KNOXVILLE, TENN.—Outdoor KnoxFest is scheduled for Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21 and offers three days of urban adventure for everyone from an outdoor enthusiast to someone who simply loves to get out and play. Attendees can experience Knoxville from a variety of ways including a bicycle seat, stand up paddle board, canoe, trail, climbing wall, slack line and more. Teamed with the Dogwood Arts Festival, a nationally renowned, month-long celebration of the natural and cultural beauty of East Tennessee, Outdoor KnoxFest promises to be bigger and better this year!
The Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center will serve as the hub of activity for Outdoor KnoxFest. From guided trail rides, to runs, hikes, paddles and more, the festival will showcase Knoxville’s outdoor offerings with a special spotlight on the Urban Wilderness, a 1,000-acre urban playground only minutes from downtown. Outdoor KnoxFest is produced by Legacy Parks Foundation, a Knoxville-based non-profit actively working to make East Tennessee a premier recreational destination in the Southeast. To feature a few of Outdoor KnoxFest’s events…
Bikes and pickles don’t necessarily go together, but for the Pickel Road Ride, it’s a wonderful combination! Riders of all levels can saddle up for a 20, 40 or 60-mile option on Saturday. The ride honors Harry Pickel, who graciously treated many a cyclist to cold soft drinks at his H & H Service Mart on Thorngrove Pike, which he operated until his death at age 95. This is a wonderful opportunity for cyclists of all levels to explore the beautiful rolling terrain of East Knoxville.
In addition, the Knoxville Disc Golf Club is offering a clinic on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Morningside Park. Attendees will have the chance to learn the game of disc golf and compete all in one weekend. This fun social game challenges players to throw a disc into a basket with the least amount of throws as possible. Members of the club will be sharing their tips and techniques at the clinic.
Saturday and Sunday will also include a trail ride hosted by the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. Just three miles from the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center, Saturday’s “Where’s the Trail” ride will head to the Knoxville Urban Wilderness trails for a ride. Sunday’s ride will navigate through the city and neighborhoods to trails along Sharp’s Ridge.
Saturday’s Fly Fishing 101 clinic will teach basic skills and techniques on dry land with no waders needed. 3 Rivers Angler will guide attendees on casting fundamentals and choosing the right gear. The clinic welcomes aspiring first-time fly fishers to seasoned anglers looking to better their techniques. Youngsters will enjoy casting the Velcro fly fish lines to see what they can catch during the Get Out & Play events from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Also on Saturday, the family-friendly Saturday Bikes N Blooms rides will show beginner riders how to navigate roads, neighborhoods and greenways while touring the beautiful Dogwood Arts Festival trails. Saturday’s ride will capture the beauty of North Knoxville’s historic neighborhoods while Sunday’s ride will travel south to Ijams Nature Center. Helmets are required and the suggested age for the youngest riders is eight years old.
Local celebrities take to the river as they guide paddlers along the shoreline of the Tennessee River. Paddlers will break into groups to accommodate skill and endurance as they paddle to Riverside Landing, Ijams Nature Center or Forks of the River. Kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards will be provided for both Saturday and Sunday paddles or participants can bring their own.
Finally, guests are invited to attend four clinics offered throughout the weekend. These clinics are geared at teaching participants fundamental skills and improving technique along with providing valuable safety lessons. Clinics include: how to perform bike maintenance tasks and repair work while on the road or trail; how to choose the best gear for fly fishing along with techniques participants can take to the water; getting introduced to the fundamental skills of rock climbing in a safe, supportive and fun environment; and mastering the art of disc throwing.
Outdoor KnoxFest highlights:
- 24 events with 16 unique events
- 5 events with fees; 19 events are free
- T-shirts for all paid participants and volunteers
- 4 clinics: Bike Maintenance; Fly Fishing; Disc Golf; and Rock Climbing
- 9 Activities: Road Cycling; Mountain Biking; Hiking; Paddling; Disc Golf; Fly Fishing; Rock Climbing; Trail Running; and Greenway Running
- Competitive Events for Prizes
- Get Out & Play: sampling of activities include climbing wall; slack line; paddling; bicycling; kid-friendly games and activities; outdoor yoga; Velcro fly fishing; disc golf
A full list of the weekend’s events is available online here or on the event Facebook page.
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About Outdoor KnoxFest:
Everyone from an outdoor adventure enthusiast to someone who simply loves all that nature has to offer can experience Knoxville from a bicycle seat, paddle board, canoe, trail, climbing wall and more during Outdoor KnoxFest, a three-day signature event of the Dogwood Arts Festival scheduled for Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21, 2013.
The Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center at Knoxville’s Volunteer Landing will be the hub for this year’s mix of outdoor recreational venues that encourages people of all ages and levels of experience to participate. From guided trail rides, runs, hikes and paddles, the festival showcases Knoxville’s outdoor amenities with a special spotlight on the Urban Wilderness, a 1,000-acre urban playground only minutes from downtown.
About Legacy Parks Foundation:
Proceeds from Outdoor KnoxFest benefit Legacy Parks Foundation, a Knoxville-based non-profit actively working to make East Tennessee a recreational destination of the Southeast. During the past five years Legacy Parks Foundation has raised more than $3 million for parks, greenways and recreational venues, added more than 200 acres of parkland to Knox County and helped protect nearly 1,000 acres of farm and forestland in East Tennessee.
Outdoor Knoxville is a Legacy Parks Foundation initiative geared to help us take full advantage of the exceptional outdoor assets found in and around Knoxville. Outdoor recreation is integral to the health and economic vitality of the community. This three-pronged initiative includes the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center, a website and a three-day festival promoting outdoor activities for people of all ages and skills.
Outdoor KnoxFest benefits the Legacy Parks Foundation. For more information visit www.OutdoorKnoxville.com
Media Contact:
Erin Freeman, Ackermann PR
Phone: (865) 584-0550
efreeman@ackermannpr.com
