Shortcuts September 05 2001

Knoxville, Tenn.
The Tennessee Valley Fair hits town Sept. 7-16, featuring daily entertainment such as the Royal Hanneford Big Top Circus, Farmer for a Day activity station, hands-on science exhibits, stilt walkers, a live shark show, a demolition derby, a rodeo, a tractor pull and livestock events. Hours for the fair vary by day. Adults $7, children 6-11 $3. Chilhowee Park, 3301 Magnolia Ave., Knoxville. Call 865-215-1470 or visit www.tnvalleyfair.org.

Blairsville, Ga.
The Mountain Music Festival celebrates old-time mountain, folk, dulcimer and bluegrass music at Vogel State Park Sept. 8. Performances include Ross Brown & Friends, Danny Ray Cole, Possum Trot, Dots and more. Music starts at 11 a.m. and the last show begins at 6 p.m. Artisans will display their wares and vintage autos will be on view. Adults $5, children 12 and under $2. Parking pass for park is $2. The park is located 11 miles south of Blairsville on Highway 129. Visit www.gastateparks.org/ dnr/parks/park_ex/vogel/or call 706-745-2528 for information.

Chattanooga, Tenn.
Rolling out Sept. 15, the Trail of Tears Commemoration & Motorcycle Ride is a three-day ride from Chattanooga to Waterloo, Ala. The event, which honors the Cherokees who were forcibly relocated by the U.S. government, takes off from Ross’ Landing and ends at the Waterloo campground. Weeklong activities Sept. 10-16 include music, exhibits, storytelling, traditional Native American dance, motorcycle displays and vendors. For more information or to register for the ride, call Bill Cason at 423-658-5937 or visit www.al-tn-trailoftears.org.??