Editorial

Lee Greenwood at Barnes & Noble Hamilton Place

On Friday, July 10 from noon to 2 p.m., country music legend Lee Greenwood will be signing his new children’s book at Barnes & Noble Hamilton Place. “Proud to Be an American” is based on Greenwood’s popular patriotic ballad, “God Bless the USA.” Greenwood’s signing will also be used as a book fair fundraiser for the Want To Foundation, a local organization that works with at-risk teens. The public is invited to attend this free event.

Peach season comes to Warehouse Row

As peach season heads to a peak, Warehouse Row is gearing up for a “peachy” summer celebration with the return of its annual Crafted by Southern Hands event on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring pony rides, live music, complimentary refreshments, and more. The Peach Truck will also be on-hand with its hand-picked, farm-fresh Georgia peaches.

Guided bicycle tour

The Chattanooga History Center (CHC) and Outdoor Chattanooga will conduct a leisurely bike ride through downtown Chattanooga on Saturday, July 11 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Participants will learn about the ways people have cycled through and mobilized the city. The tour will begin at Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park. Space is limited and preregistration is required by Friday, July 10.

Participants will wheel from Coolidge Park to the Chattanooga Choo Choo and then cruise back to Coolidge. Along the way,  riders will hear stories about the resources and routes that have drawn people to Chattanooga and view historic photos from the CHC collection. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. This tour is appropriate for ages eight and up. To register, call the CHC at (423) 265-3247 and choose option 1, or visit chattanoogahistory.org. Participants may bring their own bicycle. To reserve a bike and helmet with Outdoor Chattanooga, call (423) 643-6888. All participants must wear a helmet.

First Amendment dinner

The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga invites the Chattanooga community to its eighth annual First Amendment Dinner on Tuesday, July 14 at 6 p.m. at the Jewish Cultural Center. The event will educate guests about their First Amendment rights and honor local veterans for their service.  The keynote speaker will be Southern Poverty Law Center Founder Morris Dees. For ticket prices, call 493-0270, extension 10, or email rsvp@jewishchattanooga.com. Space is limited.

Creative Discovery Museum’s AmuseUm 2.0

Creative Discovery Museum’s annual fundraiser, AmuseUm 2.0, will feature a full weekend of high-tech amusement. AmuseUm, the party for grown-ups, will be held Saturday, Aug. 29. The party will feature high-tech physical and digital playgrounds by Two Bit Circus, a Los Angeles-based team of artists, engineers, educators, and inventors. Lee Towery Catering will provide the food, and Sound Force Entertainment will perform live dance music. Guests will also be able to bid in silent and “roaming” live auctions for a variety of items, including vacation getaways. AmuseUm 2.0: Kid’s Edition will take place the following day. All of the high-tech amusements from Two Bit Circus will stay at the museum through the weekend so families can bring their kids to experience the digital playground. On Sunday, guests will pay what they wish at the door instead of the standard ticket price for admission. (Sponsorships for AmuseUm 2.0: Kid’s Edition will open the door to all children in the community.) Funds raised from AmuseUm will help Creative Discovery Museum continue to offer programs and exhibits to over 250,000 people annually. Dress for the event is casual. For more information or to make reservations, call (423) 648-6085 or visit the museum’s website at www.cdmfun.org/amuseum.

Wine Over Water

The 21st Annual Wine Over Water will take place Saturday, Oct. 3. Hosted by Cornerstones, the event will incorporate hundreds of wines as well as local food and music. The event weekend will start with the Best Cellars wine tasting event on Friday, Oct. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Chattanoogan Hotel. Wine Over Water will follow on Saturday, with the gates opening at 3:30 and wine tastings starting at 5 p.m. on the Walnut Street Bridge. The event will feature food from local restaurants, more than 300 wines from nearly 100 wineries, and local music. Ticket information can be found at www.wineoverwater.org.