dogwood Arts and the Historic Gibbs Drive Neighborhood Association.

Realty Executives agent Mary Kidwell

This year, agents with Realty Executives are stepping up individually to sponsor Dogwood Trails across the county. The company was represented with more than 10 agents on hand for the ribbon cutting, including Fountain City sponsor Dylan Martin, North Hills sponsor Mary Kidwell and Halls/Timberline sponsor Lizzy McDaniel.

Van de Vate said the crowd gathered on west Gibbs Drive was the largest to ever attend a trail opening ceremony. He added that the weather’s cooperation no doubt boosted attendance.

Realty Executives agent Lizzy McDaniel

The city closed Gibbs Drive from Broadway to Stanton Drive. The Fountain City Ramblers performed on a nearby lawn while Fountain City Library provided activities for kids. Treats were provided by Wrenhouse Bakery (opening soon in the Rita’s location on Tazewell Pike), Cultivate Coffee, Uncle Mike’s Café and Top Bun food trucks.

Many attendees took a moment to tour the Dempster-Francis House at the corner of Gibbs and Broadway. The fun was still going well after the official end time of 7 p.m.

Enjoy these photos from the opening of Dogwood Arts: