May is Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme is “Engage at Every Age,” which the Parks and Recreation staff at the City’s senior centers sets out to do every day. In fact, AARP just designated Knoxville an Age-Friendly Community.

This month, there are some special programs scheduled to celebrate Knoxville’s seniors:

• Tuesday, May 8 – Bluegrass and Barbecue at New Harvest Park
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., seniors will enjoy local lunchtime tunes and catering by Buddy’s Bar-B-Q. Tickets are $2 for members of City senior centers and $3 for non-members. Contact a City senior center to RSVP and pay.

• Saturday, May 12 – Knoxville Fire Department Exhibition at KFD’s training center, 3411 Vice Mayor Jack Sharp Road
The Knoxville Fire Department is hosting an exhibition from 3-9 p.m. This free event includes hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream and balloons. Knoxville firefighters will provide vehicle extraction and high angle rescue demonstrations, as well as share history from KFD’s archives. A team from each KFD shift will compete in the Firefighter Challenge. Free shuttle parking will be available from Prosser Road at Zoo Knoxville Drive. Contact a City senior center to RSVP for transportation from the site.

• Tuesday, May 22 – “Let’s Do the Zoo” at Zoo Knoxville
Seniors will meet at Zoo Knoxville at 1 p.m. for a special entry fee. This is a great chance to see the state-of-the-art Boyd Family Asian Trek, which features Tiger Forest, Langur Landing, and Gibbons Trails. Check with a City senior center to RSVP and learn more details.

Each of the City’s senior centers is offering special events, classes, field trips, and activities during Older Americans Month. City Parks and Recreation staff also manages senior programing at Knoxville’s Community Development Corp. high rises.

Call individual senior centers or visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/recreation for more details:

• Larry Cox Senior Center – 865-546-1700
3109 Ocoee Trail

• South Knoxville Community Center – 865-573-3575
522 Maryville Pike