News Summary
June brings a wealth of community events, including special needs programs, music concerts, and educational gatherings. Highlighted events include the Vacation Bible Schools at Marion Church, the Blue Ridge Fiber Fest, and the Elk River Helping Hands Concert aimed at raising funds for disaster relief. Families can look forward to engaging activities like Kids Fishing Day and a Home Tour in Knoxville. This diverse lineup promises to enrich the local cultural landscape and foster community spirit.
Community Events Scheduled for June 2023
The month of June 2023 is packed with exciting community events and meetings across various locations, offering diverse activities for all demographics. From special gatherings focused on education and the arts to family-friendly outdoor events, there is something for everyone in the upcoming weeks.
Key Events and Meetings
The Special Needs Vacation Bible School will take place at the Marion Church of the Nazarene from June 2 to June 6, each evening from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event is inclusive of all ages and aims to provide a supportive environment for children with special needs.
Following this, the Mainstream Vacation Bible School at the same church will run from June 8 to June 13, featuring the theme “Trusting Jesus in a Wild World.” This program is designed to engage youth participants through interactive activities and lessons.
The Watauga Association of Genealogists will hold a meeting on June 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Johnson City Public Library, with an online option via Zoom for those unable to attend in person. The meeting will feature retired Air Force veteran Allen Jackson as the guest speaker, discussing the role of military animals during World War I.
Arts and Culture
For those interested in the arts, the 7th Annual Blue Ridge Fiber Fest will occur on June 6 and June 7 at the Higgins Fairgrounds in Sparta, NC, showcasing over 40 vendors offering fiber-related products and services. Additionally, a free performance by the Crooked Road Ramblers will take place on June 6 at the Rex Theater in Galax, Virginia, at 7 p.m.
The renowned Broadway musical Disney’s “Frozen” will be presented at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA, from May 24 to August 17, providing a family-friendly theatrical experience. Moreover, the historical performance Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals continues through June on weekends at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, with general admission tickets available for attendees.
Community Engagement and Support
On June 6, the Elk River Helping Hands Concert will feature musicians Jimmy Fortune and Darin & Brooke Aldridge, aimed at raising funds for Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Another community event, the First Fridays Mini Golf Event, will be held in downtown Bristol on June 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., asking for a suggested donation of $2 for participants to enjoy mini-golf.
Children under the age of 15 are welcome to participate in the Damascas Kids Fishing Day scheduled for June 14 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Town Park Gazebo. On the same day, those in Knoxville can enjoy a Downtown Home Tour showcasing private residences with both VIP and general admission ticket options available.
Additional Meetings and Entertainment
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail site will occur on June 14 at 1 p.m. at Damascus Town Park, signifying new outdoor recreational opportunities. Later that evening, the “Swinging With THE RAT PACK!” musical tribute will entertain audiences at the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, VA at 7:30 p.m.
Lastly, a speaker session with Dr. Charles L. Hughes is scheduled for June 10 at 7 p.m. via Zoom, focusing on the connections between country music and blues. The regular session of the Sullivan County Board of Education is also set for June 5 at 6:30 p.m., preceded by a work session at 4:30 p.m., providing insights on educational matters in the community.
Background Context
This robust calendar of events signifies a thriving community spirit, encouraging participation and engagement across various sectors, from education to the arts and social support. Activities like the Vacation Bible Schools underline the importance of inclusivity and community support, while performances and cultural events enrich the local cultural landscape. Establishing supportive networks, such as the Al-Anon support group that meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Lebanon United Methodist Church, showcases the community’s commitment to care and assistance for all its members.
As the month progresses, locals are encouraged to take part in these enriching activities and gatherings, fostering connections within the community and creating lasting memories.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
June Community Events Announced Across Multiple Locations
Flamethrower Attack Shatters Boulder Jewish Gathering
Pigeon River Reopens for Whitewater Rafting Season
Tri-Cities Housing Market Continues to Favor Sellers
Sullivan County Exploring Public Health Partnership with Bristol
Vote for Your Favorite NASCAR Cup Series Venue
Charles Rangel, A Legacy in New York Politics, Passes Away
Memorial Day Weekend Celebrations in Tri-Cities Area
Celebrating National Craft Distillery Day in Bristol
Upcoming Events in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Beyond the Hive
- Wikipedia: Beekeeping
- Times Free Press: Local Farmers’ Market Highlights
- Google Search: World Bee Day
- Times Free Press: Interview with a Beekeeper
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Honeybee
- Times Free Press: School Programs on Bees
- Google News: Bee Conservation Efforts
- Times Free Press: Bee Habitat Research Funding
- Google Scholar: Pollination Ecology
