Nearly five decades since its debut, Roots continues to stand as a groundbreaking moment in American television, leaving an indelible local imprint thanks to its creator, Alex Haley.

Roots first aired on ABC in January 1977, captivating the nation with the saga of Kunta Kinte and his descendants.

The mini-series became one of history’s most-viewed television events, reaching over 100 million viewers for its final episode and sparking important conversations on slavery, family, and identity.

Haley not only earned a special Pulitzer Prize, but also inspired countless Americans to trace their ancestry.

After his success, Haley called East Tennessee home, settling in Clinton and leaving a legacy through Alex Haley Heritage Square in East Knoxville, where his influence remains celebrated.

Today, debates over Roots in Tennessee school libraries revive discussions about teaching America’s difficult past—and underscore why Haley’s work still matters.

Banana Ball is electrifying Knoxville, delivering a lively mix of baseball and entertainment that’s sweeping the nation.

At the center of the excitement are local brothers AJ and KC Cazana, who’ve shifted from professional wrestling into the roles of the “Beefy Boys” for the Texas Tailgaters.

Their new act brings signature energy, engaging fans with playful antics on the field, during tailgates, and throughout the stadium.

Performing at Covenant Health Park and Neyland Stadium is especially meaningful, as it allows the brothers to connect with their East Tennessee roots.

Banana Ball—invented by the Savannah Bananas—infuses fast-paced play with crowd participation and dancing, making each game a unique spectacle.

The Cazanas hope to inspire others from small towns to dream big, while inviting fans to experience nonstop fun at sold-out games across Knoxville.

Memorial Day Weekend in East Tennessee: Ceremonies, Closures & What to Know

Memorial Day weekend will bring ceremonies and community observances across Knoxville, Maryville, Alcoa, and Blount County as East Tennesseans honor military members who died in service.

Local veterans groups, cemeteries, and civic organizations are expected to host remembrance ceremonies throughout the weekend and on Memorial Day Monday, including flag placements, wreath presentations, and moments of reflection for families and residents.

If you’re making plans, expect many places to be closed or operating on limited schedules Monday, May 25, including:

• City and county government offices in Knoxville, Maryville, Alcoa, and Blount County
• Courthouses and public offices
• Banks and post offices
• Public libraries and some recreation facilities
• Schools and many business offices
• Some local restaurants and shops, especially independently owned businesses, may have reduced hours

Trash pickup, public transit schedules, and city services may also shift depending on your municipality, so residents are encouraged to check local government websites before heading out.

For families, Memorial Day weekend also marks the unofficial start of summer in East Tennessee, with many heading to local parks, lakes, and the Smokies after observances conclude.

5 Things Happening Around Knoxville & Blount County This Memorial Day Weekend

Looking for something to do around Knoxville and Blount County this Memorial Day weekend? Whether you’re planning family time, outdoor adventures, or just hoping to make the most of an extra day off, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the unofficial start of summer.

1. Explore the Smokies — Early
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is always a holiday weekend favorite, but timing matters. Popular spots like Cades Cove and Newfound Gap will likely be busy, so an early morning start can mean cooler temperatures, lighter traffic, and easier parking.

2. Stroll Downtown Maryville
Downtown Maryville offers an easy weekend outing with local shops, restaurants, coffee spots, and community events. It’s a great lower-key option for families or anyone wanting to avoid tourist traffic.

3. Catch the Knoxville Buzz
Knoxville is expected to feel especially lively this weekend, with visitors in town and major events creating extra energy downtown. Expect busier restaurants, fuller patios, and plenty happening around Market Square and the Old City.

4. Honor Memorial Day Locally
Community ceremonies and veterans tributes are taking place across East Tennessee throughout the weekend and on Monday. Check local city calendars for remembrance events near you.

5. Take a Scenic Drive
If crowds aren’t your thing, consider a scenic drive through Foothills Parkway or quieter mountain routes for views without the busiest tourism corridors.

However you spend it, expect warmer weather, heavier traffic, and plenty of reasons to get outside this holiday weekend.

Smokies road reminders for summer visitors

Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest times of the year in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but a little planning can make for a much smoother day trip. If you’re heading into the park, start early — ideally before 8 a.m. — to avoid long entrance backups and crowded parking areas at popular spots like Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, and Laurel Falls. Midday traffic tends to peak between late morning and early afternoon, especially near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Before leaving, check current road conditions and temporary closures, as weather or maintenance can occasionally affect travel routes. Pack water, snacks, and patience, and consider less-crowded areas or scenic drives if main attractions feel packed. An early start can mean cooler temperatures, easier parking, and a much more relaxing Smokies experience.

Traffic pattern changes near Smokies tourism corridors

Drivers heading toward the Smokies this Memorial Day weekend may notice temporary traffic pattern changes near key tourism corridors between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Recent maintenance work along the Spur — one of the busiest routes connecting the two destinations — has included periodic lane impacts that could still influence travel timing as holiday crowds arrive. While major work may be winding down, heavier-than-normal traffic is still expected, especially during late morning and afternoon peak hours. Visitors can avoid the worst backups by traveling early in the day or waiting until evening for return trips. Local officials also recommend checking road conditions before heading out, particularly if weather or holiday congestion creates additional delays. A little flexibility could make for a much smoother Smokies weekend drive.

Interesting Facts

Why Knox County Home Values Are Jumping — and What It Actually Means

If your Knox County property assessment notice sparked a double take, you’re not alone.

Homeowners across the county are reacting to the latest property reassessment cycle after many reported sharply higher home valuations — in some cases nearly double what their properties were previously assessed at. Unsurprisingly, the increases are fueling concern about affordability, rising housing costs, and what this could mean for future tax bills.

But here’s the important distinction: a higher reassessed value does not automatically mean your property taxes will double.

Property reassessments are designed to reflect updated market values and happen on a regular cycle. After reassessment, local governments determine tax rates, which can change as budgets and revenues are adjusted. In Tennessee, certified tax rates are often recalculated following countywide reassessments to avoid sudden windfalls from rising property values alone.

Still, confusion remains. Many residents are asking the same questions: Can I appeal? How long do I have? Will this change my mortgage payment? For homeowners with escrow accounts, increases in taxes could eventually affect monthly payments, though the timeline varies.

The issue is quickly becoming one of Knox County’s biggest kitchen-table conversations — especially for longtime homeowners, retirees, and families already feeling pressure from higher costs. For now, local officials encourage residents to review assessment notices carefully, compare values to recent nearby sales, and understand the appeal process if something feels off.