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Then the spectacle everyone comes to see: the ever-dramatic anvil shoot. Three times during the day, gunpowder is packed under the anvil and ignited. The anvil bursts from a cloud of smoke, sometimes catapulted as high as the treetops. The earth literally shakes, and the deafening boom, it is said, can be heard as far as 15 miles away.

This early form of fireworks has been re-enacted each July 4 for some 17 years at the Museum. Historical accounts indicate that anvil shooting was used to celebrate the nation’s independence, Christmas, and Davy Crockett’s election to the U.S. Congress. Some even say it can be traced to Biblical times. A few years ago, two men, each more than 100 years old, watched the Museum’s anvil shoot and recalled this tradition from their early childhood.

At the Museum on July 4, the anvil shoot will take place at 10 a.m., noon, and 3 p.m. Festivities run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with special music, demonstrations of pioneer skills, patriotic ceremonies, and summertime fare.

True to the day’s independence theme, patriotic ceremonies will include a bell-ringing ceremony at 2 p.m. in conjunction with the National bell ringing ceremony, and the symbolic raising of the Liberty Pole—the
colonists’ way of showing dissatisfaction with British rule.

Bands playing for the event include Dixie Gray, Early Bird Special, the Stewart Family Band, Museum of Appalachia Band, and Mountain Jam. The Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club will perform in the Hall of Fame, and old-time musicians will play informally for visitors at the Peters
Homestead House.

An old-time “brush arbor” will host church services at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., with hymn singing during the day.

The old-time circular sawmill will be in operation, and Ruby Patterson will play the role of Betsy Ross sewing our nation’s first flag. Carmen Bonnell will be spinning wool into yarn, and Bill Alexander will make his bark berry baskets. Museum staff will split cedar rails for fences, and blacksmith Jack Bligh will forge iron in the Museum’s Blacksmith Shop.

Tasty summertime treats will be available, including Tennessee barbeque, roasted corn, fried green tomatoes, sweet potato chips, home-made ice cream, sassafras tea, freshly squeezed lemonade, and more.

Special July 4th activities are included with regular admission; plenty of free parking is available. Museum members are admitted free with membership card.

The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 4^th visitors may tour the extensive village-farm complex with dozens of historic log structures, display buildings containing tens of thousands of authentic Appalachian
artifacts, gardens surrounded by split rail fences, and a variety of farm animals in a traditional farm setting. The Hall of Fame offers a portrait of the Appalachian people, both famous and not-so-famous—and in air-conditioned comfort.

In the entrance building are a large craft and gift shop containing handiwork from area artisans, and a restaurant featuring fresh-from-the-garden produce and mouthwatering home-style desserts.

Throughout the summer, the Museum is open daily, with live old-time music played for visitors on the Peters Smokehouse porch. Traditional gardens will be producing their bounty of fresh tomatoes, peppers, squash, herbs, greens, and other vegetables. Other seasonal demonstrations are offered periodically; call for eventsscheduled on specific days.

The Museum is a non-profit corporation and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Its mission is to preserve the artifacts and culture of an earlier time for the benefit of future generations; and to instill in thecommunity—regionally, nationally, and internationally—a greater knowledge of and appreciation for the Appalachian heritage.

The Museum is located 16 miles north of Knoxville, at I-75, exit 122, then one mile east. For admission prices or information on special events, call 865-494-7680 or visit the Museum’s web site at www.museumofappalachia.org.

“To the Morning” by J. Austin Jennings

Iron Clad - Knoxville's Metal Artists

The juror, Neely Hyde, serves as Director of Exhibits and Digital Media for the Association for Visual Arts in Chattanooga. Prizes include $1,000 in cash awards as well as future exhibition opportunities. Award winners will be announced Friday, June 5. The following works will be shown:

* Pamela Neal Almeling, Knoxville – “My Smoky Mountain Sanctuary”
* Lisa S. Brumley Bell, Riceville – “Mountain Sunshine”
* Debra Lovvorn Belvin, Oak Ridge – “Elkmont Summer Study”
* Neranza Noel Blount, Knoxville – “Henwallow Falls”
* Hallah John Paul Boltik, Knoxville – “Heart of the Smokies” and “Almost There”
* Tammy Bulman, Gatlinburg – “Reflections of a Moment”
* Jan Burleson, Athens – “Morning Light, LeConte Cabin”
* R. Earl Cleveland, Jefferson City – “Chimneys in November”
* Aleex Conner, Knoxville – “Hayside Gala”
* Clay Crowder, Maryville – “Life's Wooden Zen” and “Phoenix”
* Audry Deal, Franklin – “Geum Radiatum”
* Kathleen Dillard, Knoxville – “Autumn Fire”
* Amy Eastep, Sevierville – “Nina Smelcer's Barn”
* Keith Elrod, Maryville – “Spark’s Lane – Cades Cove”
* David Garrett, Sevierville – “Log Cabin”
* Eric Gebhart, Seymour – “Misery”
* Diane Hamilton, Seymour – “Greenbrier”
* Marjorie Horne, Knoxville – “Colors of Cades Cove II” and “Cades Cove Companions”
* J. Austin Jennings, Dayton, OH – “To the Morning (Cades Cove)” and “Mountain Music”
* Randy Jennings, Dayton, OH – “Mountain Breath”
* Shawn Kincaid, La Follette – “Cades Cove October” and “Fire on the Mountain”
* Frank Kinser, Ringgold, GA – “Richland Mountain Sunrise”
* Barb A. McDevitt, Knoxville – “Adams Mill”
* Barry McManus, Louisville – “Hyatt Lane #2”
* Michael Murphy, Morristown – “Dancin'”
* Michael T. Naney, Knoxville – “Fawn Dew”
* Julie Oglesby, Seymour – “Smoky Stained Glass”
* Julia Schriver, Knoxville – “Chimney Tops in the Smoky Mountains”
* Judith Scoonover, Sevierville – “Innocence”
* Lynnda Tenpenny, Knoxville – “On the Way to the Sea” and “River Structure”
* Fran Thie, Knoxville – “Autumn Majesty,” “Choto Bend Sunset,” and “Sunset on Lake Loudon”
* Emily Wharton, Sevierville – “Teapot”
* Jim Wharton, Sevierville – “Thanksgiving Snow”
* Steve Zigler, Knoxville – “Foothills Morning” and “Tremont Phantasm”
* Paul J. Zimmerman, Talbott – “Little River – 2007”

In conjunction with Smoky Mountain Visions, the Arts & Culture Alliance presents a new exhibition in The Balcony, coordinated by Alliance member Zophia Kneiss. “Iron Clad: Knoxville Metal Sculpture Artists,” showcases diverse work from local emerging and established metal artists, including Rodney Cash, Amanda Childs, Preston Farabow, Heather Hutton, Zophia Kneiss, Gerry Moll, Khris Norell, and Rhonda Phipps. “Iron Clad” will be on display June 5-26 with an opening reception on Friday, June 5, 5:00-9:00 PM.

Emporium exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with additional hours on Saturday, June 6, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Knoxville Zoo Puts Food and Beverage Policy Change on Hold
In light of the current economic conditions, Knoxville Zoo has decided to delay indefinitely a planned change to its food and beverage policy and will now continue to allow visitors to bring in food and drinks from outside the zoo. The change, which was originally slated to go into effect August 1, 2009, would have banned coolers, lunch bags or boxes and beverages from being brought into the zoo. Zoo officials say the current food and beverage policy, which allows these items, will continue until further notice.

“The decision to no longer allow outside food and beverages was a difficult one,” says Jim Vlna, executive director of Knoxville Zoo. “Unfortunately, just like everyone else, the downturn in the economy has forced us to find new ways to generate revenue. However, we realize that changing our policy in the current economy is simply not the right thing to do, so we’re postponing any changes. School field trips are already difficult for many schools and parents to afford. Buying lunches would be an even greater hardship.”

Knoxville Zoo suffered a near record deficit for 2008. Although the City of Knoxville provided the zoo with nearly 12% of the zoo’s operating funds and Knox County community grants provided 1.3%, the zoo still earned more than 86% of its operating funds through zoo admissions, memberships, food and gift sales and other revenue producing sales activities.

“The zoo has tried unsuccessfully to find a sponsor for school field trips in past years. We will, however, continue these efforts in the future. I hope someone in the community will help us by funding school field trips in Knox and perhaps other school districts,” states zoo director Vlna.

Important Note regarding Chamber Classics concerts
Due to the parking issues surrounding last season's concerts in the Bijou Theatre, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will provide a shuttle to take patrons from the State Street Garage to the Bijou Theatre before and after each Chamber Classics concert. The shuttle will pick up on State Street, in front of the State Street Parking Garage beginning at 1:30 PM and make continuous loops between the garage and the theatre until 2:30 PM. The shuttle will begin taking patrons back to the garage immediately following the concert until about 5:15 PM, allowing patrons the opportunity to attend post-concert chats. Parking in the State Street Garage is free of charge on evenings and weekends.
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Knoxville Sports Site
"The Pitch" is an online media soccer forum where players, coaches, referees, parents, and spectators of all ages can come to find anything from scores and stats of their favorite teams to an "Open Forum" section.
www.the-pitch.us
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ANNOUNCEMENTS: (posted June 25, 2009)
Every year, hundreds of men, women, and children are resettled in America due to social, ethnic, or religious persecution in their home countries. Our next bi-monthly meeting, “Caring for Refugees in Knoxville,” is coming up this Thursday, June 25th, from 11:30 am – 1 pm at Fellowship Church (8000 Middlebrook Pike). Come learn about practical ways you can help this vulnerable population grow accustomed to life in America. Sign up to attend through the Facebook event invite or contact Gina at 865-251-1591 x 2 or gina@compassioncoalition.org.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: (posted June 25, 2009)
“A Hand Up For Women,” the Knox County Christian Women’s Job Corps, and “Journey of Hope,” the Christian Women’s Job Corps of Loudon County, are in need of women to train to serve as Life Management Coaches for the participants in their programs. A Life Management Coach serves as a friend, encourager, prayer partner, advisor, cheerleader, and accountability source who walks alongside the lady to whom they are assigned as she works toward living a more self-sufficient life built on a Christian foundation. Current coaches describe it as being one of the most rewarding blessings that they have ever received. The training for both sites will be held on Saturday, July 18th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Centerpointe Baptist Church (formerly Second Baptist) at 2909 North Broadway in Knoxville. All training materials and lunch will be provided. For more information, e-mail Eva Pierce at eva@ahandupforwomen.org.

Chaplains are often the unsung heroes in any police agency because they offer guidance and counseling 24/7 to officers and their families, inmates, and the community in times of crisis. The Chaplain Corps from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Knoxville Police Department are proud sponsors of the International Conference of Police Chaplains from July 13th -17th at the downtown convention center. You can help honor these men and women by volunteering to help in different capacities, such as staffing the registration desk. They will also need food donations to stock the hospitality rooms. Please call the Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Corps at 865-215-5633 for additional information.

LOCAL NEEDS: (posted June 25, 2009)
A homeowner in the 37918 area needs help—due to the layout of her land and the failure of her retention wall, every time it rains her basement is flooding and the earth around her foundation is being swept away. She has already contacted her insurance company but they are paying only for the water to be removed and the plumbing to be restored. Despite sandbags and a trench, she’s concerned that the home will be damaged to the point of making it unsafe to live in. She can’t afford to hire a contractor and hopes that someone will volunteer the use of their time and Bobcat to save the home’s foundation. If you can meet this need, please call Carolyn at 865-251-1591 x 5.

A volunteer with one of our local agencies is from a low income household and doesn’t have her own transportation. She has saved approximately $700 and would like to purchase a used vehicle, but does not know much about cars. If you would be willing to help her find a reliable car (or at least avoid buying a lemon), please contact Sara Mary at 865-524-2786 or saramary.napiewocki@knoxcac.org.

The YWCA has compiled wish lists for a few of their programs. To meet any of the needs, please contact Danielle Kriger at 856-523-6126 or DKriger@ywcaknox.com. YWCA Transitional Housing Program: bus passes, small room rugs, swimming suits, work clothing, canned food. ywca downtown: serving tray, office supplies, used cell phones for victims of domestic violence. YWCA Club W Health and Fitness Program: jump ropes, free weights, yoga mats and other workout equipment, towels for pool, fitness room décor. YWCA After-School and Summer Programs: Campbell's soup labels, Kleenex, Clorox wipes.

Blount Mansion Partners with Heritage Travel, Inc.,
A New Online Community for Heritage Travelers and Historic Destinations  

Blount Mansion is now a participating destination with Heritage Travel, Inc., a new subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  Launching in spring 2009, Heritage Travel, Inc., will provide extensive online visibility for historic destinations, including Blount Mansion, as well as a professional forum where destinations can network and share best practices.  Travelers will have a one-stop travel planning resource and an online community where people can find, share and connect through heritage-rich interests and experiences.  
 
Blount Mansion built in 1792, is Knox County’s only National Historic Landmark and strives to be a leader in the region for historic house museums. “Partnering with the National Trust and Heritage Travel, Inc. provides a unique opportunity for global exposure for not only Blount Mansion, but our community and state,” notes executive director Billye Chabot.
 
Even with a weak economy, the market trends for heritage and cultural travel are strongly positive.  The Travel Industry Association estimated the combined market for heritage and cultural tourism in the United States at 118 million travelers. “As boomers enter retirement with time and money to spend, historic properties such as the Blount Mansion have a remarkable opportunity as more and more people will choose to spend time in places that connect them to their past,” states Chabot.

The bicycle rentals are located in the center of a 16-mile greenway route, which includes Morningside Greenway (begins at the Alex Haley statue), James White Greenway (runs between Morningside Park and Volunteer Landing), Neyland Greenway (Volunteer Landing to the mouth of Third Creek), Second Creek Greenway, (runs north from Neyland into World’s Fair Park), Third Creek Greenway (mouth of Third Creek, through Tyson Park, and passed West High School), Sequoyah Greenway (runs south from Third Creek Greenway into Sequoyah Hills), and Bearden Village Greenway (picks up at east end of Third Creek Greenway and ends at Bearden Elementary School).

Bicycle rental patrons will receive an adventure map of this greenway route through Knoxville. The map shows points of interests to stop along the way, including the Alex Haley Statue, the Sunsphere, the Knoxville Skatepark, and a Native American Burial Mound in Sequoyah Hills.

The map also shows a bicycle route to reach Ijams Nature Center and its 3.6 miles of greenway, which is not yet connected to the 16-mile connection of greenways. Here, bicyclists can view bird exhibits and overlooks of the French Broad River and Meade’s Quarry.

The hours for the bicycle rental facility are Monday – Thursday, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Fridays 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sundays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. The facility will be opened at any time for bicycle rental groups of four, provided that staff is available.

To rent a bicycle or obtain additional information, please call River Sports at 865-523-0066.

Knoxville Zoo is proud to be among the "Top 60" zoos in the country featured in a new book, America’s Best Zoos: A Travel Guide for Fans and Families by Allen W. Nyhuis and Jon Wassner.

Released in 2008, the book outlines the animals, attractions and exhibits featured at the top zoos throughout the country. The authors visited all sixty of the zoos featured in the book, share their experiences and what makes each zoo special.

Knoxville Zoo also landed on the "Author’s Pick for the Top 25 U.S. Zoo Exhibits." Author Jon Wassner rated Black Bear Falls at Knoxville Zoo number 13.