News Summary
Knoxville is gearing up for a vibrant week of events, including a historical baseball talk on July 2, led by Dr. William E. Hardy, and the annual Red, White and Blue Bash on July 3. These celebrations showcase the city’s rich heritage and community spirit, offering entertaining activities and opportunities for civic engagement.
Knoxville to Host Historical Baseball Talk and Annual 4th of July Celebration
Knoxville will celebrate its rich history and community spirit with a historical baseball talk and the annual Red, White and Blue Bash during the week of the 4th of July. The events, sponsored by local organizations, aim to engage residents and honor the city’s heritage.
Historical Baseball Talk
The East Tennessee History Center is sponsoring a special talk focused on the founding of professional baseball in Knoxville, tracing back to around 1896. This informative session will take place on Wednesday, July 2, from noon to 1 p.m. at the East Tennessee History Center, located at 601 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. Dr. William E. Hardy, an assistant professor of history and Lincoln Scholar at Lincoln Memorial University, will lead the discussion. Dr. Hardy specializes in 19th-century American history and has a depth of teaching experience from various institutions, including Tennessee Tech and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
This talk will also be accessible to those who cannot attend in person, as it will be streamed live on the East Tennessee Historical Society’s Facebook page. The program received sponsorship from the Friends of the Knox County Public Library and FirstBank, highlighting the community’s commitment to preserving and promoting local history.
Red, White and Blue Bash
Following the historical event, the Clear Springs Baptist Church will host its annual Red, White and Blue Bash on Thursday, July 3, starting at 6:30 p.m. This popular community gathering will feature an array of activities, including food trucks, games, inflatables for children, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities comfortably.
The food truck lineup promises a variety of delectable options, including BBQ, nachos, tacos, chicken, pizza, funnel cakes, ice cream, and shaved ice. This event not only provides entertainment but also fosters opportunities for fellowship among residents.
Sports Update
In related news, the Southern League’s regular season recently opened its second half with an exciting six-game series between the Knoxville Baseball team and Birmingham, which concluded in a tightly contested 3-3 split. Notably, former Tennessee pitcher Mark McLaughlin was assigned to Birmingham and participated in two games during the series.
In a recent matchup, Lincoln Norris made notable contributions to the Knoxville team, hitting a two-run home run in the 9th inning, helping secure a 10-5 victory against Cardinal. After a competitive start, the Knoxville team improved its season record to 14-8, with an impressive 8-3 standing in the South Central Conference. Additionally, a rain delay interrupted a softball game between Knoxville and Cardinal, with Knoxville leading 6-2 after only two innings.
Local Civic Engagement
Amidst these celebrations and events, local civic engagement has also gained momentum. Lisa Plawchan, appointed to the board of the League of Women Voters in March 2024 and now serving as the second vice president by May 2024, is actively involved in youth civics and voter registration. With a background as a communications specialist for Versant Strategies, Plawchan aims to enhance voter engagement and local advocacy, utilizing her experience and education from George Washington University.
Additionally, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon met Knoxville native Brittney Anthony, who recently graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and began her career with the KUB Teen Works program. This meeting at the U.S. Mayors Conference in Tampa highlights the city’s commitment to fostering strong local leaders.
Overall, these events and developments in Knoxville present a vibrant mix of history, community celebration, and civic engagement, all coming together in a festive week leading up to the 4th of July.
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Additional Resources
- Vols Wire
- KNIA KRLS
- UT Sports
- Inside of Knoxville
- Rocky Top Talk
- Wikipedia: Baseball in Tennessee
- Google Search: Knoxville Baseball
- Google Scholar: Knoxville history of baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Google News: Knoxville 4th of July celebration
