News Summary
The Holleroo event is set to return to North Knoxville on May 17 with a day filled with a soapbox derby, street fair, food trucks, and an outdoor music festival featuring various bands. Entry is free, and a portion of the proceeds supports the fight against food insecurity through Xhunger. The festival will also introduce alcohol sales across the event area due to a new city ordinance. Community engagement and local culture are at the heart of this eagerly awaited festival.
KNOXVILLE – The Holleroo event is making a comeback on May 17, 2023, in the Happy Holler neighborhood of North Knoxville, offering a day filled with excitement, competition, and entertainment. The festival will take place along North Central Street and Anderson Avenue, running from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and featuring a soapbox derby, street fair, food offerings, and an outdoor concert.
Soapbox Derby and Street Fair
The highlight of the day will be the soapbox derby, which features a dozen hand-built, gravity-powered cars. The derby will commence at 12 p.m. and will consist of thrilling races where cars compete two at a time, racing down Central Street before making a turn onto Anderson Avenue.
Attendees can also experience a traditional street fair atmosphere, marked by local vendors and makers showcasing their crafts. Various meals will be available from nearby restaurants and food trucks, providing a diverse selection of culinary options for festival-goers.
Evening Music Festival
As the day transitions into evening, Holleroo will evolve into an outdoor music festival. The musical lineup will feature a variety of genres, including classic country, rock, and indie music, with performances by bands such as New Market Trainwrecks, Kevin Abernathy, King Super and the Excellents, and The Weeks.
New Alcohol Permit
This year’s event is significant for its ability to serve alcohol on the street due to a new city ordinance passed by the city council in early April. The ordinance allows alcohol sales to extend beyond just Gay Street and Market Square, giving Holleroo event organizers the opportunity to offer beverages throughout the festival. However, they must still adhere to the city’s safety and staffing guidelines.
Support for Local Initiatives
A key aim of Holleroo is to give back to the community. Portions of the proceeds from the event will go to Xhunger, a national initiative dedicated to fighting food insecurity through food pantries and banks across the United States. This collaborative effort emphasizes the festival’s commitment to making a positive impact on local and national levels.
Event Accessibility
All attendees are welcome to enjoy the festivities at no cost, as entry to Holleroo is free. This approach is aimed at fostering community engagement and ensuring that the festival is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Background of Holleroo
The Holleroo event has become a cherished highlight of the Knoxville community calendar, known for blending fun and competition with local culture and support. Its return this year is highly anticipated, drawing visitors and residents alike to celebrate and strengthen community ties. Past events have emphasized themes of local craftsmanship, food diversity, and lively entertainment, all of which are set to continue with this year’s celebration.
With a mix of adrenaline-pumping races, flavorful foods, engaging local vendors, and sensational live music, the Holleroo promises to invigorate the Happy Holler area and bring the community together on May 17.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knox County Parks & Rec Launches New Environmental Projects
Knoxville City Council Updates Alcohol Permit Rules
Knoxville Launches Festival Season with Mardi Growl
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Holleroo Returns on May 17
- Wikipedia: Holleroo
- Knox News: Shopper News Events
- Knox TN Today: Spring Celebrations
- Inside of Knoxville: 2024 Festival Planner
