KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Bargefest: A Festive Float Down the Tennessee River
Get ready, Knoxville! A brand-new **_floating festival_** is making waves in the community this weekend, and it’s called “Bargefest.” Hosted by the Volunteer Club, part of the **_SPYRE Sports group_**, this fun event combines concerts, tailgates, and a light-hearted wiffleball home run derby featuring some familiar faces from the Tennessee Baseball team.
Getting Things Afloat
Event organizers have been busy preparing a **700-foot by 200-foot barge** for all the excitement. James Clawson, the CEO of SPYRE, shared that they’ve had the idea for this event for about two years but nothing could have prepared them for how quickly everything came together this week. “When you think about Tennessee Athletics, you think about the river and Neyland Stadium,” he said. “We asked ourselves, how could we have a **_floating party_**?”
The barge, which traveled down the Tennessee River all the way from Dyersburg, West Tennessee thanks to Choctaw Transportation Company, finally arrived after delays caused by high water levels from **_Hurricane Helene’s_** flooding. “We wanted to be mindful of the impact that Helene had on our community,” Clawson noted. “We didn’t want to distract anyone from their crucial duties.”
Doing Good While Having Fun
In a spirited twist, about **50% of the proceeds** from Bargefest will go toward the **Mountain Way nonprofit.** This organization has been instrumental in helping those affected by recent storms and flooding, with even **Dolly Parton** and her foundation contributing a staggering $2 million to support these efforts.
Tickets for the events start at just **$25** for the exciting **_Tennessee Baseball Home Run Derby,_** where the barge will actually be artistically transformed to look like a baseball field. The beloved Tennessee Baseball team, under the direction of Coach Tony Vitello, will engage in some friendly competition during the wiffleball derby. Other ticket prices range from **$100** for concerts and tailgate parties, making it accessible for fans of all ages.
Star-Studded Entertainment
Bargefest isn’t just about the games; it’s also set to feature some wonderful musical acts. Friday night will showcase **Niko Moon**, followed by **Old Crow Medicine Show** taking the stage on Monday. Plus, don’t miss out on the tailgate festivities leading up to the **Tennessee-Alabama** and **Tennessee-Florida** games. This weekend is sure to be a hit for sports and music fans alike!
Safety First!
Of course, your safety is a top priority. Local authorities, including the **Knoxville Police Department** and **Knoxville Fire Department**, will be present to ensure a smooth and secure experience. Officer Scott Erland mentioned that they would have police officers alongside hired security from Axis. Fire Department spokesperson Mark Wilbanks added that they’d have **EMS on site**, which is standard for events where alcohol is served. And wouldn’t you know it – a patrol boat will be on standby too, considering the river conditions. “The river is murky and flowing a bit faster than normal, so it’s excellent to have our boat ready,” Wilbanks noted.
Mark Your Calendars!
The Barge will be anchored at **Volunteer Landing** from now until the third Saturday in October, making it a perfect opportunity to embrace the fall festivities with friends and family. James Clawson expressed hope that this will become a recurring event, cementing Bargefest as part of Knoxville’s vibrant sporting and cultural scene.
So, whether you’re looking to enjoy live music, witness some comical wiffleball games, or just soak in the lively atmosphere, Bargefest has something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to float into an exciting new chapter of Knoxville’s community, supporting a great cause while having a blast!
