The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga will celebrate Independence Day with an indoor, air-conditioned picnic on Tuesday, July 4 at 11:30 a.m. at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Rd. Southern rock and country group River Moon Express will headline the event with lead singer Natasha Anderson. Grilled chicken, potato salad, cole slaw and dessert are on the menu. Vegetarian meals are available if requested two work days in advance. Tickets: 423 493-0270 ext. 10, rsvp@jewishchattanooga.com. The event is open to everyone regardless of religious affiliation.
Big 9 Art Bash
Public Art Chattanooga and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center will host The Big Nine Art Bash, a celebration of MLK Boulevard, with a special tribute to the late Booker T. Scruggs, on Saturday, July 22.
The event will feature artwork and performances inspired by the Big Nine, the former name of the Martin Luther King District. The sculptors who contributed pieces to the MLK District Sculpture Exhibition will be available to discuss their work. The Pop Up Project will engage guests with interactive performances, establishments along the boulevard will offer food and drink. The documentary, “America’s Boulevard: A Mural on MLK,” will screen outside after dark. In addition, the Booker T. Scruggs Ensemble will perform a tribute to the group’s namesake, who passed away earlier this month.
The first 125 guests who register online will receive a free wristband granting access to the Bessie Patio and free food and drink from select MLK establishments. Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/the-big-nine-art-bash-tickets-35472544335.
Red, white and blueberries at Chattanooga Market
Culinard Institute of Virginia College will host three blueberry pie eating contests at the Chattanooga Market on Sunday, July 2. The noon and 1 p.m. contests are open to the public. Those interested in participating in the “no hands allowed” contest can sign up at the information desk on Sunday. A 3 p.m. contest will spotlight five market vendors.