Let's Get It On: What's Happening this Weekend?

So, the last weeks have been crazy good in the city. The streets, shops and restaurants have been packed. Events have been tumbling all over each other. And all the while, the weather has gotten closer and closer to perfect. In times past, this coming weekend would signal absolutely nothing but a football game for the Big Orange. It isn't first Friday and with a football game in town, who would be dumb enough to schedule anything, right?

That, my friends, was the old Knoxville. This weekend will be like virtually every other weekend in the city: packed with too many hoices to possibly cover them all. I'll mention some of the ones that jump out at me, but be sure to check out the sources linked on the right, particularly Blue Gill's Pond and Metropulse which helped me compile my selections for the weekend.

Here are some highlights, though I'm sure it only scratches the surface:

Friday, September 30

• Blue Mother Tupelo and the John Meyers Band - Noon at WDVX (Free)
• Movies on the Square - Star Trek (2009) - Pets are encouraged to attend. Pre-movie activities begin at 6:30 PM and include many activities for dogs, microchiping ($10) and a demonstration by the Smoky Mountain Service Dogs (Free)
• WDVX-Traveganza - Boyd's Jig and Reel: 6:00 - 9:00 - Fundraiser featuring food, drink, R.B. Morris, Robinella, Y'uns and more ($100)

Saturday, October 1

• Farmer's Market: Market Square 9:00 - 2:00
• The Madisons/R.J. Jeffers - Noon at WDVX (Free)
• Edwin McCain - The Square Room, 8:00 PM
• Tim Lee 3: Pilot Light 10:00 PM

Sunday, October 2

• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer: 5K Run/Walk - Plaza of the Civic Auditorium 12:00 
• Blessing of the Animals Church Street United Methodist 3:30 to 4:15
• Tommy Emmanuel at the Tennessee Theatre 

I'll give an extra plug to the Blessing of the Animals, which is a really special event at Church Street United Methodist. Pets of all species and sizes are welcome. I went to last year's event and it was like seeing St. Francis come to life as the ministers in their (very St. Augustine) robes interacted with the pets and said a few words acknowledging how important furry friends (and slimy, feathered, etc.) are to so many people. It's pretty special and you are welcome to simply show up with your animal friend and join in or come see the beautiful animals and enjoy a special moment celebrating their contributions to our lives.