The City’s Office of Neighborhood Empowerment will host the inaugural Neighborhood Resource Fair on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park, 401 Lakeside St.

Admission is free, but preregistration is requested at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/663646232747.

The Neighborhood Resource Fair will reproduce the popular “exhibition hall” component of the long-running Neighborhood Conference, a free, community-wide event produced by the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment for several years between 2013 and 2022. 

More than 80 governmental agencies and departments, nonprofit organizations, and community groups will be on site with information about their programs. 

“It’s like a tradeshow for residents who want to explore ways of strengthening their neighborhoods,” says Neighborhoods Coordinator Debbie Sharp. 

“It’s a great opportunity to speak directly to City staff, County staff, and program directors to bring in resources to your neighborhood and/or get issues resolved,” Sharp said. “It’s also a chance to engage with other neighbors and have a one-on-one conversation with someone who may have achieved a goal in their neighborhood that you want to achieve in yours,” Sharp says. 

The Muse Knoxville and Zoo Knoxville will be in attendance with demonstrations and family-friendly activities. And the Candidates’ Corner will host candidates running for City Mayor, City Council at-large seats, and Municipal Judge. 

Each attendee will receive two food tickets to use at the Jacob Building concession stand during the event. And names for door prizes will be drawn hourly during the fair. Attendees who register before Aug. 8 will increase their chances of winning a prize. 

For more information about the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment, visit KnoxvilleTN.gov/Neighborhoods. Follow Facebook.com/KnoxvilleNeighborhoods for event updates.