Donald Trump campaign bus, but not Trump, to hit Knox County on Monday

The Donald Trump campaign tour bus will make its way to Knox County on Monday, although the Republican presidential candidate is not expected to be here.

However, U.S. Rep. John J. “Jimmy” Duncan Jr. and possibly Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett plan to give brief speeches.

The bus should arrive around noon at the Knoxville Expo Center at 5441 Clinton Highway and stay for about an hour.

“I don’t want people to think that Donald Trump or some big name will be on the bus, but it’s a GOP Trump rally and they’re bringing the bus through,” said Knox County Republican Party Chairman Buddy Burkhardt. “But, I’m hoping there will be a surrogate, maybe one of his kids.”

Burkhardt added: “Voter turnout has been very good for early voting, so we’re looking forward to having the bus here, which we hope will keep the motivation going for more people to get out and vote.”

The Trump bus is part of a five-state tour of the South, which kicks off in Tennessee, Burkhardt said.

Trump, a real estate mogul, faces former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 general election.

The local GOP plans to release more information about the event later Friday.