Where I Live

Over the past several years, the move towards renewable and alternative fuels is undoubtedly a positive development. The growth of the “green movement” is a positive effort by many diverse groups and individuals. Much has been said about the use of corn and soy as a fuel source.

Many farmers who grow these crops have seen an increase in the value as a direct result. An unforeseen consequence of the increased value of these crops has prompted a shift away from supplying cattle and dairy farmers with the grain that has historically been used as nutritional supplements for their herds. The drought conditions that have plagued much of the farming industry has not spared the cattle and dairy industries either. Much of the hay that is grown as the dietary staple has been stunted or simply not grown in recent years. Though the farmers are finally beginning to recover from the past drought conditions, last year Knox County Farm Bureau paid the transportation costs for hay that had to be imported from Canada which saved cattle and diary farmers about $2 per bail in fuel costs.

In a similar effort this year a new nonprofit organization called East Tennessee Farmers Relief was organized this past January. This organization’s efforts will shift as needed but always focus on providing relief to farmers in six local counties: Knox , Grainger , Sevier , Hamblen , Cocke, and Jefferson . The nonprofit has organized a benefit concert to be held on Friday, July 25, 2008 at Walters State Great Smoky Mountains Expo Center in Morristown, Tennessee . Click HERE for a map! The event is hoping to raise an estimated $120,000 for distribution to cattle and dairy farmers by an independent board of area farmers selected by the University of Tennessee’s agricultural extension programs agents who represent the counties that East Tennessee Farmers Relief is set up to serve. Scheduled to perform are David Nail , Carolina Rain , and Aaron Tippin (pictured at left). There are still many tickets remaining and starting at $20 each they are a real bargain! Tickets can be purchased online at Lakeway Tickets ! If you are a fan of country music, why not come out and see some of today’s hottest country stars and support a good cause all at the same time!

One of the things that make any community a great place to live and raise a family is the availability of free or low-cost diversion. I have discovered since moving to the metro-Knoxville area that there is a real kinship between residents and the great outdoors. This could be due to the close proximity of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park or the rugged outdoor mountain culture that influences everything from the music to the art or the rich cultural history of the Native American people that continues to this day. Whatever the cause, there is a strong connection between the people of this area to Mother Earth. From free and convenient recycling programs to small organic farmers to the hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts, Knoxville is a wonderful place to celebrate the outdoors.

One such fun park is New Harvest Park! New Harvest Park is located at 4775 New Harvest Lane, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37918. Click HERE for a map! This wonderful park features fun for the whole family! There is a huge playground with modern playground equipment! An inventive and fun splashpad that incorporates dancing waters and spraying fountains! In addition to the numerous covered picnic tables scattered around, there is a large, open-air pavilion that can be reserved and seats up to 78 people! There is also a fully air conditioned Community Building that has a maximum capacity of 110 people available for rent at very reasonable rates! Call 865-215-6600 to reserve either one! On any given day there are a multitude of families gathered all around the park! For your next free family outing or family reunion, I would definitely recommend checking out New Harvest Park! Bring a picnic basket or cooler (No Alcoholic Beverages Permitted). And don’t forget to swimsuit and towels for the young ones who will have a hard time resisting the splash pad.

As a special surprise, every Thursday through November 20th, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, there is a Farmer’s Market ! The Farmers Market features fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, flowers, plants, herbs, honey, artisan foods, meats, farm fresh eggs, and dairy products. For a complete list of the rules and regulations pertaining to vending, click HERE ! To open the Vendor Application click HERE !

This October 10-12, 2008 the City of Maryville , Tennessee will host the Foothills Fall Festival . This three day event is packed with something for everyone. On Friday, October 10th beginning at noon, the Foothills Fall Festival is dedicated to kids of all ages. The Children’s Adventureland consists of many acres set aside with rides, shows, games, and even bull riding! As day turns to evening there will be a full night of concerts! Gates will open at 5:00 PM.

6:00 PM Slow Joe Crow

6:45 PM TBA

7:30 PM The Dixie Highway Band

9:00 PM Foreigner

Saturday the 11th will see festivities begin at 10:00 AM. This family friendly day will include the a juried Arts and Crafts show in downtown Maryville. There will be local and regional vendors exhibiting and selling their arts and crafts. There will be demonstrations of traditional crafting along with performances of traditional local music. The Children’s Adventureland will continue to operate as well! The musical entertainment will begin at 1:00 PM on Saturday and go into the evening.

1:00 PM John Bledsoe

2:00 PM TBA

3:00 PM Sgt. Jamie Buckley

4:30 PM Road Hammers

6:00 PM Billy Ray Cyrus

7:30 PM Jason Aldean

9:30 PM Josh Turner

The final day of the festival will feature the same arts and crafts setup as the previous day and the same Children’s Adventureland as the previous two days. The big deal for Sunday the 12th is the music! While is was just announced that the headliner for Sunday’s event, Willie Nelson has had to cancel his scheduled performance. With the help of the local country music station WIVK-FM , the search is on for a new headliner. The names that are being both floated by organizers and voted on by listeners are Gary Allan, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, Loretta Lynn, Darryl Worley, Jo Dee Messina, Josh Gracin, Pat Green, Tracy Byrd, The Allman Brothers, Wynonna, and Billy Currington. You can click HERE to cast your vote! The day’s music will begin at 1:00 PM.

1:00 PM Life Wide Open

2:00 PM The Birdsong Family

3:00 PM Seven Day Believer

4:15 PM TBA
5:30 PM Julianne Hough

7:00 PM Jason Michael Carroll

8:30 TBA (Cast Your Vote Above)

If you are in the Maryville, Knoxville, or Gatlinburg area the weekend of October 10-12, 2008, you should really consider checking out this local festival. This is a real slice of Americana!