Updated: What’s happening in Oak Ridge from Sept. 18-24

Note: This story has been updated to correct the opponent in and location of the Oak Ridge Wildcats football game on Friday, September 19.

Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge from Thursday, September 18, and continuing through September 24.

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

 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

“Historic Preservation Award” for the Alexander Inn restoration – September 18

Rick Dover and Family Pride will be awarded the “Historic Preservation Award” for the restoration of the Alexander Inn at 12:30pm on Thursday.  The award presentation will be held at the front door of the Guest House/Alexander Inn.  Dover stated that they were going to faithfully restore the building to its original look, from the soda-fountain bar in the lobby to the beautiful wide porch out front!

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Oak Ridge High School Football – September 19

Oak Ridge Wildcats vs. McMinn County

Location: Away Game – McMinn County. Time: 7:30pm

 

Open Painting Studio – September 19

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

Time:  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 19

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 20

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, visitwww.orcma.org  or call 865-483-5569.

 

Goodbye to Summer – The Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – September 20

Ride Times:  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 athttp://www.southernappalachia.railway.museum/.

 

6^th Annual Taste of Oak Ridge – September 20

Location:  New Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church – 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  4:00pm – 10:00pm

Please join us for an evening of music, food and fun to benefit the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge.  Vendors will include:  Birdwell Catering, The Soup Kitchen, Razzleberry Lab, Gondolier, The Other One and more!  Music lineup will be:  The Mighty House Band,Namoli Brennet, The Sorta Singers, Black Oak Brass Quintet, and musicians from the First Presbyterian Church Coffee House.  The MC for the evening will be Bill Moore.

 

“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.

 

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.

 

Oak Ridge High School Student Council Flea Market – thru last weekend in November           

Location:  Oak Ridge High School parking lot (O.R. Turnpike side).

 

Oak Ridge Farmers Market – Every Saturday

Location:  Adjacent to Historic Jackson Square (East Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge).  Time:  8:00am – Noon

 

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 21

“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.

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22                   

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 23

Print Making Studio – September 23

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.

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Oak Ridge Farmers Market – Every Wednesday

Location:  Adjacent to Historic Jackson Square (East Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge).  Time:  3:00 – 6:00pm

 

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.

 

“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/.

 

TN Creates – Oak Ridge Art Center – Tuesdays – Saturdays

Location:  Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge.

Time:  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, visitwww.oakridgeartcenter.org or call 865-482-1441.

 

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.

 

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, visit http://orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov/civic-center/classes-and-activities/ or call 865-425-3450.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

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, visit www.oakridgeartcenter.org.

 

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.

 

Election Selection Candidate Event – September 30

Location:  Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce – Joyce Conference Room – 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time: 7:00am

Election Selection events begin at 7am with a meet and greet with the candidates, followed by the formal question and answer portion from 7:30-9:00am.  Individuals are encouraged to submit questions for candidates in advance and can do so by sending questions to Greta Ownby at [email protected] . Confirmed participants are the following: City Council:  Anne Garcia Garland, David Mosby, Warren Gooch, Kelly Callison, Rick Chinn, Eric Tobler, Ellen Smith, Aditya “Doc” Savara, and Gary Love; Board of Education:  Bob Eby, Jean Hiser, Mike Mahathy, Laura McLean, Paige Marshall, and Andrew Howe.

 

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 ChamberÂ’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].

 

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.

 

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, visit http://www.orplayhouse.com/ or call 865-482-9999.

 

Tennessee State Senator Ken Yager to speak at Chamber’s Rise & Shine Event – October 9

Location:  AT&T office – 1291 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  8:00am – 9:00am

The guest speaker will be Tennessee State Senator Ken Yager.  Rise & Shine takes place on the first Tuesday of every month.  This event allows you to build business relationships and to hear from speakers about topics of interest for the community.  A light breakfast will be served.  The fee for Chamber members is FREE.  If youÂ’d like to attend as the ChamberÂ’s guest, please contact Lisa Hoyt at [email protected] for information.

 

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 ChamberÂ’s website at www.oakridgechamber.org or contact Lauren Fritts at [email protected] or call 865-483-1321.

 

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.

 

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:  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 atwww.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

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 70^th 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.

 

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.

 

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 visitwww.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.

 

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.

 

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:  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 atwww.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

IN THE AREA:

Windrock ATV Club Member’s Appreciation Day – September 20

For more information, visit www.windrockatv.com.

 

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.

 

Clinch River Antique Festival – October 10-11

Location:  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 visitwww.clinchriverfallfestival.com.

 

Tennessee Fall Homecoming – Museum of Appalachia – October 10-12

Location:  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 visit www.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.