KNOXVILLE - During his weekly update today, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs talked about the Bassmaster Classic, the Knox County Public Libraries, and the Hero’s Hill Challenge.

Mayor Jacobs encourages residents and visitors to check out the 2026 Bassmaster Classic, often called the “Super Bowl of bass fishing,” taking place in Knoxville this weekend.

“This is the third time that we have hosted the Classic since 2019, and it keeps growing,” says Mayor Jacobs. “163,000 people attended the 2023 Classic, which generated more than $35 million in economic impact. This year’s event should be even bigger.”

Fans can watch daily take-offs at 7:45 a.m. at Volunteer Landing, attend a tailgate party from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Knoxville Convention Center’s Plaza Terrace, and see weigh-ins beginning around 4 p.m. at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. The Bassmaster Classic Expo will also be held at the Knoxville Convention Center.

Mayor Jacobs also highlighted a major honor for the Knox County Public Library. The Children’s Festival of Reading has won the Kaleidoscope Award for Best Children’s Event in the Southeast for the second year in a row, selected from 187 nominees across 12 states by the Southeast Festivals & Events Association.

“This May marks the 20th anniversary of the Children’s Festival of Reading,” says Mayor Jacobs. “Join us on May 16 at World’s Fair Park for a full day of books, authors, music, activities, and family fun!”