Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge from Thursday, September 11, and continuing through September 17.
This weekly listing of events is compiled by the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau:
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Oak Ridge High School Football – September 12
Oak Ridge Wildcats vs. Halls Red Devils
Location:  Home Game – Blankenship Field.  Time:  7:30pm
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Oak Ridge Art Center’s “Open Show 2014” – September 12
Opening Reception:  September 12th from 7-9pm.  Gallery Talk at 6:30pm.
The Art Center’s Open Show is a juried mixed-media exhibition open to all artists.  It is intended to showcase exceptional work produced throughout our region. The Open Show 2014 juror will be Joseph Mella, Director, Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Gallery.  For more information, visit www.oakridgeartcenter.org  or call 865-482-1441.
Open Painting Studio – September 12
Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge
Time:Â Â 9:30am-Noon
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 12
Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge
Time:  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 13
17th Annual Oak Ridge Basketball Golf Classic – September 13
Location:  Centennial Golf Course – 101 Centennial Boulevard, Oak Ridge.
Time:  Breakfast at 7:30-9:00am – donation of $5.  8:00am Shotgun Start – 4 person Wildcat Scramble.
Fee:  $75 per player (4-Person Scramble).   Lunch provided at the tournament.  Top Prizes for 1st and 2nd plan in top flights, More prizes given on par-threes; Mulligans and Red Tees available at registration; Free gift bag; and a Hole-In-One Prize of $10,000 Cash!  All proceeds benefit ORHS Boys Basketball Program.  For more information or to register, call Coach Aaron Green at 865-425-9528 or contact him at [email protected].
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Oak Ridge Community Orchestra Concert – September 13
Location:  First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge in the Sanctuary – Corner of Oak Ridge Turnpike and LaFayette Drive.
This is the concert debut for the new Music Director, Gabriel Lefkowitz, conducting the orchestra in the Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture by Tchaikovsky, Adagio from Spartacus by Khachaturian, and The Karelia Suite by Sibelius.  This is a FREE concert!  Time of Concert:  2:00pm.  For more information, contact Dale Gedcke at [email protected]  or call him at 865-483-6615.
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Fall Wildflower Walk – Arboretum – September 13
Location:  UT Arboretum – 901 S. Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  10:00am and 2:00pm
Call 865-483-3571 to register for 10am or 2pm walk.  Leaders are Kris Light (10am) and Charles Samuels (2pm).
For more information, visit www.utarboretumsociety.org or call 865-483-3571.
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Oak Ridge High School Student Council Flea Market – thru last weekend in November          Â
Location:Â Â Oak Ridge High School parking lot (O.R. Turnpike side).
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Oak Ridge Farmers Market – Every Saturday
Location:  Adjacent to Historic Jackson Square (East Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge).  Time:  8:00am – Noon
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Saturday Tennis – Saturday Tennis Group – Every Saturday
Location:  Jackson Square Tennis Courts – Broadway Avenue, Oak Ridge
This group meets each Saturday at 9am.  Community players of all levels are invited.  Just show up and ask for the Coordinator, Rangan Sukumar, he will get you started with players at your own level.  There is no cost.  For more information, contact Rangan Sukumar at 865-474-0519.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
200th Anniversary of our National Anthem Celebration – September 14
Location:  A.K. Bissell Park – Amphitheatre.  Time:  4:30pm
Bring your blanket or lawn chair and join in the celebration of our “Star Spangled Banner” Day!
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“Nikon Small World” – American Museum of Science and Energy – Last Day!
Location:Â Â American Museum of Science and Energy
This is an exhibition of 20 award winning photomicrographs of various science subjects.  See the unseen!  AMSE admission is $1 for all ages in conjunction with the annual Secret City Festival.  For more information, call 865-576-3200 or visit www.amse.org.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
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, SEPTEMBER 16
TN Small Business Development Center (SBDC):  How to do Business with the Government – September 16
Time:  9:00am – 12:00pm (Noon)  Seminar:  How to do Business with the Government.  This seminar is FREE to small businesses and those who are interested in starting a small business. All are Free, but registration is required.  You can register online at the following link:  http://orcc.org/tsbdc/seminar.html .  For more information, contact Jutta Bangs at [email protected].
TN Small Business Development Center:  Government Contracting – Special SBA Programs – September 16
Time:  1:00pm – 3:00pm.  Seminar:  Government Contracting – Special SBA Programs.  This seminar is FREE to small businesses and those who are interested in starting a small business. All are Free, but registration is required.  You can register online at the following link:  http://orcc.org/tsbdc/seminar.html .  For more information, contact Jutta Bangs at [email protected].
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Print Making Studio – September 16
Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge
Time:  1:30pm– 3:30pm.
Non-instructed studio session.  For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org
Disc Golf:  Random Draw Doubles – Every Tuesday
Location:  Carl Yearwood Disc Golf Course – Bus Terminal Road, Oak Ridge
Time:  6:00pm – 8:00pm.  This is a challenging but short Par 3 disc golf course.  For more information, call 865-425-3450.  This schedule will continue every Tuesday until September 25, 2015.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Oak Ridge Farmers Market – Every Wednesday
Location:  Adjacent to Historic Jackson Square (East Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge).  Time:  3:00 – 6:00pm
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ONGOING EVENTS:
“Masterworks:  Prints from the Collection of Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge” – Open
Location:  Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – 461 West Outer Drive, Oak Ridge.
“Masterworks: Prints from the Collection of Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge” is a newly opened exhibit at the Museum’s “Imagination Gallery”.  The exhibit features works by the world’s greatest artists, including Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt.  For more information, visit http://www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org , or call 865-482-1074.
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“Kids Go Green” classes – Ongoing
Location:  Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – 461 West Outer Drive, Oak Ridge.
A new list of “Kids Go Green!” classes is now online at http://www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/kids-go-green/.
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TN Creates – Oak Ridge Art Center – Tuesdays – Saturdays
Location:  Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge.
Time:Â Â 9:00am-5:00pm (M-F); 1:00pm-4:00pm (Saturdays)
The Oak Ridge Art Center is a Regional Museum and Teaching Facility offering the following activities:  Free Changing Exhibits; Opening Receptions & Gallery Talks; Exciting Special Events; Workshop and Classes that include all painting mediums, pottery & sculpture, children’s classes, jewelry fabrication, printing & etching, art appreciation, and many other arts and crafts.  .  For more information, visit www.oakridgeartcenter.org or call 865-482-1441.
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Aqua Power Classes – Every Monday and Wednesday
Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center – 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.
Interested participants may register at the Civic Center front desk.  For more information, visit www.orrecparks.org.
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Exercise for Fitness – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings
Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center – 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.  Time:  9:00am-10:30am
Classes meet year round.  Fees are $31 per month or $5 per class.  An annual “non-resident” fee of $20 per year is charged where applicable.  For information, visithttp://orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov/civic-center/classes-and-activities/ or call 865-425-3450.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
Music at the Crossroads:  An Evening with Mark O’Connor – September 20
Location:  ORHS Performing Arts Center.  Time:  7:30pm
Oak Ridge Symphony; Mark O’Connor – Violin.  Mark’s genius erases all boundaries.  The violinist, fiddler, composer, and educator will bring his broad talents to East Tennessee for an unbelievable evening you won’t want to miss!  For more information, visit www.orcma.org  or call 865-483-5569.
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Goodbye to Summer – The Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – September 20
Ride Times:Â Â 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm
This train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the journey enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930’s and 40’s.  Passengers will begin their journey back in time abroad Southern Railway coach Fort Oglethorpe, built in 1947.  Advance reservations are required as seating is limited.  Call for ticket prices and departure times at 865-241-2140 and visit the website at http://www.southernappalachia.railway.museum/.
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“Glow” – Disc Golf Tournament – September 20
Location:  Carl Yearwood Disc Golf Course – Bus Terminal Road, Oak Ridge.  Time:  7:00pm – 12:00am
For more information, call 865-425-3450.
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Dinner Train – The Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – September 20
Dinner Train Ride begins at 6:00pm
This train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the journey enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930’s and 40’s.  Passengers will begin their journey back in time abroad Southern Railway coach Fort Oglethorpe, built in 1947.  On the “dinner train ride”, a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Andras will be served.  Advance reservations are required as seating is limited.  Call for ticket prices at 865-241-2140 and visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.
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“Secret City Open” – Disc Golf Tournament – Presented by Empire Disc Golf – September 21
Classification: Pro/Am.  Tier: C   For more information,  call Tournament Director, Weston Isaacs at 423-707-0001.
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Art A La Carte – Brown Bag Learning Lunch – September 26
Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge
Time:  12:00pm (Noon) – 1:00pm
Includes video tours of other museums or special exhibitions, profiles of national, international and regional artists and their work, and features specific media and techniques for handling that medium.  Occasionally, artists will offer slide presentations of regional work, gallery tours of their exhibitions in the Art Center galleries, or demonstrations with discussion.  Call the Art Center for a specific schedule.  Guests should bring a bag lunch.  The Center provides coffee and tea.  Art A La Carte is FREE and open to the public.  For more information, visitwww.oakridgeartcenter.org.
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Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live! – September 27
Location:  American Museum of Science and Energy – 300 South Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge
FREE Admission for two people!  Download your ticket for FREE Admission at the following link:  http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ .  For more information, contact AMSE at www.amse.org or call them at 865-576-3200.
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Election Selection Candidate Events – September 30 and October 2
Location:  Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce – Joyce Conference Room – 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time: 7:00am
The Chamber’s Pro-Growth Advocacy Committee is hosting this event for the upcoming November General Election.  All candidates for the Oak Ridge City Council and Board of Education are invited to attend.  Individuals are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates in advance and can do so by sending their questions to Greta Ownby at[email protected].
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ORCMA Octoberfest – October 3
Location:  Willow Ridge Garden Center Biergarten – 97 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  5:30pm
Three types of keg beer from Smoky Mountain Brewery; German white wine; German food from Carmella’s Catering; and the Best beer stein contest!  Get your ticket by calling the ORCMA office at 865-483-5569.  Tickets are $60 per person.
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Sarah, Plain and Tall – Oak Ridge Playhouse – October 4-5
Location:  Oak Ridge Playhouse – Historic Jackson Square – 227 Broadway, Oak Ridge.  Junior Playhouse
The classic heartwarming story of a widowed Kansas farmer with two children who places an ad in the newspapers seeking a wife.  He receives a response from a Sarah Wheaton of Maine who says she will visit the family for a month to see how things work out saying, “I will come by train.  I will wear a yellow bonnet.  I am plain and tall.”  The joys and challenges of everyday life are richly depicted in this exquisite, sometimes painfully touching tale.  Performance Schedule:  10/4 at 1:00pm and 4:00pm; and 10/5 at 2:00pm.  For more information, visithttp://www.orplayhouse.com/ or call 865-482-9999.
A Passion for Service – Customer Service Workshop – October 9
Location:  Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce – 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  8:30am-Noon
Bill Drury will lead this seminar on “A Passion for Service”, a Customer Service Workshop.  Subjects covered will be:  Creating a vision for service, communicating respect to every customer, handling the irate customer, handling the ten most difficult customers, who really signs your paychecks, how to stay motivated, making a great first impression, how to personalize your service, how to listen better, and overcoming stress and burnout.  Register by September 12 for a discounted price for Chamber members.  To register, visit the Chamber’s website at www.oakridgechamber.org or contact Lauren Fritts at [email protected] or call 865-483-1321.
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Fall Plant Sale – October 11
Location:  U.T. Arboretum – 901 S. Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  9:00am – 3:00pm
Come out and choose from a great selection of plants at the Arboretum’s annual plant sale!  Your support for the Arboretum is always appreciated!  Chairman of the plant sale is Norm Dobbs.  For more information, visit www.utarboretumsociety.org or call 865-483-3571.
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Fall Colors – Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – October 11, 12, 18, and 19
Location:  Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – 2010 Highway 58, Oak Ridge.
Ride Dates /Times:Â Â 10/11 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm; 10/12 at 1pm and 3pm; 10/18 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm; 10/19 at 1pm and 3pm.
This train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the journey enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930’s and 40’s.  Passengers will begin their journey back in time abroad Southern Railway coach Fort Oglethorpe, built in 1947.  Advance reservations are required as seating is limited.  Call for ticket prices and departure times at 865-241-2140 and visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.
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The Martin & Lewis Tribute Show – October 12
Location:  The Historic Grove Theatre – 123 Randolph Road, Oak Ridge.  Time:  4:00pm
Ticket prices:  Advance is $27.50; At the door is $32.50.   Tickets are available through www.KnoxvilleTickets.com, by phone at 865-656-4444 or toll free at 877-995-9961, or in person at the door.
Oak Ridge Community Band “Days of Autumn” Concert – October 12
Location:  Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center.  Time:  3:30pm
The opening indoor concert of the Community Band’s 70th year will be featuring a variety of music including another appearance of the popular Dixieland Band.  Admission at the door is $8 for adults and $6 for seniors/students.  For more information, visit www.orcb.org or call 865-482-3568 or 865-323-2094.
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Halloween Glow Disc Golf Tournament – October 18
Location:  The Mounds Disc Golf Course.  Time:  6:30pm-Midnight
For more information, contact Wayne Wiggins at [email protected].
Pumpkin Bagel Fest – October 18
Location:  Manhattan Place, Oak Ridge.  Time:  9am-4pm
There will be local vendors on hand, a dunkin’ booth, bagel chunkin’ contest (build your own catapult for distance), pumpkin pie contest, decorate your own bagel, tri bagelthon, and a pumpkin bagel parade!  For more information, call 865-482-2435.
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The US Army Field Band Rock Show featuring “The Volunteers” – October 19
Location:  The Historic Grove Theatre – 123 Randolph Road, Oak Ridge.  Time:  4:00pm
This is a FREE event!  For more information, contact Stephen F. Krempasky at MASSKUS Productions at 865-288-0672 or visit www.masskus.com.
Methodist Medical Center Foundation’s 2014 Acorn Classic Golf Tournament – October 20
Location:  Oak Ridge Country Club – 150 Gum Hollow Road, Oak Ridge.  Time:  1:00pm shotgun start.
Registration is now open for individual players and teams, and a variety of sponsorship opportunities are available.  To learn more or to register, visit www.mmcoakridge.com/acorn or call the Methodist Medical Center Foundation at 865-835-5261.
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PRIMETIME Tailgate Party – October 23
Location:  Chamber of Commerce Parking Lot – 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  4:30pm-6:30pm
Registration is now open for our PRIMETIME Tailgate Party.  Join us for an evening of networking, building business relationships, and meeting the public all in a fun-filled tailgate party environment.  To register, visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e9pcq0y417cb9ad9&llr=sttrkqcab.  For more information, contact Lauren Fritts at[email protected] .
Owl Prowl – October 25
Location:  UT Arboretum Parking Lot – 901 S. Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  6:30pm
Leaders: Kathy Strunk and Katie Cottrell.
For more information, visit www.utarboretumsociety.org or call 865-483-3571.
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Halloween Spooktacular – Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – October 25 and 26
Location:  Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – 2010 Highway 58, Oak Ridge.
Ride Dates/Times:Â Â 10/25 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm; 10/26 at 1pm and 3pm.
This train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the journey enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930’s and 40’s.  Passengers will begin their journey back in time abroad Southern Railway coach Fort Oglethorpe, built in 1947.  Advance reservations are required as seating is limited.  Call for ticket prices and departure times at 865-241-2140 and visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.
IN THE AREA:
“Days of the Pioneer” Antique Show – Museum of Appalachia – September 12-13
Location:  Museum of Appalachia – 2819 Andersonville Highway, Clinton.
Over 60 of the finest 18th and 19th Century Antique Dealers in the Country; Historic Demonstrations; Mountain Music; Chuck Wagon Cooking; Stroll the Museum Village; and much more fun!  Hours for the Show:  Friday 9:00am-5:00pm and Saturday at 9:00am-4:00pm.  For tickets and information, call 865-494-7680 or visit www.museumofappalachia.org.
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Windrock ATV Club Member’s Appreciation Day – September 20
For more information, visit www.windrockatv.com.
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5 County Norris Lake Clean-up – September 27
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.  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.
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Clinch River Antique Festival – October 10-11
Location:Â Â Historic Downtown Clinton
The Festival will kick off with a “Kick-off Party” on Friday, 10/10 from 6pm-9pm.  Market Street antique and specialty stores will be open and there will be entertainment and food.  On Saturday, 10/11 from 9am to 5pm, 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 visit www.clinchriverfallfestival.com.
Tennessee Fall Homecoming – Museum of Appalachia – October 10-12
Location:Â Â Museum of Appalachia
The three-day Homecoming is one of the nation’s largest and most authentic music and folk festivals.  Each day, musicians perform on five stages, filling the air with traditional mountain, folk, bluegrass, Gospel, and old-time country tunes.  The weekend includes demonstrations of pioneer skills, a large craft fair with authentic Appalachian artisans, and traditional Southern foods.  For more information, call 865-494-7680 or visit www.museumofappalachia.org.
Fall Color Trips – Norris Lake – October 13-26
Join us as we venture along the shores of Norris Lake on a pontoon boat ride and view the beautiful display of nature’s artistry.  Each boat ride will last approximately one hour and will depart from the Norris Dam Marina.  Park Rangers will narrate our trip with tree identification and park history.  The daily trips will depart at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, and 3:30pm each day. The cost is $7 for adults and $5.00 for children under six.  Trips will be canceled for inclement weather.  Please call the park office to register for a trip.  Call 865-426-7461 or visitwww.norrisdamstatepark.org.
Fall Jamboree at Windrock Park – October 16-18
There will be a range of events from guided rides, ATV Rodeo, poker run, Windrock Wide Open, Windrock Challenge, Drag Race, Mud Bog, and Dash for Cash!  For more information about this event or the area, visit www.windrockpark.com or call 865-435-1251.
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