'October Sky' to cap SouthFest day 1

Boy, they're really pushing this whole SouthFest thing. The county administration just sent out another spin release, this one to let everyone know that the SouthFest event will feature a screening of the movie “October Sky,” the 1999 flick filmed in Knoxville and starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

The movie will be shown at 8:30 p.m. on April 12 in the parking lot adjacent to the Knox County Public Library's South Knoxville branch (4500 Chapman Highway). Pre-show entertainment kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett called it “a great way to wrap up” the festival's first day, and hopes residents throughout the county will show up to the “various events and to support the businesses that have been impacted by the Henley Street Bridge closure."

 

Southfest is a two-day, festival-like event put together by Burchett's office (i.e. Michael “Big Sexy” Grider) to encourage folks to visit the city's red-headed stepchild. The event will include live music and entertainment, a United Healthcare Kids Zone (whatever that is), a wellness center, Tour de South guided bicycle tours and circus-style entertainment from the Shriners.

The Community Action Committee also will provide on-site shuttles, so the public can park at a business and ride to various locations.