Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass is back and better than ever for its 8th year with exciting new events beginning Friday, May 17 and running through Saturday, May 18 downtown. There will be something for everyone including a new mascot parade and dance competition on Friday evening. Then watch as the kids fire up their grills for the annual Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union Kids’ Que.

Of course, there are lots of new food vendors and plenty of great new entertainment. Hear The Bluegrass Album Band performs live on stage Friday May 18th in a free concert. This iconic bluegrass group has only performed live together a handful of times in the last thirty years. For bluegrass fans, this will be a concert-of-a-lifetime opportunity. See all of the original band members, including Doyle Lawson, J.D. Crowe, Tony Rice, Bobby Hicks and Todd Phillips live on stage. Plus, Rickey Wasson and Phil Leadbetter will join them.

Speaking of new food vendors, Carolina BBQ Company, Carolina Rib King, Smoky Mountain Smokers, Evelyn’s Ice Cream, The Diner and Tony’s Kettle Korn are just a few of the vendors that will be on hand offering some of their best recipes over the weekend.

Friday evening, bands like The Roys, Jimbo Whaley & The Greenbrier, and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver will take the stage to the delight of all in attendance.

On Saturday, take time to browse through all the unique handcrafted items before seeing the bands on the main stage. Saturday performances include:

11 am – Cirque de Chine (Back Porch Stage)
11:30 am – Mountain Soul Vocal Competition (Back Porch Stage)
11:30 am – Lumberjack Feud (Main Stage)
Noon – Cirque de Chine (Main Stage)
1 pm – Mountain Ruckus (Main Stage)
1:30 pm – Lumberjack Feud (Back Porch Stage)
2 pm – Rickey Wasson & American Drive (Main Stage)
3 pm – Cumberland River (Main Stage)
4 pm – The Rigneys (Main Stage)
5 pm – Rickey Wasson & American Drive (Main Stage)
6 pm – Cumberland River (Main Stage)
7 pm – The Rigneys (Main Stage)
8 pm – The Bluegrass Album Band (Main Stage)

For those who love to Que, come to Sevierville early and enlist in our BBQ Boot Camp. May 15, 16 & 17, pick up tips and tricks for backyard BBQing, advanced BBQ smoking and even learn some new summertime dessert recipes! BBQ Boot Camp classes will be taught at the Rel Maples Institute for Culinary Arts at Walters State Community College in Sevierville, TN. This new facility offers state-of-the-art kitchen facilities rivaling major cooking schools nationwide.

For more information on this year’s festivities, check out BloominBBQ.com.

I mean, who wouldn’t want to compete in a marathon wearing a Santa hat and beard? This year, Adrenaline Sports Management presents the Inaugural Santa Hustle Half-Marathon and 5K Run and Walk at Wilderness at the Smokies Hotel & Waterpark Resort in Sevierville, TN. The race will take place on Sunday, December 9 at 8 am.

This great, winter-themed Half-Marathon and 5K, will provide every participant with a FREE SANTA HAT, BEARD & CUSTOMIZED SHIRT to wear while running either 13.1 or 3.1 miles. Everyone will love the Holiday decorations, the Christmas music, and an After Party offering a buffet of food and plenty to drink.

Customized Long Sleeve Shirt & Goody Bag
All 5K Participants will receive a customized Santa Claus Long Sleeve Shirt & Special Goody Bag. All Half-Marathon Participants will recieve a customized Santa Claus Long Sleeve Dri-Fit Shirt and special Goody Bag.

Event Information

Entry Fees:
Half Marathon – $55.00 ($65.00 on 12/3)
5K – $35.00 ($40.00 on 12/3)

* All registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable Continue reading “Santa Hustle Smokies Half Marathon”