KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After canceling the annual Festival on the 4th due to COVID-19, Knoxville's special events office came up with a patriotic alternative called the 'Neighborhood Trails of Red, White and Blue.'
“It is unfortunate that the Festival on the 4th had to be canceled this year because of the pandemic, but this is a fun, new way to celebrate that will create a sense of connectivity while keeping everyone safe at the same time,” Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “Our neighborhoods are so creative during the holidays and Knoxville Marathon weekend. I can’t wait to see what they come up with now!”
The best times to see visit the participating neighborhoods are Friday and Saturday.
Judges and a caravan parade will also drive through the participating neighborhoods on Saturday, July 4, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm.
"Our neighborhood is really gung ho. A lot of people have been excited about this. We've done a bunch of social distancing events over the last few months, and this is another great opportunity," said Matt Mowrer, who lives in Fourth and Gill.
Neighborhood Trails:
- 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.