On Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 2 to 6 pm, the 11th annual Open Streets Knoxville event will take place, transforming nearly a mile of streets in North Knoxville into a vibrant, motor-free zone for community engagement. The event encourages residents to walk, bike, jog, or dance through town, promoting a unique blend of physical activity, socialization, and community bonding.
The designated route for this joyous occasion includes Emory Place and North Central Street, stretching between Emory Place and Oklahoma Avenue. These areas will be closed to all motorized traffic, allowing for a safe and spacious environment for attendees to play, exercise, and enjoy each other’s company.
Latest TN News
Open Streets Knoxville is organized by Bike Walk Knoxville, with significant support from First Horizon, AAA, the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation, and numerous other sponsors. The event is part of the global Open Streets initiative, which seeks to foster healthier living, support local businesses, and advocate for sustainable transportation options. By turning streets into public spaces, the initiative encourages communities to see their streets in a new light, as places where people of all ages and abilities can come together.
The event has historically drawn an impressive crowd, with past Open Streets Knoxville gatherings attracting an average of over 3,500 participants. According to Mayor Indya Kincannon, the event not only connects residents to each other and their neighborhood in a fun and engaging manner but also serves as a vital reminder of the collective effort required to ensure roads are safe for everyone, regardless of their mode of transportation.
Open Streets Knoxville offers a diverse range of activities, including games, live music, and street performances, all provided by local businesses and organizations. Attendees can look forward to a variety of food and drink options available from food trucks and businesses along the route. The event is free, family-friendly, and open to pets, with a warm welcome extended to strollers, scooters, skateboards, and bikes—just no cars.
For those interested in participating, sponsoring, or seeking media information, visit BWKnox.org/OpenStreets or contact BWK Executive Director Lindsey Kimble and Open Streets Coordinator Julie Elfin via email.
Source: Read Original Release
Knox County Hosts Annual Children’s Reading Festival
The Knox County Public Library will hold its annual Children’s Festival of Reading on May 18, 2024, at World’s Fair Park to kick off the summer reading program and celebrate young readers with activities, parades, and interactions with authors and book characters.