Neighborhoods host physically distanced July 4 festivities

KNOXVILLE - Several Knoxville neighborhoods are participating in the inaugural Neighborhood Trails of Red, White and Blue, a physically distanced, socially engaging event to be held in lieu of the City’s annual Festival of the Fourth.

“I will miss celebrating with everyone at the World’s Fair Park,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “But I’m excited to see the festive results of neighbors working together to share their enthusiasm and patriotic spirit while following the best practices to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.”

After the coronavirus pandemic made it clear that thousands of East Tennesseans could not safely gather on the lawn this year, the City Special Events department and Office of Neighborhoods invented this drivable, bikable and walkable way to experience holiday togetherness…at a distance.

Participating neighborhoods will be decorated and ready to enjoy starting Friday, July 3 and continuing through Sunday, July 5. On Saturday, July 4, 1-4 p.m., a caravan parade including Mayor Kincannon and celebrity judges will drive the trails and spread additional patriotic spirit. Trails will be designated by red arrows painted on the street and are located in the areas listed below:

• Historic Fourth and Gill Neighborhood Organization: Portions of Gratz Avenue, Glenwood Avenue, Luttrell Avenue and Eleanor Avenue.

• Historic Gibbs Drive Neighborhood Association: At the 2800 and 3100 blocks of Gibbs Drive off North Broadway.

• Northwest Hills Subdivision: At Kingsmore Drive and Kinlock Lane.

• Old North Knoxville Inc.: Portions of Oklahoma, Glenwood, Fremont, Kenyon, Scott off North Central Street.

• RiverHill Gateway Neighborhood Association: At E. Hill Avenue and Hall of Fame Drive.

• Robinson Ridge HOA: On Tori Road off Robinson Road.

• Sherill Hills Retirement Resort: 271 Moss Grove Boulevard off Kingston Pike in Cedar Bluff.

• Southside Waterfront Neighborhood Association: Located on W. Blount Avenue, including 303 Flats and CityView at Riverwalk.

• We Care Neighborhood Watch: Katey Spring, Tera Spring and Morgan Spring Way off Valley View Drive.

For residents interested in giving back this holiday weekend, South Knoxville’s Vestal Community Organization is hosting a community cleanup at Goose Creek between Ogle and W. Blount avenues and at Vestal United Methodist Church Cemetery. Volunteers are also gathering to reseed the wildflower meadow in Vestal Gateway Park.

Visit knoxvilletn.gov/4th for maps to each of the participating neighborhoods.

Published July1, 2020