The Chattanooga River Market will be in full swing on the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza Saturday with extended hours from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. This weekend's festivities will coincide with the Tennessee Aquarium's 20th Anniversary celebration and include the first night-time street market by Chattanooga Market.
Over 40 artisans hand-making local products will be at River Market and more will be added during the 5-9 p.m. hours with additional live music and street entertainment.
The schedule of entertainment includes:
12:30 p.m. Monday Night Big Band
3 p.m. Chattanooga Symphony & Opera String Quartet
4 p.m. Mawre & Co. Traditional African Dance and Drum
5 p.m. Drum Circle (everyone bring an instrument and your dancing shoes)
6 p.m. KidsPlay (drums, bells, shakers, tambourines)
7 p.m. "Party by the Peaks" with special performance by Ogya World Music Band
Additionally, the Aquarium will host a special after hours party inside the Aquarium from 9-11 p.m. This ticketed event will support the Aquarium’s conservation and education initiatives. More information about the Tennessee Aquarium's special 20th Anniversary plans can be found at tnaqua.org.
The Chattanooga Market on Sunday will host several organizations who have been supporting and rebuilding for the tornado victims of last spring. The event is to coincide with the 1-year anniversary of the devastating tornadoes that ripped through Ringgold and other parts of Georgia as well as the recent Hamilton County destruction. If an effort to offer further support victims and focus on preparedness, the Chattanooga Market will be hosting several non-profit organizations who are instrumental to the community when such disaster takes place.
Patrons can visit, learn and contribute to these focused community groups: Georgia Recovery Project, Walker County COAD (Community Organization Active in Disaster), Dade COAD, Hamilton County VOAD, Catoosa CERT Team, Salvation Army, Samaritan Center, Catholic Charities and participate in their various fund-raising opportunities. Ringgold High School will also attend to fundraise for current facility needs and update the public on progress of their rebuilding.
Additionally, NewsChannel 9 is teaming up with Chattanooga Market, Walgreen's and Midland Weather Radios to sponsor another "Community of Caring" event on Sunday. Walgreen's will be selling Midland Weather Radios for $29.95, and NewsChannel 9 staff and the StormTrack 9 team will be on hand to program the radios for the public. A portion of the weather radio sales will be donated to charity.
Music line-up for Sunday on the EPB stage includes Megan Light at 12:30 p.m. and Lydia Walker at 2 p.m.