Thousands Participate in McKay’s Anniversary Road Trip Challenge Before it Shuts Down in Knoxville
An unfortunate turn of events concluded a monumental day for McKay’s. Known for celebrating their 50th anniversary with customers and fans alike, the popular bookstore introduced a special challenge named The Ultimate McKay’s Road Trip. This challenge, unfortunately, ended abruptly as the Knoxville location was forced to close due to severe weather and heat concerns.
The Ultimate McKay’s Road Trip Challenge
The ultimate road trip challenge involved an adventurous task of traveling to all five McKay’s locations in a single day, with exciting prizes in return. One participant, Esther Peden, a resident of Chattanooga, shared her journey with us.
Esther Peden’s Adventure
Peden revealed that her family tradition of visiting McKay’s during Christmas sparked her challenges for the challenge. Her college days deepened her love for the bookstore. As a passionate comic book reader and Funko Pop collector, McKay’s was her go-to spot for textbooks and collectibles. She exclaimed, “Why not do it? It’s my favorite spot!” To show her dedication to the road trip challenge, Peden had the rear windshield of her car painted with a checklist highlighting the locations she visited.
The Early Closure
Peden’s remarkable journey took a bitter turn when she reached Knoxville. She was among the many who showed up at the ill-fated location, with Chattanooga and Nashville left on her list. However, safety measures took priority, and attendees, including Peden, were turned away. Credit for visiting the store was given to all.
Emergency Services and Heat Concerns
The Knoxville Fire Department and several other agencies were on site to ensure public safety. They had their hands full treating dozens of people for heat-related issues, with two individuals necessitating hospitalization.
The Love for McKay’s
Although the event ended prematurely, it was evident that the love for McKay’s bookstore was widespread. The large turn-out showed the enduring affection and intense loyalty of fans, even in the face of adversity. Despite the discouraging end to what began as a joyous event, it was inspiring to see the community’s spirit in challenging times.
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
