Page 158 - Cityview_Jan_Feb_2014

2014 Downtown Knoxville boatshow

Fun On the Water

by Damion Huntoon
ages to race into the frigid waters from As for the nation’s birthday, the 4th

Volunteer Landing and along the coast of July is a very active time on the lakes
Throughout the year, visitors from of Knoxville’s skyline. Participants don and rivers of East Tennessee. The four-

all over the country come to East Ten- everything from thick diver suits to day Kingston, Tennessee, celebration—
nessee to enjoy the wide array of lakes, wild costumes, while courtesy hot tubs located in Roane County and dubbed

rivers, and tributaries that the area has are provided for those chilly from the Smokin’ the Water—is held on the
to offer. That’s why it’s known as one river. The 2014 ride on January 18 will Clinch River and features three days

of the foremost locations in the country be the 20th anniversary of this event. of boat races, homemade raft races, car
for water sports and boating events The cost to participate is $30. (www. and motorcycle shows, food vendors,

year round. Whether it’s top-flight eskimoescapades.com)
and live music with an impressive
trout fishing or a lazy day on one of the The Tim Irwin/Food City Bass firework display ending on the last day.

area’s beautiful lakes, there is no short- Tournament—held on Fort Loudon (www.mykingstontn.com)
age of events to enjoy. Although East and Tellico lakes—celebrated their 25th In Lenoir City, the 4th kicks off the

Tennesseans are known for their love anniversary last year of raising funds for Rockin’ the Docks celebration on the
of fun, they also know the importance the Boys and girls Clubs of the Tennes- Lenoir City Park Cove on Fort Loudoun

of giving back, and many of these water see Valley. A former university of Ten- Lake. Events include music, fireworks,
events are charitable fundraisers, col- nessee Volunteer lineman, Irwin played a rock-climbing wall, children’s play

lecting large donations every year for a 14 years in the NFL. He returned to East area, and a wide range of free food and
myriad of different organizations that Tennessee to practice law and is now a beverage from participating vendors.

help those in need.
Juvenile Court Judge for Knox County. (www.rockinthedocks.com)
Starting in the beginning of the year, Irwin’s bass tournament has built his The summer keeps rolling along

in the winter waters of the Tennessee reputation as a steadfast proponent for with Cityview’s SplashJam. This event
River, is the annual Eskimo Esca- children in East Tennessee. Last year’s supports the charitable cause of the

pades. This frosty fundraiser—which tournament, on May 4, brought almost Fort Loudon Lake Association in their
benefits the Adventure Amputee Camp, 200 participants. With the entry fee of endeavors to keep the lake clean and

Patricia Neal Innovative Recreation $225 a boat, the top winners walked beautiful for all to enjoy. This day-long
Cooperative, and Dream Connec- away with a $10,100 prize. (Date TBD, event on July 19, 2014, will include

tion—brings skiers and tubers of all
www.FoodCityFishing.com)
paddleboard races—both individual
and group—wakeboarding demos,

a climbing wall open to the public,
musical acts, and a food truck competi-

tion, all on the cove of beautiful Fort
Loudoun Lake in Farragut, Tennessee.

(www.cityviewmag.com)
As summer fades and autumn begins,

East Tennessee’s boating fun doesn’t
stop. Just drop into the scenic Blue

Springs Cove on Watts Bar Lake this
coming September for the 15th annual

Half Moon Music Fest. This free an-
nual festival showcases musical talent

from East Tennessee and hosts more
than 1,000 visitors. Accessible by either

boat or land, the festival is one of East
Tennessee’s most enjoyable events.

(Date TBD, www.halfmoonfest.com)
Photo by jimmy chiarella

12 DowntownKnoxvilleboatshow.com march 6-9, 2014