This evening offers a special opportunity to recognize and honor female veterans for their service to our nation.

The theatre opens at 6 p.m. for attendees to view sponsor displays, enjoy a holiday fashion preview, and listen to the music of the Paramount’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ, prior to the Veteran’s Tribute and Jeanne Robertson’s monologue.

A reception will follow the entertainment.

Tickets $22.50.

Call 423-274-8920 or on-line at www.etix.com. The Paramount and the Chamber would like to contact as many female veterans as possible. Please call the Paramount box office if you or someone you know is a female veteran.

Hawkins has become one of the most in-demand comics in the country. His arsenal is unique: high energy stand-up, physical comedy, slick guitar skills, a thousand faces and voices and improvisational chops. It all combines to create an insane comedy experience. And yes, the guy can really sing. Hawkins gets new material daily from the perils of marriage, parenting, and homeschooling. Don’t miss this hilarious, clean comic.

The concerts will open with Tchaikovsky’s Coronation March, originally commissioned for Czar Alexander III’s coronation celebrations in May, 1883. Following the march, acclaimed violinist Dylana Jenson will join the orchestra for Tchaikovsky’s beloved Violin Concerto.

Jenson has performed with most major orchestras in the United States and traveled to Europe, Australia, Japan and Latin America for concerts, recitals and recordings. At the age of 17, she became the youngest and first Ameri-can woman to win the silver medal at the International Tchaikovsky Compe-tition.

Following intermission, the orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio italien. This work, composed in 1880, captures the sunny disposition and lively spirit of the Italian people and their rich musical heritage.

The concert will conclude with the 1812 Overture, performed often by the KSO at the annual free Independence Day concerts, but rarely in its entirety in a concert hall.

The concerts will begin at 7 p.m. Prior to both concerts, Richman will kick off the season with a champagne toast in the Tennessee Theatre lobby.

“It is with great excitement that we begin our celebration of the KSO’s 75th anniversary season,” Richman said.

“With an all-Tchaikovsky program, we’ll be setting off musical fireworks that include the dynamic Dylana Jenson playing the thrilling Violin Concerto and the complete 1812 Overture which is sure to shake the walls of the Tennessee Theatre.”

Tickets to the concert begin at $23 and may be purchased by logging on to the KSO website, www.knoxvillesymphony.com, or by calling the KSO Box Office at 865-291-3310 or Tickets Unlimited at 865-656-4444.

Friday’s performance will be followed by a Gala dinner at Club LeConte hosted by the Knoxville Symphony League. Reservations to the Gala dinner must be made in advance through the KSO Box Office, 865-291-3310, option 4.

The KSO has contributed to the cultural life in East Tennessee since 1935. Under the leadership of Lucas Richman, the orchestra consists of more than 80 professional musicians and performs more than 200 programs throughout East Tennessee each season.

For more information regarding the KSO, or the Moxley Carmichael Mas-terworks Concert: Tchaikovsky Spectacular, please call 865-291-3310.

Admission for Senior Day at the Fair is free for citizens 65 and older. Ac-tivities include special events and contests for seniors throughout the day. Fair organizers estimate more than 3,000 senior citizens from East Tennes-see will take advantage of and benefit from the free day.

“Our overall goal is to improve seniors’ self-esteem and well-being through competitions, recognition awards and entertainment,” said Scott Suchomski, executive director of the fair. “It is in the best interest of our community to do all we can to keep seniors healthy, happy, productive and involved.”

Some of fun contests and cash prizes will be awarded to the couple married the longest, largest group, oldest man, oldest woman and couple traveling the farthest.

Attendees will also get the chance to meet East Tennessee’s own Barney Fife, participate in the Price Is Right game and play bingo. For those who wish to attend, there will also be free concerts at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. by James Rogers in the Homer Ham-ilton Theatre.

In keeping with the fair’s focus on senior health, health checks and informa-tion on behavioral health, diabetes management, wound healing, seniors centers, senior housing and much more will be avail-able.

For more information, request a Senior Day bro-chure by calling 865-215-1471 or e-mail fair@tnvalleyfair.org.

“The way to look at it,” said Doc, trying to look wise, “is since they obviously lived long enough to have progeny, they must have been decent Lewis Creek fishermen.”

“That in itself is a miracle, Doc,” Bert said. “because Joe Herring, on my mother’s side, was so dumb he once stole the sheriff’s horse.”

Dud Campbell almost became part of his peanut butter and jelly sandwich in the laughter that followed. Doc choked on his coffee. Bert, looking a bit embarrassed, put some more sticks on the small campfire.

“Don’t feel bad, Bert,” Dud said. “We all have ancestors with ‘dumb’ stamped on them. Why, one of the first Campbells to move to the valley decided to be a cattle rancher and bought 40 head of steers.”

“Steers?”

“That’s right. And he couldn’t figure out why they didn’t have calves come spring.”

Bert turned to Doc. “Okay, Doctor. Your turn.”

“I hate to admit this,” said our beloved healer of owies, “but ‘way back during the Civil War, I had an ancestor so dumb, he fought for the West.”

The 23rd annual Boomsday Festival is set for 1-10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5 on Neyland Drive and Volunteer Landing in downtown Knoxville.

Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. and will create a “rumble to remember” featuring more than 10,000 shells in a fireworks display and choreographed to an original soundtrack produced by Star 102.1 FM.

Voting by Facebook Fans, Twitter followers, and bloggers has resulted in a top 10 list of experiences and expectations for those planning to attend the Labor Day celebration this year:

10. Neyland Stadium Parking Garage (G10) – Let the tailgating begin. Families and friends from across East Tennessee arrive early to reserve their parking space and spot for Boomsday.

9. James White’s Fort — Arrive early to grab a seat for a view of the fireworks from the James White Fort’s lawn. Parking is available for $10 per car.

8. Ruth’s Chris Steak House — Boomsday Fireworks and Dinner will feature specials, including a $39.95 three-course dinner, happy hour until 7 p.m., and a view of the fireworks from the patio area. For reservations, call 865-546-4696.

7. Calhoun’s on the River – The restaurant will serve BBQ and ribs, while patrons watch the fireworks from the deck. For call- ahead seating, call 865-673-3355.

6. Home — Many East Tennesseans visit the Boomsday Festival early, and then return home to watch the fireworks on television. WBIR-TV/Channel 10 will air its live “2010 Boomsday Festival” special 9-10 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5 and rebroadcast it 8-9 p.m. on Sept. 6 on 10News2. Star 102.1 radio will provide a soundtrack simulcast, as well as updates throughout the day.

5. The Tennessee Riverboat — Boomsday 2010 Riverboat Cruise will offer a one-hour cruise on the Tennessee River, cash bar, DJ and music and view of the fireworks at a cost of $25 for a table of four. The cruise will board at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served for an additional cost, including barbeque chicken, pork and ribs.

4. Volunteer Princess — Guests will be served hors d’oeuvres followed by a three-course gourmet dinner, a two-hour cruise down the Tennessee River, live entertainment, and a front row seat of the fireworks. The event is sold out for 2010; however, there is a waiting list for last-minute cancellations. For more information, call 865-541-4556.

3. Mabry-Hazen House —Bluegrass and Barbecue Event — On a hilltop setting, guests will be able to watch the fireworks show, have dinner and listen to live music. Tours of the historic home will begin at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $50 per adult and children under 18 are free when accompanied by a ticket holder. Tickets are limited to 200 adults to ensure a quality event. Call 865-522-8661.

2. Boating on the Tennessee River — Boating access is open to the public, and all boats must be in place by 9 p.m. For more information about Boating at Boomsday, visit www.boomsday.org.

1. Neyland Drive — More than 400,000 people visit Neyland Drive to experience the fun and entertainment throughout the day. Food and other vendors are set up throughout the area.

For more information on Boomsday 2010, call the festival hotline at 865-342-9191 or visit www.boomsday.org.

According to a news release from LampLight, “Told in true Carol Burnett slapstick style, this satire turns a funeral into a fiasco. What should be a time of grieving and respect turns into a spoof of hypocrisy and slander. The surprise ending will be a shocker to all.”

The Foggy Valley Gang brings many talents to this production. Special music will be provided by Spoolie Good’n and “The Good’n Family Singers.” Celebrity singer, Clementine Hogg, will make an appearance and bring a little spice to the service. Florence “Flo” Rakestraw will be presenting a special tribute to the lost loved one.

Mishaps are inevitable with Schubel Clampitt and Schurman Peabody attending. Trusted and sincere security officer, Otis Purdy, is on sight to give a helping hand, while Rev. Clyde Humperdink presides.

R.I.P. is a show for all ages, and is a fundraising event for both non-profit organizations. Admission is $20.

Lamplight Theatre is a non-profit facility created exclusively by Billy Wayne Arrington — from the design of the facilities to the full-scale sets and costumes. Located in Fall Branch, the theatre is a 10,000 square foot facility, with the main set spanning a distance of 100 x 24 x13 feet.

According to Arrington, he designs and produces elaborate sets and exquisite costumes precisely to match every detail of his productions. With a full wardrobe team, more than 600 exquisite costumes have been produced.

Arrington is founder and president of Vision Productions, Inc., devoted to sharing the gospel through music, seminars and performing arts.

“Rest in Peace” will be at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, where the stars are always shining, on Friday, Sept. 3, at 7:30 p.m. For ticketing information, call the Box Office at 423-638-1679 (open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday), or visit the Web site at www.greenevillenpac.com.

“White Christmas” tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, owned by their former general in order to save the place from bank foreclosure. In the mix of it all, the two find their perfect girls as well. With songs like “Happy Holidays,” “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” “How Deep is the Ocean,” “Count Your Blessings,” and the title song, the musical score has been expanded from the original songs in the movie to include more of the most beautiful songs ever written by Irving Berlin.

The song “White Christmas” was originally introduced by Bing Crosby in the 1942 film “Holiday Inn,” a sizable hit that featured numerous other songs by Irving Berlin, and one of two films to pair Crosby with Fred Astaire. “White Christmas” was also reprised as the title theme for the 1954 musical of the same name, starring Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen.

The production team will cast a group of 30-35 actors, which include two principal males, two principal females, one supporting male, one supporting female, one girl approximately age 9, and an ensemble of singers and dancers who double as different roles.

There will be three different audition times:

• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7 — Tennessee Technology Center, 821 W. Louise Ave.

• 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8 — Walters State Community College, 500 S. Davy Crockett Pkwy.

• 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9 Tennessee Technology Center, 821 W. Louise Ave.

Those wishing to audition should prepare a musical selection for memory (preferably a musical theatre selection or a standard). Have a copy of the sheet music in the correct key for accompanist. Those auditioning may also take part in some reading selections from the script as well as movement portion. Please wear comfortable clothing and allow approximately two hours for the audition process.

Rehearsals will begin late September with performances scheduled for

• 8 p.m. Nov. 26, 27, Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11

• 2 p.m. Nov. 27, 28, Dec. 4, 5, 11, and 12.

For more information and directions to auditions, visit the Encore Web site at www.etcplays.org or call 423-318-8331.

4 p.m. DIVERSITY FESTIVAL DEADLINE — Nonprofit organizations and vendors who wish to participate in the Sept. 23 “Morristown: A Celebration of Cultures” at Fred Miller Park must have an application turned in to the Morristown Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, call Jennifer Gentry at 423-586-0620.

5-8 p.m. SPAGHETTI SUPPER FUNDRAISER, hosted by the White Pine Volunteer Fire Department, will be held in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church at 1729 Main St. Tickets are $8 at the door for adults; $5 for children ages 10 and under, and include spaghetti, bread and drink. Carry-outs are available. Save $2 per ticket by ordering in advance at 865-674-6568.

SEPT. 4

9 a.m. PANTHER CREEK STATE PARK will host a Volunteer Stream Clean-Up, beginning at the Ranger Station. A reptile program will be held a noon at the station, followed by “Backpacking Basics” at 1 p.m. For more information, call the Visitor’s Center at 423-587-7046.

SEPT. 6

10 a.m. PANTHER CREEK STATE PARK will hold a Kids Nature Hike beginning at the Creek Observation Deck for children of all ages. For more information, call the Visitor’s Center at 423-587-7046.

SEPT. 7

10 a.m. PANTHER CREEK STATE PARK will host “Predator & Prey,” an informational session and game on animals’ natural instinct to hide and seek. For more information, call the Visitor’s Center at 423-587-7046.

6:30 p.m. HAMBLEN COUNTY GIRL SCOUTS will hold a sign-up at First Presbyterian Church, 600 W. Main St. in Morristown. Girl Scouting is open to girls ages 5-17. The membership fee is $12. For more information, call 1-800-474-1912.

SEPT. 9

6:30 p.m. HAMBLEN COUNTY GIRL SCOUTS will hold a sign-up at Panther Springs United Methodist Church, 4555 W. Andrew Johnson Hwy. in Morristown. Girl Scouting is open to girls ages 5-17. The membership fee is $12. For more information, call 1-800-474-1912.

6:30 p.m. PANTHER CREEK STATE PARK will host its “Music in the Park” series at Spoone Shelter, sponsored by The West Hamblen Fire Department at Friends of Panther Creek State Park.

SEPT. 10

9:30 a.m. SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER in Morristown will begin a three-part Quilt Class, with instruction on making a table runner. Follow-up classes will be held Sept. 17 and 24. Cost is $20. For more information, call 423-581-5166.

9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 23RD ANNUAL DOLL & BEAR SHOW AND SALE will be held at West Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Dept., 6301 W. Andrew Johnson Hwy. in Talbott. Admission is $2. Door prizes will be given. Doll appraiser and refreshments will be avail-able. For more information, call Judy Royston at 423-586-0744.

SEPT. 11

6-11 a.m. GRAINGER COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY will hold a Breakfast Fundraiser at the Agricultural Pavilion on Bryan Road in Rutledge (behind Rutledge Middle School). Homemade baked goods will be available. For more information, call 865-828-8976.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. REGENCY RETIREMENT VILLAGE will host a Dementia and Alzheimer Virtual Tour for family and professional caregivers at the facility, 739 E. 2nd North St. in Morristown. The 15-minute tour is free. To make an appointment, call 423-581-7075.

SEPT. 13

6 p.m. OPEN HOUSE at West Elementary School will be held. Parents and students are invited to attend, and all activities will be held in the gym.

SEPT. 14

6:30 p.m. MOORESBURG-BEAN STATION LITTLE LEAGUE will meet at the Bean Station City Hall. New officers and board members will be elected. Anyone wishing to participate should attend this meeting. Several positions are available and need to be filled a.s.a.p., including a new league president.

SEPT. 16

9 a.m.-3 p.m. DANDRIDGE AREA SENIOR CENTER will hold a Fall Rummage and Bake Sale, featuring home-baked goods, hot dogs, desserts, chips, and drinks. The center is located behind the First Peoples Bank at 917 Elliott Ferry Rd. in Dandridge. For more in-formation, call 865-397-7605.

2 p.m. MORRISTOWN HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES 1940-1950 will meet for a reunion luncheon at the Little Dutch restaurant in Morristown. For more information or to confirm your attendance, call Don Cowan at 423-587-9851.

3-6 p.m. HAMBLEN COUNTY GIRL SCOUTS will hold a drop by sign-up at Whitesburg School, 4859 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy. Girl Scouting is open to girls ages 5-17. The membership fee is $12. For more information, call 1-800-474-1912.

SEPT. 17

9 a.m.-3 p.m. DANDRIDGE AREA SENIOR CENTER will continue its Fall Rummage and Bake Sale, featuring home-baked goods, hot dogs, desserts, chips, and drinks. The center is located behind the First Peoples Bank, 917 Elliott Ferry Rd. in Dandridge. For more information, call 865-397-7605.

SEPT. 18

10 a.m.-4 p.m. ARTS IN THE PARK, an Art in the Heart of Hamblen County event, will be held at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Morristown, featuring an art show and sale, art demonstrations, music and entertainment, an art walk, children’s activities, door prizes and food. The park is located at 360 W. 9th North St. (follow the signs from W. 7th North St.).

SEPT. 21

7:30 p.m. ASQ Section 1105 will hold its monthly meeting at Rothchild’s Catering, 8807 Kingston Pike (10 Mile Center) in Knoxville, with guest speaker Steve Prevette, Fluor Government Group statistician, who will discuss the Red Bead Experiment. The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. For dinner reservations ($20), call Sherman Meade at 865-453-7177.

SEPT. 23

5-9 p.m. MORRISTOWN: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURES will be held at Fred Miller Park, featuring music and dance, foods and other activities for the family. The event is a project of the Mayor’s Task Force on Diversity and Morristown Parks and Recreation.

SEPT. 25

9:30 a.m. 6TH ANNUAL RIDE FOR PAW & CLAWS, a motorcycle fun run, will benefit the Grainger County Humane Society. The fund-raiser will include an 80-mile scenic ride through Grainger County, live music and more. For more information, call 865-567-0050.

7 p.m. ANNUAL SENIOR PROM will be hosted by the Senior Citizens Center in Morristown with the theme, “Back to School Sock Hop.” The evening will include food, fellowship, music and an old fashion cake walk. Pictures will be taken at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are available at the center, 841 Lincoln Ave. For more information, call 423-581-5166.

SEPT. 30

6 p.m. CITIZENS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY will host Tennessee State Senate and Representative debates at VFW Post 5266 in Morristown. Candidates for state representative, Don Miller (R) and Larry Mullins (D), will participate in the 6 p.m. debate; Sen. Steve Southerland (R) and challenger Jack West (D) will participate in the second debate, scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The VFW is located at 2503 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy.

OCT. 2

8:30 a.m. 12-MILE YARD SALE will be held on Clinch Valley Road, 8 miles north of Rogersville. The 11th annual sale is accessible via Route 31, Route 70 or Route 66 and will include clothing, furniture, crafts, antiques, household items, toys and more. Concessions will be available at several booth locations.

OCT. 23

7 a.m.-? BENEFIT YARD SALE hosted by West Hamblen Volunteer Fire Dept. Proceeds will go to Sgt. Chad Mullins to help with medical bills. Donations are welcome. Call David Cribley at 423-273-1297 or Devin Cribley at 423-273-1295 for more information or for assistance transporting donations.

9 a.m. – 2 p.m., FALL SWAP MEET, hosted by the Hamblen County Car Club, will be held at Colbach Harley-Davidson on 25E in Morristown. Spectators admitted free. New, unwrapped toys will be collected. Proceeds will benefit Morristown-Hamblen Central Services “Holiday Hope Fund Angel Tree”. For vendor information, call 423-277-9882.

The exhibit will begin next week in the lobby and mezzanine of Niswonger Performing Arts Center and run through Friday, Oct. 1.

“Marie’s paintings are wonderful oils in a very representational genre with tiny traces of romanticism” says James-Ben Stockton, director of Greeneville’s regional art center.

“Homecoming” will open the day after Labor Day, on Tuesday, Sept. 7. A Meet the Artist event will take place 12:30-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19.

According to Stockton, the exhibit is a celebration of the vibrant work of Marie Merritt in a masterful combination of transparent and opaque oil paints. She is a native of Greene County and draws inspiration from East Tennessee history and that of southern Appalachia, translating their beauty, people, and places into stories told on canvas. Her own memories of her childhood in this county provided the motivation for her to take up painting as an adult.

“The church I grew up in, Romeo United Methodist, had a large mural in the front of the sanctuary,” Merritt said. “Many a Sunday morning, I studied that painting rather than listening to the sermon.”

This particular memory also has a connection to the image used in promoting “Homecoming” as well as the name of the show itself. The oil on canvas work is called “Leaving Home and Moving On”, and represents the history of Marie’s mother’s family.

TVA bought the family land in Hawkins County near Mooresburg, along with many others throughout the region, to form Cherokee Lake.

“My ‘Daddy Bob’s’ heart was broken by this forced removal,” Marie said. “After a family member drove them to Greene County, they purchased a farm in the Romeo Community. As a young girl in the 1930’s, Momma and her father attended the local church the first Sunday following the move. This small Methodist church welcomed them, making them feel at home and like family. My mother, Frances K. Burchette, is still an active member of Romeo United Methodist Church. She and my dad are the oldest members.”

The memory of this poignant moment emerges with emotional power in “Leaving Home and Moving On.”

“I had considered another image to promote Marie’s one woman show,” says James-Ben Stockton. “But this work is so moving and so expressive of the overall quality of her work that I had to use it.”

Stockton encourages visitors to share the experience of “Homecoming” during the month of September at Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

“If I were asked to describe the musical ‘RENT’ in two words, I would choose freedom and love,” said Justin Winters, assistant director.

“’RENT’ is a fascinating tale about what it means to transcend the monotony of corporate culture, and feel the liberation to live a life of love.”

Director Chris Rhoton aims to show the audience the importance of freedom and love, and how RENT idealizes those concepts, using a cast and crew that hails from throughout Tennessee and Georgia.

Many of the actors and crew members are studying or have received a degree in theater, music, or the arts, and several have worked in professional theaters. The combined talent and skill creates a unique combination of energy and passion which, according to Rhoton, forms the strongest cast he has had at the Rogersville Playhouse thus far.

“’RENT’ is about family,” said Allison Spirko, Ensemble/board member, who added that the reason she was so excited about the concept of doint RENT was that she wanted to bring more culture into Rogersville.

“’RENT’ has become iconic in our society—not only does it tell the story of culture, but ‘RENT’ has become culture, and is both descriptive and prescriptive for our world today,” said Winters. “I was further impressed by the love and devotion that the actors and crew have for their theater. Rehearsals are often long, as Rhoton and the cast work endlessly to perfect their music and lines, even down to very minute details and acting techniques.”

The three remaining shows will hit the stage Sept. 3-4. On Friday, the show will open at 8 p.m., and on Saturday, two shows will be available, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

To reserve tickets, call 423-921-0027 or e-mail rogersvilleplayhouse@gmail.com. Leave your name, phone number, number in party, and date and time you wish you attend. Tickets are $15, with premium seating available for $20.