What’s happening in Oak Ridge from Sept. 26-Oct. 2

Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge starting Thursday, Sept. 26, and continuing through Oct. 2.

This weekly listing of events is compiled by the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau:

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Oak Ridge High School Football – September 27

Oak Ridge Wildcats vs Gibbs

Location:  Home Game – Blankenship Field.  Time:  7:30pm

 

Namoli Brennet in Concert – Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church – September 27

Location:  Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church – 1500 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  7pm

Namoli Brennet has been called “One of the best folk-rock artists in the country”!  Brennet’s gritty, honest fold sound has attracted a large fan base, touching on often poignant themes.  Her music and lyrics ultimately paint a vivid and redemptive portrait.  She has been described as a breathtaking and moving performer, a cross between Lucinda Williams, Patty Griffin and Sheryl Crow.  Zocalamagazine called her music, “Gorgeous and introspective.”  Tickets are $12 or $10 for students, and may be purchased at the door or online at www.oruuc.org/events/.  For more information about this concert, call the ORUUC office at 865-483-6761.

 

Memory Magic Scrapbook Event:  Scrapping on the Wild Side – September 27-28

This event will include vendors, classes and a large crop area.  Walk-in registration begins on September 27 at 8:00am.  There is limited seating in the crop area and in each class.  For a listing of classes check the following website:http://orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov/memory-magic-scrapbook-event .  For more information, email Pat Sloan at [email protected].

 

Open Painting Studio – September 27

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

9:30am– 12:00pm

Non-instructed studio time.  Bring all your materials and work at your own pace.  Any media.

For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

Open Fiber Studio – September 27

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

1:30pm – 4:00pm

Non-instructed studio time for all fiber/textile enthusiasts.  Bring your machine if desired and work with others.

For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Taste of Oak Ridge – September 28

Location:  Historic Jackson Square.  Time:  4:30 – 10:00pm

The food sampling event features small “tastes” of dishes from local restaurants including Dean’s Restaurant, The Market House, Razzleberry Lab & Kitchen, The Soup Kitchen, and many others.  Proceeds from this event go to the Free Medical Clinic in Oak Ridge.  This event will also include live music provided by several local bands and music groups.  For more information, or to volunteer to help with the event, contact Barbara Ferrell at 865-483-0961.

 

Mad Hatter Garden Party – September 28

Location:  Willow Ridge Garden Center.  Time:  6:00pm

This is a fundraiser to support the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Series, Chorus, educational outreach and Coffee Concerts (ORCMA).  Mark your calendars, more details will be coming soon!

 

Popular Selections from Famous Operas – Oak Ridge Community Orchestra – September 28

Location:  First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge Sanctuary – Corner of the Oak Ridge Turnpike and Lafayette Dr.

The ORCO will be performing favorite excerpts from two famous operas and one Broadway musical.  No doubt, you will enjoy the memorable overtures from The Magic Flute and The Barger of Seville.  To continue the opera theme with a more current composition, the orchestra will serenade you with the captivating melodies from The Phantom of the Opera.  As a special treat, the primary cast from the University of Tennessee will present a trio and an aria from their upcoming opera, The Barber of Seville.  You will not want to miss this impressive performance.  Admission is Free but modest donations at the door to support the orchestra’s routine operating expenses will be appreciated.  For more information about the ORCO, visit www.OakRidgeCommunityOrchestra.com.

 

Oak Ridge Farmers Market – Opens at 8am every Saturday

Location:  Parking lot across from Jackson Square – East Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge

For more information, visit www.easttnfarmmarkets.org.

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Aqua Power Classes at Oak Ridge Civic Center – Every Monday and Wednesday

Participants do not have to be able to swim, and do not have to get their hair wet.  Classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30pm.  Cost is $5 per class, or $42 for a 6-week session.  Call Civic Center for details and holiday closings at 865-425-3450.

 

Ballroom Dancing – Every Monday, 6:30 p.m.

Location:  Wildcat Den Room of the Midtown Community Center.

Come join the Secret City Ballroom Dancers every Monday night at 6:30pm for ballroom dancing.

Fee:  Admission is $6 on live band nights and $3 on regular Mondays.

For more information contact Ann Stuck at 865-482-2658 or Patti at 865-482-3701.

 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1

Print Making Studio – October 1

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

1:30am– 3:30pm

For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2

Oak Ridge Farmers Market – Every Wednesday from 3:00-6:00pm

Location:  Parking lot across from Jackson Square – East Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge

For more information, visit www.easttnfarmmarkets.org.

 

ONGOING EVENTS:

 “Oak Ridge in Art” – American Museum of Science and Energy – thru January 5, 2014

“Oak Ridge in Art” features eight framed prints and paintings by residents or former residents of Oak Ridge, including work by Nick Fielder, Helen Guymon, Fred Heddleson, Pat McWilliams Hoskins, Nancy Smith, Irvin Grossman, and Helen Bayless.  For more information, call 865-576-3200 or visit www.amse.org.

 

“The Science Maze”- American Museum of Science and Energy – thru January 12, 2014

“The Science Maze” where visitors get lost in science facts and discover interesting tidbits of science fields from astronomy to zoology as they make their way through The Science Maze.  For more information, call 865-576-3200 or visit www.amse.org.

 

Exercise for Fitness

Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center

The Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department is sponsoring “Exercise for Fitness”, an adult exercise program taught by Charlotte Hensley.  The class meets at the Oak Ridge Civic Center on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9-10:30am.  This well balanced program offers exercise routines that include stretching, toning, Pilates, and aerobics.  The instructor incorporates the use of a variety of equipment including fitness balls, hand weights, steps, and hoops to provide a comprehensive workout for each participant. Participants may register for the class at the Civic Center Information desk from 8am to 10pm Monday through Saturday.  The cost for the class is $30 per month or $5.00 per class.  An annual non-resident fee of $20 per year is charged where applicable.  For more information, call the Civic Center front desk at 865-425-3450 or check out their web site at www.orrecparks.org.

 

Fall/Winter/Spring activities at Girls, Inc.

Girls Incorporated Sports Program, offers a variety of sports each year such as, volleyball, tumbling and running in the Fall; basketball and bowling in the Winter; and softball, tennis and a basketball clinic in the Spring.  For more information, contact Tracy Crossno, Sports Director at 865-482-4475 or email her at [email protected].

 

Sports in Oak Ridge

If you are looking for sports activities in Oak Ridge, check out the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department webpage,www.orrecparks.org.  Many different sports are played throughout the year for adults and children, (men and women’s softball, soccer, basketball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, etc.)  You will find the schedules for team sign-ups, and the dates and times that each sport is played on their webpage.  You can also contact them at 865-425-3450.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Ribbon Cutting at Greenfield Senior Living – October 3

You are invited to attend a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Greenfield Senior Living – 360 Laboratory Road, Oak Ridge from 4-7pm.  We hope you’ll join us to celebrate with Greenfield as they unveil their newly transformed assisted living and memory care neighborhoods. Refreshments and Hors d’oeuvres will be served.  RSVP by calling Janice Bond at 865-483-1314.

 

Oak Ridge High School Football – October 4

Oak Ridge Wildcats vs Campbell County

Location:  Away Game – Time:  7:30pm

 

2013 Street Painting Festival – October 5

Location:  Roane State Community College – Oak Ridge Branch Campus – 701 Briarcliff Avenue, Oak Ridge

This is a unique, fun, art-filled community event that has been held annually since 2000.  Fantastic art unfolds on the sidewalks while musicians play, children frolic and adults enjoy! This fundraising event is organized and hosted by the Rotary Club of Oak Ridge and all proceeds are used to fund scholarships for students at Roane State Community College.  This event is FREE to the public!  Time Schedule:  From 7:00am–4:00pm artists will work on their art, from 4:00pm–5:30pm the art work will be judged, and then at 6:00pm the artist awards will be announced.  For more information, visit  http://rotaryor.org/streetpaintingfestival/about.html

 

Fall Plant Sale – UT Arboretum – Oak Ridge – October 12

Location:  UT Arboretum – 901 South Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  9:00am-3:00pm

The Arboretum will have another great selection of plants from various vendors and from UTAS supporters.  Fall is often the best time to get your plants in the ground because it gives them an opportunity to establish their roots before their primary growth season in the spring.  For more information, visit www.utarboretumsociety.org or call 865-483-3571.

 

Fall Colors – Secret City Excursion Train – October 12 and 13

This train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the journey enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930Â’s and 40Â’s.  Passengers will begin their journey back in time abroad Southern Railway Coach Fort Oglethorpe, built in 1947.  Train Ride dates and times:  October 12 – 11am, 1pm, and 3pm; October 13 – 1pm and 3pm.  Call for reservations and ticket prices at 865-241-2140 or visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

The Amazing Kreskin – Ghost Sightings in East Tennessee! – October 13

Location:  Historic Grove Theater – 123 Randolph Road, Oak Ridge.  Time:  4:00pm

With a showman’s flair, a comedian’s wit, and the capacities of a bona fide Mentalist or thought reader, The Amazing Kreskin has, for 5 decades, dramatized the unique facets of the human mind, his own!  Currently he makes frequent appearances on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”, and “Mike Huckabee”.  Additionally, for this visit to the Oak Ridge Theater, Kreskin will have a ghost sighting by audience members on stage of spirits that haunt East Tennessee!  For over 50 years Kreskin has been telling people things about themselves that only they or a close friend could possibly know!  Tickets for the show is available through www.KnoxvilleTickets.com, by phone at 865-656-4444 or toll free at 877-995-9961.

 

Oak Ridge Community Band “Early Music” Concert – October 13

Location:  Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center – 1450 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  3:30pm

This concert will focus on early music through the Guilded Age of the 1890Â’s.  Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for senior citizens & students, and free refreshments at conclusion of the concert.  Also available at the door on October 13 will be membership cards for all 6 indoor concerts in the “Music for a Lifetime” series scheduled for October, November, December, January, February, and April. Member cards are $15 for an individual and $30 for a family (parents & children).  For more information email Barbara Gritzner at[email protected].

 

October Sky Festival – October 19

Location:  Arrowhead Park – 419 Kingston Avenue, Oliver Springs

Some of the activities planned for the Festival are:  Rocket launches by the Smokey Mountain Amateur Rocketry Team; October Sky Guided Tour; Antique Car Show; Arts & Crafts; Quilt Exhibition; Antique Appraisals; Lil Thunder Railroad, Great Food and more!  To see more events and information, visit http://octoberskyfestivaltn.org/Home.php.

 

Fall Colors – Secret City Excursion Train – October 19 and 20

This train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the journey enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930Â’s and 40Â’s.  Passengers will begin their journey back in time abroad Southern Railway Coach Fort Oglethorpe, built in 1947.  Train Ride dates and times:  October 19 – 11am, 1pm, and 3pm; October 20 – 1pm and 3pm.  Call for reservations and ticket prices at 865-241-2140 or visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

31^st Annual Children’s Halloween Party – October 24

Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center.  Time:  6:00-8:30pm

This annual event will be attended by hundreds of children and their parents.  Activities will be planned for every room in the Civic Center and a hay ride will be offered in Bissell Park, weather permitting.  Volunteers age 16 and older are needed to assist with activities.  Persons wishing to work at the event can call the Civic Center at 865-425-3450.  For more information about this event, visit the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks website at www.orrecparks.org.

 

Halloween Spooktacular – Secret City Excursion Train – October 26 and 27

This train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the journey enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930Â’s and 40Â’s.  Passengers will begin their journey back in time abroad Southern Railway Coach Fort Oglethorpe, built in 1947.  Train Ride dates and times:  October 26 – 11am, 1pm, and 3pm; October 27 – 1pm and 3pm.  Call for reservations and ticket prices at 865-241-2140 or visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

IN THE AREA:

5 County Norris Lake Clean-up – September 28

Location:  Norris Lake

Norris Lake is one of East Tennessee’s most loved recreation destinations, but the garbage that is constantly dumped in the lake is causing an eye sore.  Therefore, the five counties that contain Norris Lake have banned together to clean up the problem.  Volunteers from Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger and Union counties are needed!  Clean up will take place from 9:00am – 1:00pm.  For more information on where to meet for clean-up and how you can volunteer to help, call 1-800-524-3602 or visit www.lakenorris.org.

 

October Classes at the Appalachian Arts Craft Center – Month of October

The Appalachian Arts Craft Center has multiple classes offered during the month of October.  The classes range from beginner to advanced and include classes such as, “Knudge Your Knitting” and “Stained Glass Beveled Glass Box”.  For more information on the classes and times, call 865-494-9854 or visit www.appalachianarts.net.

 

“Pickin’ in the Park” – Norris Dam State Park – October 4

Join us as we listen to some old time bluegrass bands at the park’s outdoor amphitheater.  This annual event is FREE to attend!  Food and drinks will be available to purchase.  For more information, call 865-426-7461 or visit www.norrisdamstatepark.org.

 

UTV Rally Raid Race Series – Windrock Park – October 5

UTV Rally Raid is four hours of adrenaline packed racing against the clock during the hours of daylight and darkness at high speed. No prior race experience is necessary and all classes of driver and vehicle are catered for.  For more information, call 865-435-1251 or visit www.utvrallyraid.com.

 

The Museum of Appalachia’s 34^th Annual Fall Homecoming – October 10

Come and visit the most extensive and authentic gathering of old-time musicians and pioneer-type craftspeople in the country.  Explore the 65-acre museum complex with hundreds of people engaged in frontier, mountain and rural activities, along with over 300 traditional, folk, early country and bluegrass musicians.  Some of the musicians include Blue Highway, The Box Cars, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Russell Moore and III Tyme Out, Blue Moon Rising, Dale Ann Bradley Band, The Grascals and Brand New Strings. For more information, call 865-494-7680 or visit www.museumofappalachia.org.

 

Student Heritage Day at the Museum of Appalachia – October 10

There will be hands-on activities from pottery making to guitar workshops and clogging lessons.  Countless opportunities for learning, observing and participating will be offered to students.  For more information, call 865-494-7680 or visitwww.museumofappalachia.org.

 

Clinch River Antique Festival – October 11 and 12

Location:  Historic Downtown Clinton.  Time:  Friday 6:00pm – 9:00pm; Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm.

The Festival will kick off with a “Kick-Off Party” on Friday from 6:00pm – 9:00pm.  Market Street antique and specialty stores will be open and there will be entertainment and food.  On Saturday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm, more than 80 antique dealers and artisans will line Market and Cullom Streets.  There is free admission and parking.  For more information, call 865-457-2559 or visitwww.clinchriverfallfestival.com.

 

Windrock Park’s Fall Jamboree – October 17-19

Guided rides, an ATV rodeo, rock crawling, a poker run, the Windrock Wide Open, the Windrock Challenge, drag racing, mud bogging, and the Dash for Cash, are just a few of the things that will be happening at Windrock Park’s Fall Jamboree!  A haunted trail ride and bonfire will conclude the first night!  Find out more at www.windrockpark.com.