School Mania returns this Friday. The annual back-to-school event hosted by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will celebrate its third year from 3-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, in the parking lot of the Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park via a drive-thru format.
“We had to adjust last year because of Covid-19, but the format worked so well, we’re doing it again,” Jacobs said. “Our business partners — without whom we could never pull this off — have really stepped up to help make sure our students are prepared.”
Thanks to the generous support of nearly 40 donors and financial sponsors, the Mayor’s Office will distribute 2,500 school supply bags. All items are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Cars will enter Chilhowee Park via 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive and follow a one-way traffic flow to exit on Magnolia Ave. The event gates will open at 2 p.m. to allow cars to assemble, but no school supply bags will be distributed until 3 p.m. Attendees are asked to remain in their vehicles the whole time they are on property.
Heath Shuler and Ryan Klesko appearing at SportsFest
The inaugural Sports Animal SportsFest will be held Saturday, August 7, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Knoxville Expo Center on Clinton Highway.
Special guest speakers, sports celebrities, professional athletes and sports commentators include Bob Kesling, Bert Bertelkamp, Joan Cronan, Michelle Marciniak, 99.1 the Sports Animal radio personalities and more.
There will also be vendor booths, round table discussions, fun for the kids and autograph signings with VFL QB Heath Shuler and former Atlanta Braves player Ryan Klesko.
Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Children 12 and younger will be admitted free. Info here.
Fun with Farragut’s Fleet is big fun for small kids
The 19th annual Fun with Farragut’s Fleet is Saturday, Aug. 14, from 9-11 a.m. at Mayor Bob Leonard Park. As always, this is a free event sponsored by the town of Farragut. It’s an up-close encounter with big equipment used by the town and other local organizations such as Smyrna Ready Mix, Rural Metro Fire, Waste Connections of Tennessee and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Snacks will be provided by the town of Farragut and children’s I.D. kits will be provided by HIS Security. Info here.
Just in case you missed the memo…
Knox County Schools will resume, in person and online, Monday, Aug. 9, with a half day for students. Info here. High school football kicks off Friday, Aug. 20. All students will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost during the upcoming school year. The program is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.