Mayor Jacobs to kick off event Dec. 21 at The Cove

Knox County’s 20th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at The Cove at Concord Park kicks off Friday, Dec. 21 with Mayor Glenn Jacobs hosting a meet and greet and passing out free candy “Kanes.”

 

The family-friendly event starts that evening at 6:30 p.m. with a ribbon cutting. The Cove is located at 11808 S. Northshore Drive.

 

The festival, which is free and open to the public, runs through Saturday, Dec. 29, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It’s open from 6 to 9 p.m.

 

The event is showcased by an illuminated three-quarter-mile greenway trail that features a sparkling light display coordinated to music and a number of fire pits. Pets on leashes are welcome.

 

In addition, Third Creek Coffee will be onsite each night with hot drinks, including coffee, hot chocolate and apple cider, and holiday snacks, like cookies, cakes and the ingredients for S’mores.

 

The park staff at The Cove does all the decorating, which includes placing displays and adding thousands of lights to the trees.

 

Although the event is free, Knox County will collect non-perishable food items for The Love Kitchen. This nonprofit provides meals, clothing and emergency food packages to the homebound, homeless and unemployed.

 

The 2018 Holiday Festival of Lights is sponsored by B97.5, the Knox County Mayor’s Office and Knox County Parks & Recreation.