This would be a good time to thank some of the groups that do good for our community while enjoying delicious food and beverages and lively entertainment.
Next Thursday, March 28, DreamTrain benefiting DreamBikes Knoxville will begin at 6 p.m. aboard the Three Rivers Rambler.
DreamBikes, Knoxville’s only nonprofit bike shop, refurbishes used, donated bicycles and sells them (as well as gently used parts and equipment) at more affordable prices than traditional bike shops. It also employs local youth from underserved communities and teaches them bike-mechanic skills along with retail and customer service. It also teaches skills such as problem solving, effective communication, organization, teamwork, responsibility, respect and self-confidence.
The DreamTrain event, hosted by Molly Jo Events, will take place aboard the Three Rivers Rambler, whose depot is at 2560 University Commons Way. Roaming entertainment will delight train riders as they enjoy dinner by Jeffrey DeAlejandro of OliBea and Paul Sellas of Rebel Kitchen. PostModern Spirits will provide the greeter cocktail, Alliance Brewing Co. and Crafty Bastard Brewery the beer, and Corks Wine & Spirits the wine.
Tickets are $100 and are available online. For info, call DreamBikes at 865-474-1752.
Also next week, you can help out Legacy Parks by taking part in Tuesday’s Hoppy Hour Benefit for Legacy Parks Foundation from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Sunspot.
This monthly pint night will feature Hoppy Trails beers, a free taco bar and great company – and proceeds from Hoppy Trails beers support Legacy Parks.
Hoppy Hour is part of the Hoppy Trails promotion – “Buy a Beer, Build a Trail” program in which participating restaurants donate $10 to Legacy Parks from each designated keg for the sole purpose of adding one mile of trail within the Knoxville community.
For more info, call 865-525-2585 or visit the website.
This week’s for the birds
If you’re into birds, this week will hit the right note. The Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society is hosting a Norris Songbird Trail field trip at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 23. The 2.3-mile loop trail is one of the premier birding spots in East Tennessee year-round. Mindy Fawver is the leader. Info here.
Ijams Nature Center is hosting Birds-n-Bagels: Backyard Conservation at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23. Designed for adults and children, it covers Ebird, project Nestwatch and other projects along with real-world data. Cost: $10. Register online. Info: 865-577-4717, ext. 110.
Seven Islands State Birding Park will host “Birding With Friends” at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 27. A birding guide leading the hike will identify by sight and sound some of the 200 species of birds spotted at the park. Terrain is mostly level to rolling. Info: 715-630-6848.
For more about upcoming activities in our area, check out the Outdoor Knoxville calendar here.