Community Calendar 042924

15 days ago

Bristol Herald Courier

APRIL 29

BLUFF CITY BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN WORK SESSION—The Bluff City Board of Mayor And Aldermen will hold a work session on Monday, April 29, at 6:15 p.m.

MAY 1

AL-ANON—A support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941.

‘MOVE IN MAY’ FITNESS DAY—Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department wants to encourage everyone to come out to Riverwalk Park next week to participate in its “Move in May” Fitness Day. This free event will take place on May 1 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Riverwalk Park exercise equipment area. Officials will demonstrate how to use the outdoor exercise machines, while offering movement and fitness ideas anyone could do in a park. Bottled water will be available for participants. Though the event is free, Kingsport Parks and Recreation officials are asking folks to register to know approximately how many people will be showing up. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3U9m8Jy or click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app, or visit www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “fitness day” in the search bar.

MAY 2

SULLIVAN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGs—The Sullivan County Board of Education will meet in regular session on Thursday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Central Office (154 Blountville Bypass). Prior to the board meeting, there will be a work session in Room 212 beginning at 4:30 p.m. The tentative board agenda can be viewed AT https://bit.ly/4238ZnK. Anyone wishing to give public comment must complete Form 1.4014.F1. This form will be available at the meeting and should be turned in to the Board Chairman or the Board Secretary before the meeting begins.

MAY 3

THE EXTRAORDINARILY MAD WORLD OF VULTURES—Life’s Extras Birding Celebration is a three-day festival commemorating the life and legacy of educator, coach, naturalist, and birder, Randy Smith. Kicking off a full catalog of events presented by Hungry Mother State Park, The Lincoln Theatre will feature The Extraordinary Mad World of Vultures on Friday, May 3 from 6-8 p.m. Tag along to learn more about these fascinating creatures. For more information and tickets, visit www.thelincoln.org or call (276)783-6092.

LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND—Fairview Farm & Homestead, 908 Hillman Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210. May 3, 9 a.m.-noon private schools (free) 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m., public, $5 person—May 4, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., $5 person, 12 and under free. Great opportunities to talk to the soldiers and learn more about the American Civil War: camp life, period firearms, dismounted and mounted cavalry, cannon station, Civil War surgeon, 1800s cabin will be open, blacksmith open, summer kitchen, candle making, quilting. Food truck and vendors available. Hosted by Fairview Farm & Homestead Foundation. For more information, call 276-477-0212 or 276-944-3000.

MAY 4

BRIDGERTON GARDEN PARTY—Dearest readers, your presence is requested at the Kingsport Public Library on May 4 at 2 p.m. to partake in a special afternoon Bridgerton Garden Party. This free event will celebrate the Season 3 premiere of the award-winning Bridgerton series in the library’s auditorium. Afternoon events will feature Regency era crafts such as fan-making and silhouette portraiture and gentlefolk who are actively inclined may enjoy croquet on the lawn in Glen Bruce Park. Light tea refreshments will also be provided for your enjoyment. As this is bound to be the most fashionable event of the season, library officials are recommending you register beforehand. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/4b3pwfE. You can also register by going to the Kingsport Public Library’s website (www.kingsportlibrary.org) and searching for Bridgerton Garden Party under the Events tab. For more information, please visit www.kingsportlibrary.org.

KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY—The Sessions Hotel, located in the heart of Bristol and is housed in three meticulously restored historic buildings, is hosting a Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 4, at 4 p.m. at the Sessions Hotel, 833 State Street Bristol, VA 24201. Get ready for a fun-filled evening of horse racing, fancy hats, mint juleps and an evening to remember. Come dressed in your best derby attire and enjoy live music, delicious food, and exciting derby-themed activities. Whether you’re a seasoned race-goer or just looking for a good time, this event is perfect for everyone. Grab your friends and get ready for a evening of fun and excitement! $20 per person. Reserve your Southern Craft Derby Picnic Basket including turkey or pork barbecue sandwich, chips and a water for $11/person. Hat photo booth sponsored by Winslow Savage Millinery. Champagne & Mint Julep Tent, lounge seating, large screen with the Derby pre race, music and dancing with Dang Gina, lawn games and don’t miss the BTVAR Tricycle Race at 6 p.m. Finish the night at Cascade Draft House for more music and fun! For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4aqKPb8 or contact Amanda Ensinger at [email protected].

NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL WEEKEND—The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host the 43rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend (Memorial Weekend) on May 4-5 in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year’s national tribute will honor 89 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2023 and 137 firefighters who died in previous years. There are two events open to the public at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) during Memorial Weekend. The National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service is on May 4 at 7:30 p.m. EDT and will be hosted by Fire Captain Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is on May 5 at 10 am EDT and will be hosted by actor Jeremy Holm. The NFFF will live stream both events on the NFFF’s website (firehero.org), YouTube channel, and Facebook page. Those not attending Memorial Weekend in person can also pay tribute to this year’s honored firefighters. All can participate in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters (May 1-5) by lighting their homes, businesses, landmarks, or fire departments with red lights. Other ways to remember include Bells Across America, Sound the Sirens, and by signing a virtual Remembrance Banner. In addition, the American flag will be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings on Sunday, May 5. The public is also encouraged to lower their American flags that day to recognize the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

POOR MAN’S GAMBIT—Featuring fiddle, button accordion, guitar, bodhran, bouzouki, flute, vocals, and dance, Poor Man’s Gambit brings an evening of Celtic music to the Jettie Baker Center in Clintwood at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. Tickets are $10 at the door. Children and students will be admitted free. For more information and to make reservations visit proartva.org.

SPRING TRAIN EXCURSION THROUGH SMOKY MTNS—On Saturday, May 4, the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum will sponsor a steam train excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The one-day excursion runs from the historic depot in Bryson City, NC, through Western North Carolina, into the Nantahala Gorge surrounded by the majestic Smokies and back to Bryson City. To get to the Bryson City Train Depot, passengers may either ride a chartered tour bus out of Kingsport or Johnson City, TN, or drive directly to Bryson City, NC. Please select point of departure on the order form when purchasing tickets. Free parking is provided. TICKETS — Tourist coach or open-air coach class: $105/adult and $86/child. Open-air coach class: $107/adult $88/child. Tickets and pre-purchased meals must be ordered online by credit card at http://www.wataugavalleynrhs.org/. Click on the EXCURSIONS link. Sandwiches, drinks, chips, and snacks will be available for purchase on board at the concessions car. A small cooler is acceptable if you wish to bring food with you. Tickets and pre-purchased meals must be ordered online by credit card at http://www.wataugavalleynrhs.org/. Click on the EXCURSIONS link. For more information, visit www.wataugavalleynrhs.org or email [email protected].

SPRINGTIME IN HAYNESVILLE: A CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT—Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site will be hosting Springtime in Haynesville: A Civil War reenactment on May 4 and 5. Johnson City was called Haynesville in honor of Landon Carter Haynes during the Civil War. Haynes represented the State of Tennessee in the Confederate Congress while two of his sons fought in the war. The Department of East Tennessee Civil War Reenactors will be at the site to commemorate the soldiers of the United States and Confederacy. The site and camps will be open from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. A small battle will take place at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Before the battle, visit the camps of Confederate and Union soldiers and learn how the soldiers lived during the war. There will be plenty of fun and interesting things to see and do for every one of all ages. Also, discover the rich history of Tipton-Haynes as you examine the site’s eleven historic structures and tour the historic home of the Haynes family. Explore the cave and feel it’s cool air and take a relaxing stroll along the site’s quarter-mile nature trail. Several local food and craft vendors will also be at the site on both days. Admission for the event is $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Members are free. For more information call 423-926-3631 or email [email protected].

MAY 5

BRISTOL MUSIC CLUB SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS—The public is invited to a recital by winners of the Bristol Music Club Scholarship Auditions, on Sunday, May 5, at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 701 Florida Avenue, Bristol TN.

‘THE UNICORN’S BIRTHDAY’—(Family Concert: May 5, 3 p.m., Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center, Kingsport, TN. School Concerts: May 6, 9:30 and 11 a.m., Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center, Kingsport, TN. May 6, 4:30 p.m. Virginia High School, Bristol, VA. May 7, 9:30 a.m., J.W. Adams Combined School, Pound, VA. May 8, 9:30am, McGlothlin Center for the Arts, Emory, VA.) Symphony of the Mountains, under the direction of Music Director, Cornelia Laemmli Orth will present our Family and School Concert “The Unicorn’s Birthday™” composed by Bob Singleton. This is a gentle, fantasy-and-fun-filled symphony experience with terrific music, live narration, fun sounds, captivating on-stage activity, friendly graphics, and gentle audience interactivity. All children and students are free. You can buy adult tickets online at https://symphonyofthemountains.org/event/the-unicorns-birthday/ or by calling our office at 423-392-8423.

MAY 6

MAY 7

WATAUGA ASSOCIATION OF GENEALOGISTS—The Watauga Association of Genealogists (WAGS) will feature author Roger Bowers, a genealogist-history buff, as he presents the program, “Life and Descendants of Leonard Bowers,” at the Johnson City Public Library on Tuesday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. Leonard Bowers, Revolutionary War soldier and early Northeast Tennessee pioneer, is an ancestor of author Roger Bowers. Join us to hear the history of the Bowers Family entrance into the heart of Appalachia. The public is invited to attend all WAGS meetings held at the Johnson City Public Library, 100 W. Millard St., Johnson City, on the first Tuesday of the month.

MAY 8

MAY 9

BRISTOL MUSIC CLUB—The Bristol Music Club will meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, at State Street United Methodist Church. The public is invited to the program by Dr. Kellie Brown, speaking about Trends in Music Education.

MAY 11

BARRE & YOGA ON THE BARGE—Bays Mountain Park is partnering with a local dance and yoga instructor to offer residents a new type of yoga class, one that takes place in the morning on the park’s barge. The class is called Barre and Yoga on the Barge, and the one-hour session will take place on May 11, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Inspired by elements of ballet, yoga and Pilates, barre is a workout technique designed to target major muscle groups via small movements. The cost is $8 per person, and class size is limited to 11 people. Participants of all levels are welcome to attend. Wear exercise clothing and bring your own water bottle with a sealable lid. No mats are required. Note: The barge leaves promptly at 10 a.m., so please be on board 10 minutes early. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3voVWSx or click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app, or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on “CivicRec,” then search for “yoga” in the search bar. For more information, visit www.baysmountain.com.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM—The Bristol Ballet Company is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, presented as a captivating ballet performance. Mark your calendars for May 11, when the ballet will present two performances, noon and 5:30 p.m. EDT, at the historic Paramount Bristol. Tickets: $11-$23.50. 423-274-8920.

PRESLEY BARKER LIVE—Marion, VA. The Lincoln Theatre welcomes Presley Barker, Jim Lloyd, and J.A.M., May 11 at 7 p.m. Presley Barker, a North Carolina native, will grace the historic stage of the Lincoln Theatre this May. The multi-talented musician delivers an unparalleled country and blues blend that has been in the works since he first picked up a guitar at seven years old. Presley charms with his folk-inspired sound, reminiscent of country legends like Doc Watson and Merle Haggard. Accompanying Presley Barker as special guests, Jim Lloyd and Junior Appalachian Musicians (J.A.M.) complete the set to create a rich display of classic country. Jim Lloyd is a renaissance man from Rural Retreat, VA who is skilled in singing, old-time banjo playing, radio broadcasting, music education, and story-telling. J.A.M. is an after-school program designed to enrich children’s experiences in their community through participating in traditional mountain music with master musicians. For more information and tickets, visit www.thelincoln.org or call (276)783-6092.

SOUTHERN SKIES MUSIC & WHISKEY FESTIVAL—Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival returns to World’s Fair Park in Knoxville, TN, on Saturday, May 11. The event will include live music performances, food trucks, craft beer, cocktails, a Maker Market, and more. For more information, make sure you’re following Southern Skies on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

MAY 13

BRISTOL HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION PROGRAM—East Hill Cemetery will be the topic of the next program presented by the Bristol Historical Association on Monday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Bristol Public Library in the Henry Kegley room. John (Pappy) Hawthorne will tell of the beginnings of the cemetery with the burial of a 5-year old girl, area pioneers, their descendants, and other notable persons through the years. Come learn about this beautiful and historic cemetery in the heart of downtown Bristol.

MAY 14

SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF THE TRI-CITIES—Navigating the Ocean of Grief after the Suicide Death of a Loved One, facilitated by Barbara Sims, Ph.D., who lost her son, Christopher Michael Price, to suicide on January 5, 2018. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Summit Leadership offices, 3515 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN, 6-7 p.m. To get on the contact list for meeting notices or for additional information about this support group, contact Barb Sims at [email protected].

MAY 15

MAY 17

APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS—Appalachian Trail Days is coming to Damascus, Va. on May 17, 18 and 19, The biggest celebration of the AT in the country. Many new events are planned for this year. Thru hikers gather for a reunion, and everyone joins in the party. Join us for the Hiker parade at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, followed by the LIVE auction at 3 p.m. in front of the Gazebo in the town park. Proceeds from the Auction help to keep open a ‘by donation” hostel called ‘The Place’ which is run by the Damascus United Methodist Church. Local businesses and many of the 100 vendors, with the latest and greatest outdoor gear have contributed many wonderful items to bid on. Chris Atwood of AOK Auction Co. Damascus, will return for this year’s auction. There will be music, food trucks, T-shirts, many vendors and craftsmen, authors promoting their books, and even a beer garden.

MAY 18

A CELEBRATION TO VETERANS—Iron Forge Brewing Company and American Legion Post 104 present a free-entry fundraiser for veterans services, ‘A Celebration to Veterans,’ on May 18 from noon to closing at Iron Forge, 371 Lonesome Valley Dr., Sevierville, TN. (Parkway Boulevard to Apple Valley Road, turn right on Apple Valley Road at Walgreen’s, follow Apple Valley Road 1/2 mile to Lonesome Valley Drive.) The event starts at noon. Opening Ceremony commences at 5 p.m. with opening prayer, presentation of Colors, MIA prayer, the national anthem, and games, including horseshoes, corn hole, darts and many more. From 7-9 p.m. will be music by Mike Cook. Lots of booths and vendors will be available, and special beer for veterans. Free entry, and 100% of proceeds will go to veterans. For more information, visit Ironforgebrew.com.

MOTHER’S DAY ROYAL BALL—Local non-profit Uniting for Artem Nataliia and Ukraine (UforANU) is hosting a Mother’s Day Royal Ball to benefit local Ukrainian refugees. The charity ball for mothers and daughters will include dancing, light snacks, drinks, Ukrainian-inspired activities such as egg painting and flower crown making, and other activities to help strengthen bonds between mothers and daughters. The event will be held on Saturday, May 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at 101 W Springbrook Drive in Johnson City. Tickets are available at uforanu-ball.eventbrite.com. All proceeds will benefit Vols for Ukraine (VFU), another local non-profit, to aid Ukrainian refugee families in the East Tennessee region. VFU helps refugee families with paying their rent and other bills as well as help with groceries, furniture, clothing, and other necessities. For more information, call Katie Rios at 423-430-9364 or email [email protected].

TENNESSEE PIRATE FEST—Greater Knoxville, Tenn. The eighth annual Tennessee Pirate Fest will be open rain or shine on May 18-19, and 25-26-27, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. EDT. The festival is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN (just 30 miles west of Turkey Creek). Free parking is provided in rough-cut fields, and handicap parking is available. Entrance tickets can be purchased online now at https://darkhorsellc.ticketspice.com/tennessee-pirate-fest-2024. Tickets will also be available for purchase on festival days at the ticket house for cash or credit. Entrance ticket prices include all taxes and fees and are $20 for ages 13+, $10 for ages 5 to 12 and admission is free for ages 4 and under. Festival beverage tickets (in $1 increments) are available online, will be available at the gate, or patrons can use exact change. There will be no ATM onsite, so patrons are encouraged to bring cash for purchases, tips, and convenience. There will be no onsite public camping, but a list of local accommodations has been provided by Roane Tourism: https://www.roanetourism.com/stay/list/. For more information, visit http://tnpiratefest.com/ “like” and “follow” the Tennessee Medieval Faire <&dateline> Tennessee Pirate Fest on Facebook, or call 865-466-1902.

MAY 19

MARY POPPINS—The Appalachian Center for Ballet will bring its spring recital to The Lincoln Theatre on Sunday, May 19, at 4 p.m. Graceful students will showcase their talents through the presentation of Mary Poppins, inviting the audience to reconnect with the wonders of childhood. This recital is a culmination of a year’s worth of learning. Students partake in the entire production process and are eager to deliver a spectacular show. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door using cash or check only. Small children who do not need their own seat may enter for free. For more information and tickets, visit www.thelincoln.org or call (276)783-6092.

TENNESSEE PIRATE FEST—Greater Koxville, Tenn. The eighth annual Tennessee Pirate Fest will be open rain or shine on May 18-19, and 25-26-27, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. EDT. The festival is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN (just 30 miles west of Turkey Creek). Free parking is provided in rough-cut fields, and handicap parking is available. Entrance tickets can be purchased online now at https://darkhorsellc.ticketspice.com/tennessee-pirate-fest-2024. Tickets will also be available for purchase on festival days at the ticket house for cash or credit. Entrance ticket prices include all taxes and fees and are $20 for ages 13+, $10 for ages 5 to 12 and admission is free for ages 4 and under. Festival beverage tickets (in $1 increments) are available online, will be available at the gate, or patrons can use exact change. There will be no ATM onsite, so patrons are encouraged to bring cash for purchases, tips, and convenience. There will be no onsite public camping, but a list of local accommodations has been provided by Roane Tourism: https://www.roanetourism.com/stay/list/. For more information, visit http://tnpiratefest.com/ “like” and “follow” the Tennessee Medieval Faire <&dateline> Tennessee Pirate Fest on Facebook, or call 865-466-1902.

MAY 22

MAY 23

FREE SPRING HEALTH FAIR—Healing Hands Health, in collaboration with the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine, is pleased to announce a Free Health Fair scheduled for Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24, at 245 Midway Medical Park in Bristol, TN. The two-day Free Health Fair is open to the public. Everyone is welcome, whether you have insurance or not. Attendees will have access to a range of care services, including medical exams such as blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, and labs. Additionally, mental health screenings/consults, EKGs and mammograms will be available. Please note that mammograms will only be offered on Friday, May 24. To schedule a mammogram appointment, please email [email protected]. In addition to health screenings, there will be giveaway opportunities, and attendees will receive a complimentary meal! Appointments are required for all services. Please call (423) 652-0260 ext. 3 to schedule an appointment. The clinic is conveniently located down the street from Kroger at 245 Midway Medical Park, Bristol, TN.

MAY 24

MAY 25

‘GATHERING IN THE GAP’ MUSIC FESTIVAL—Big Stone Gap, VA. The “Gathering in the Gap” Music Festival at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, 10 West 1st St. North, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219, offers a one-of-a-kind evening of performances by Grammy award-winning artist Suzy Boggus, whose accolades also include awards from Country Music People International and the Country Music Awards. Also featured on the main stage are well-known cellist, pianist and composer Dave Eggar, as well as a high-energy group from Kentucky: Dark Moon Hollow. This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, May 25, on the park’s grounds. Tickets, which are only required for the main stage portion of the festival, can be purchased online at www.gatheringinthegap.org, by calling the park at 276-523-1322 or by stopping by the park during regular operating hours. “Gathering in the Gap” will also include a songwriting competition, musical competitions, music jams, a children’s area, the “Gathering Place” Beer and Wine Garden, the “Stitch in Time” Quilt Show and more. Antique, food and craft vendors will also be on site. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the festival website at www.gatheringinthegap.org, “like” the festival page on Facebook or call the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park at 276-523-1322.

SWAP MEET YARD SALE—May 25, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Fairview Farm & Homestead Foundation, 908 Hillman Hwy., Abingdon, VA., 276-477-0212 or 276-944-3000. Come join us for our 3rd annual swap meet at Fairview Farm & Homestead. Bring your own table or trailer to set up for $10 each site. Anything from farm equipment, car parts, tools, antiques and collectables & crafts, local sorghum (molasses) and a lot more. Vendor set-up 7 a.m. Admission $1 per person over age 16.

MAY 26

LETTERS FROM HOME—Returning to The Lincoln Theatre is the beloved Letters From Home performance. This Memorial Day tradition features USO-Style, high-energy singing and dancing honoring our veterans, active military heroes, and their loved ones. Founder and performer Erinn Dearth is accompanied by Dan Beckmann in an uplifting tap-dance performance, celebrating human life and perseverance. They have performed over 1000 shows across the world, including singing at the 75th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy France, entertaining Battle of the Bulge veterans in Belgium, and completing their full 50-States Tour in 2023. All families are encouraged to experience Letters From Home and to honor the fallen this Memorial Day weekend. The show is free and requires no registration. It will begin on Sunday, May 26 at 3 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit www.thelincoln.org or call (276)783-6092.

MAY 27

PRIDE CHATS—The Lincoln Theatre is proud to serve as a hub for community engagement and inclusivity. On Monday, May 27, Mount Rogers Community Services continues its series of Pride Chats. This gathering aims to foster mutual understanding and respect for all through authentic interactions and relationship building. Join the group discussion at 5:30 PM and make impactful, lasting connections. Meetings occur regularly at The Lincoln Theatre on the last Monday of each month. For more information and event tickets, visit www.thelincoln.org or call (276)783-6092.

MAY 29

MAY 30

HEART OF APPALACHIA COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA CONCERTS—The Heart of Appalachia Community Orchestra has moved up its spring concert schedule this year with two concerts in the final week of April and one more in late May. On Friday, April 26, at 7 p.m., the orchestra will be performing in the theater at Lebanon High School on Saturday, April 27, the concert will be performed in the theater at Abingdon High School, also beginning at 7 p.m. On Thursday, May 30, the orchestra will perform starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Lyric Theater in St Paul, a concert that will include a few different selections from those in April. All performances are free, though attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items which the orchestra donates to local food pantries. For more information, contact orchestra director, Kevin Townsend at [email protected].

‘PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM NEIGHBORHOOD SCAMS, INCLUDING HOME IMPROVEMENT SCAMS AND DOOR-TO-DOOR SALESMEN’ FREE WEBINAR—Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society FREE Webinars presents “Protecting Yourself from Neighborhood Scams, Including Home Improvement Scams and Door to Door Salesmen” by Sloan Champney, Better Business Bureau on May 30 at 10 a.m. For more information and to register, visit svlas.org/elder-abuse-prevention.

JUNE 1

CARTER COUNTY OMNIUM BICYCLE RACES—Carter County. The highly anticipated Carter County Omnium bicycle races are set to return, bringing exhilarating cycling action to the heart of our community June 1 & 2. For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities, and participation details, please visit cartercountyomnium.com or contact the Carter County Visitors & Tourism office. 423.547.3850.

GREENEVILLE FIREFLY FESTIVAL—Discover Greeneville, TN, in collaboration with Friends of the Cherokee National Forest and the Cherokee National Forest, invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of synchronous fireflies at our upcoming festival. Mark your calendars for the first two Saturdays in June (June 1 & 8) for an unforgettable experience filled with acoustic bluegrass music, guided tours by Cherokee National Forest interpreters, and the mesmerizing spectacle of synchronous fireflies lighting up the night sky from 9-10 p.m. Limited parking will be available exclusively to lottery winners. Each lottery ticket admits up to 7 people, with a $25 admission fee per car for selected winners. Lottery registration is now open for both viewing dates (June 1 and June 8). You’re welcome to apply for both dates if you’re available, with multiple applications allowed at $2 each. For registration and more details, visit www.discovergreenevilletn.com/firefly-festival. As part of the Firefly Festival, there will be online silent auction featuring stunning firefly-themed art pieces. All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Cherokee National Forest. For more information or inquiries, please contact Molly Boyd at [email protected] or call (423) 638-4111.

JUNE 2

JUNE 5

JUNE 6

‘ELDER ABUSE IN THE DIGITAL AGE’—Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society presents “Elder Abuse in the Digital Age” annual Elder Abuse Conference on June 6 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon, VA. $40/fee. For more information and to register, visit https://svlas.org/event/elder-abuse-digital-age/.

JUNE 7

‘DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID’—Disney’s The Little Mermaid opens June 7, and runs for two weekends, June 7-9 and 14-16, at The Paramount Center for the Arts, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., closing on June 16. Tickets are $16 for adults plus processing fees and $12 for seniors and students plus processing fees, and are available at www.ParamountBristol.org. For tickets and more information, visit www.ParamountBristol.org, follow TheatreBristolTN on Facebook, call 423-212-3625, or email [email protected].

JUNE 8

HISTORIC RAMSEY HOUSE SUMMER MARKETPLACE—Join the Historic Ramsey House on Saturday, June 8, for our Summer Marketplace! Enjoy a unique shopping experience as artists and vintage curators from across East Tennessee gather on the grounds of the Historic Ramsey House! From handcrafted jewelry to woodworking to beautiful seasonal décor items and more, you are certain to find the perfect gift or home décor item. This FREE event is great for the entire family! We will also offer onsite food, entertainment, house tours, and more!

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