Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

  • Wednesday, October 5, 2016
  • Ruth Thompson

Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga:

Fireside at Greenway Farms: Thursdays in October 6, 13, 20, 27

Thanks to Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union for sponsoring Fireside, a free, family friendly, outdoor music series.. All ages are invited to come out to unplug and enjoy an autumn evening in the park. Bring your blankets and chairs, marshmallow roasting stick and perhaps a picnic supper, then sit back around the campfire and enjoy live music in this rustic setting.

The events occur on Thursdays in October 6, 13, 20, & 27 beginning at 7 p.m and ending at 9 p.m. The events gather behind the gardens at the Sniteman Log Cabin at Greenway Farm Park, 5051 Gann Store Rd., Hixson, TN 37343.

2016 Fireside Lineup


Oct. 6: The Von Wamps - Lou, Lynn, and Daniel Wamp anchor a musical venture that crosses genres and generations, performing an eclectic and high-spirited mix of their own compositions as well as covers ranging from folk, swing, and jazz to country, rock, and bluegrass, all to which they add their own acoustic flair. Accomplished players of guitar, mandolin, dobro, and upright bass, they will always surprise and delight, musically.

Oct. 13: Caney Creek Company - An Americana/Folk-Rock/Bluegrass Band established in 2015, made up of Tennessee natives; Katie Bradford (Fiddle/Vocals), Corey Bradford (Guitar), Doug Ford (Bass), Drew Streip (Mandolin), Konstantine Vlasis (Banjo/Vocals). The band has a distinct approach to their craft, which includes traces of gospel, rock and classical music. Using traditional bluegrass instrumentation, they have a natural balance that favors intimate venues. Their chemistry shines through in every performance. From up-tempo bluegrass to ballads, every song resonates with listeners. It's the music you want to hear; the music you'd want your kids to listen to; the melodies you just can't quit humming.

Oct. 20: Tin Cup Rattlers - Old Time Music. The Paulsons' soulful renditions of traditional Appalachian music keeps them in demand for appearances at festivals throughout the Southeast. Marcy has placed for two years in a row in The Great Southern Old Time Fiddlers Convention's traditional song competition with a voice that some say just stepped out of the 19th century, and Jeff's frailing on the open back banjo gets toes tapping. The duo has been featured on the Round Up Radio Show on WIAA out of Interlochen, Michigan and WUTC's River City Sessions. They've opened for bluegrass favorites The New Coon Creek Girls and country music legend Roy Harper.

Oct. 27: Vincent Ivan Phipps - Master Storyteller. Vincent Ivan Phipps, Owner of Communication VIP Training and Coaching and professional storyteller; will delight the audience with original, family friendly, supernatural ghost stories from his book entitled, Spooky-nooga. Vincent Ivan Phipps. M.A., CSP has earned the Certified Speaking Professional designation. Established in 1980, the CSP is the National Speakers Association's and Global Speakers Federation's highest recognized honor.

Before Fireside, enjoy the changing season with a calm water paddle on North Chickamauga Creek in a canoe. Outdoor Chattanooga will provide all the equipment and support staff for you to paddle the creek at your own pace. Children under 30 lbs. should bring their own Personal Flotation Device (life jacket). Meet at the N. Chick canoe launch behind the old Sniteman Cabin. Canoes available from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. for $25 per canoe | first come, first served. For more information call Outdoor Chattanooga at 423-643-6888.

More Outdoor Chattanooga Events 

Community Events

Sea Kayaking Adventure October 8-13
The YMCA's youth outdoor program, BOLD/GOLD is offering a sea kayaking adventure off the coast of South Carolina for middle and high school students over fall break, October 8-13. Experience 6 incredible days of kayaking with bottlenose dolphins, camping on the beach, and exploring the barrier islands that line the Charleston coast. No prior experience or equipment necessary.

Starvation Camp: The Siege of Chattanooga October 8 & 9
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to participate in living history programs and tours commemorating the 153rd Anniversary of The Siege of Chattanooga. Living historians will be stationed in Point Park on Saturday and Sunday demonstrating the effectiveness of Confederate cannon stationed there during the siege in 1863. These 30-minute, ranger-conducted programs will begin at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. Although programs are free, entrance to Point Park is $5.00 per adult, ages 16 and older (children, ages 15 and younger, enter free).
 
Living historians dressed as Union soldiers will be in Renaissance Park, near Market Street Bridge conducting on-going programs about the daily army life in Chattanooga during the siege. These programs will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. on both Sat., Oct. 8 and Sun. Oct. 9. For those visitors interested in learning more about Chattanooga during the siege on a more mobile basis, 2-hour ranger-guided walking tours crossing the Tennessee River on Walnut Street Bridge will begin at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. from the living history area encampment in Renaissance Park. Please follow the "Special Event" signs off Frazier Avenue in North Chattanooga to the living history and walking tour locations. 

"The Campaign for Chattanooga: Death Knell of the Confederacy," a 26-minute orientation film will be shown at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park on Saturday, October 8 at 4 p.m. This is free to the public.

TVCC Ocoee River Race October 8
Race from the Put-In to Powerhouse at the 8th Annual TVCC Ocoee River Race, sponsored by World Kayak on Saturday, October 8. Proceeds from the event benefit Team River Runner Chattanooga. An after-party will continue on at The Bus Bar at Adventures Unlimited. You must be a TVCC Member to register to race. Racers may participate in up to two classes. Volunteers are needed to help with the race.  

Bark in the Park October 8

Bark in the Park 2016 will be held on Saturday, October 8 at Heritage Park in Chattanooga from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. This is a FREE annual event for dogs and dog lovers! The event includes an adoption fair, vendor market, working dog, obedience, and pet safety exhibitions, contests (Best Costume/Best Trick/Owner Look-Alike) and an on-site rabies clinic. Admission is FREE with a suggested pet food donation for participating rescue groups.

Prater's Mill Country Fair October 8 & 9
The Prater's Mill Country Fair is a southern festival with mountain music, Southern foods, living history exhibits, quality artists, and handmade crafts. During the fair, families can enjoy canoeing on Coahulla Creek, a walk down the nature trail, pony rides for children, craft demonstrations, self-guided tours of the operating gristmill, Prater's Store, Shugart Cotton Gin and the Westbrook Barn complete with farm animals. Continuous entertainment on stage features Appalachian-style clogging teams, country bands and gospel singers. Wandering musicians, jugglers, dulcimer players and storytellers perform throughout the festival area. Fair hours: Sat., Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Weekend Guide to RiverRocks Chattanooga:

RiverRocks is a multi-day event (October 1-15) that brings world-class and amateur athletes to the Scenic City to compete in a variety of sporting events, enjoy live music and celebrate Chattanooga outdoors lifestyle.

RiverRocks Owl Prowl & Frog Walk October 7
 
Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center will offer two exciting walks; RiverRocks Owl Prowl and Frog Walk on Friday, October 7. Learn how to spot owl and frog species by the sounds they make. Stick around for both walks and impress your friends with new knowledge this fall! Frog Walk at 7 p.m. and Owl Prowl at 8:15 p.m. Cost: Adults $10, Children $7, Members Free.

Swim the Suck October 8
Swim the Suck is a grueling 10-mile open water race through the Tennessee River Gorge. It has become an international premiere swimming event, featuring athletes from all over the world. Swim the Suck sold out in the first 20 minutes of registration. But the Chattanooga Open Water Swimmers and Outdoor Chattanooga are looking for kayak pilots to paddle alongside the swimmers. Volunteers get a free shuttle, two free meals, a Chattanooga Brewing Company beer and a t-shirt.
Swim the Suck has 120 swimmers, which means we need 120 kayakers.

Chattanooga Head Race October 8

Since 1992, the Lookout Rowing Club has organized and sponsored the Chattanooga Head Race, a 5K timed rowing event ending at Ross' Landing in downtown Chattanooga. The 24th annual Head Race will be held on Saturday, October 8 beginning at 9:00 a.m. This rowing race is for both new and seasoned competitors and there are plenty of spectator spots available on all the downtown bridges and both sides of the river. It's a great way to spend a fall afternoon in Chattanooga and be a part of the RiverRocks festivities.

Urban Nature 10K October 9

The Urban Nature 10K hosted by Wild Trails is a scenic race that is half urban, half nature, taking runners down roads in North Chattanooga and up the trails at Stringer's Ridge. The race begins and ends at the juncture of Coolidge and Renaissance Parks, under the Market Street Bridge. There is still a chance to register for the race. Cost: $25 before Oct. 7; and $30 day of race. Packet pickup will start at 6:00 a.m. on race day, with the race to start at 8:00 a.m. on Sun., Oct. 9. Proceeds benefit the preservation of Stringer's Ridge, a 92 acre pocket wilderness within Chattanooga's downtown city limits. 

Community News

Public Input Meeting for Sterchi Farm October 6
The Trust for Public Land and the City of Chattanooga are creating a new park plan for The Sterchi Farm Trailhead of the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway. In order to plan for better community access to this protected open space, they're hosting a series of meetings and inviting the public to attend to give input to shape the vision of this outdoor space. Trust for Public Land and several City divisions including Public Art Chattanooga, Open Spaces, and Parks Maintenance will work to reconstruct the old dairy barn on the Sterchi Farm property into a park amenity that will be open to everyone. The project design team will be presenting design concepts for the Sterchi Farm property and requests public input at the upcoming meeting on Thursday, October 6 from 6-8 p.m. at the Chattanooga Home Builders Association - Century Club, 3221 Harrison Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37406. The Trust for Public Land will be providing refreshments and giving away door prizes, so LET US KNOW YOU'LL BE THERE to give input on how to improve the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway!
If you are unable to attend the meeting or would like more information on the meeting please contact Andrea Hamilton, the Chattanooga Trust for Public Land Office Manager, at (423) 265-5229, or by email. 

Prentice Cooper (T-Wall) will be closed for hunting on these dates:
Oct 6-8 
Oct 22-23 
Oct 27-29 
Nov 4-6 
Nov 26-Dec 1

Upcoming Events

October
1-15    RiverRocks Chattanooga
5        Snail Darter 1 Mile Open Water Swim Race
6        Fireside: The Von Wamps
8        Swim the Suck
          Chattanooga Tour de Cure
          TVCC Ocoee Race
          Chattanooga Head Race
         Black Mountain Trail Day
8-13   Bold/Gold Sea Kayaking Adventure
9        Urban Nature 10K
13      Fireside: Caney Creek Co.
14      Best Town (For)Ever Street Party
14-15  ESNP Haunted Trail
14-16  Coldwater Mountain Fat Tire Festival
15      Chickamauga Battlefield Bike Ride
         Lula Lake 5 Points 50/25 MTB Race
         The Cannonball Race
16      7 Bridges Marathon
         Nature Calls 15K & 5K
         Stone Fort Trail Day
20      Fireside: Tin Cup Rattlers
         Reel Rock 11 Chattanooga
21      Triple Crown Stone Fort Competition
22      Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge
         Fall Colors Paddle
         ChattaJack 31
27      Fireside: Master Vincent Ivan Phipps
30      TVCC Ocoee Boo Run

November
5        Medicinal Plant Workshop
5-6     Head of the Hooch
12      Pangorge
         PanCross Cyclocross Race
14      Walker Farm Pioneer Days
26      Chattanooga Hungry Turkey Run
27      StuffedCross Cyclocross Race


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