Feb 14 2009
Name That Bear!
The Dogwood Arts Festival is a popular and long running event in Knoxville. In 2001 as part of this festival, local artists donated their talents to raise money for the festival. They did this by painting a variety of fiberglass bears. These bears were then auctioned to raise money to help support the festival. Since that time these bears have become a fixture around the city. On display for all to enjoy these bears are a whimsical way for the city to express itself.
In that same sense of expressiveness, the bear which has greeted visitors outside the Knoxville Visitors Center since then. In recent months the original “Tourist Bear” has been repainted. In its new incarnation it shows the four season of Knoxville through the depiction of four Knoxville landmarks. Prior to the bear’s unveiling, the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation has sponsoring an event to name the bear! The contest runs through February 25th and is a fun way to get involved in Knoxville’s tourism!
