While green is the color of choice where any Irish celebration is concerned the City of Knoxville's Public Service Department and the organizers of the first ever Knoxville Irish Festival plan to take green to the next level in World's Fair Park on July 26. 
 
"We intend to also make Irish Fest an environmentally green event," said John Homa, the city's Solid Waste Project Manager.

The event, created by Irish Festival of Knoxville Inc., includes fun and games, music and dancing but also has a serious purpose with proceeds going to five different non-profit organizations.

It includes a "Green Tie" Charity event on the evening of July 25 and an all-day, family-friendly event at World's Fair Park on Saturday, July 26.

It will be a zero waste event meaning Irish Fest will limit the amount of waste going to the landfill through recycling, composting efforts. The promoters are also taking steps to reduce the event's "carbon-footprint" by purchasing carbon emission offsets along with providing environmental learning sessions.

The Irish Festival is one of a handful of privately organized events in the Knoxville area to incorporate zero waste as part of its agenda.

The festival centers on Irish culture particularly the impact it has had on the greater Knoxville area throughout its history. Included in the scheduled events are Irish-themed performances from numerous bands and dancers.

The Irish Festival benefits five local non-profit organizations serving the Knoxville area with all proceeds going to help support the Fraternal Order of Police (Volunteer Lodge #2), the Knoxville Firefighter's Association, the Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad, the Remote Area Medical Foundation, and the Ulster Project.

The festival kicks off Friday night, July 25, with a "Green Tie" Charity Event in the Sunsphere. This semi-formal event featuring food, music and door prizes is set for 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. and tickets for the charity gala are $75 per person.

Saturday's Irish Festival runs from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. at World's Fair Park and tickets are $10 for adults with free admission for children.