Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, Knox County Commissioner Mike Brown, and
sever local business owners met outside Emory 5 & 10 Monday evening and
Mayor Burchett announced the dates for SouthFest, a festival-like event aimed
at driving people to South Knoxville.
SouthFest will be held on Friday, April 12th and Saturday April 13th in
South Knoxville. The event is intended to drive people to the area in a way
similar to a giant cash mob. People will be able to shop, eat, and have a good
time at local businesses south of the river, which have recently suffered due
to the Henley Street Bridge closure.
Mayor Burchett said, "These folks don't even have their hands out.
We've lost about 30 businesses so far and frankly I'm just sick and tired of it
and I want to do something and this is all I know to do. So if it fails it's
all on my shoulders, but if it succeeds it's the community's success."
SouthFest is said to be a family-friendly event with lots of activities,
such circus-style entertainment from the Shriners, live TV and radio
broadcasts, a car show, and live music.
More information on SouthFest is expected to emerge over the next few weeks.