Lisa Denton and Barry Courter
LISA DENTON: Happy Memorial Day, Barry, and hats off and heartfelt thanks to America's veterans.
Did you know that, if we give blood today, Blood Assurance will donate $1 to American Legion organizations around the region? Plus, blood donors get a drawstring backpack and are entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to Garth Brooks' Friday concert in Knoxville. If you go to the live show, you'll get a chance to hear the long version of "Friends in Low Places." There's a third verse he sings in concert that's not on the original recording.
Of course, I'm willing to give blood just for the snacks they give out. I love me some Little Debbies.
BARRY COURTER: Well, I was going to be flip and wish everyone a Happy Mattress Sale Day, but you went all serious on me.
I echo your heartfelt thanks to the veterans, and the need for people to give blood. I think I'm due for a visit, and today's as good a day as any. I can go downtown, give blood, get a snack, then watch the Volkswagen USA Pro Cycling Road Race & Time Trial Championships.
LISA: You know what else you can do for free today? Use one of the bicycles in the Bike Chattanooga bike share program. You'll need a debit or credit card to make the transaction, but the card won't be charged.
As long as we're thinking about free stuff (and when aren't we?), Sunday is Mountain View Bluegrass day at Chattanooga Market. Bluetastic Fangrass and the Possum Hunters will be performing.
BARRY: Friday is a busy night for music as well. Nightfall will have the Spirit Family Reunion with Big Kitty opening. Starship with Mickey Thomas is at Memorial Auditorium and, if you want to take a road trip, Ronnie McDowell is at the Palace Theatre in Crossville.
The Chattanooga Zoo is hosting Dreamnight for special-needs children and their families the same night. Admission is free to them, though reservations are needed. Also on Friday, 212 Market has a French chef cooking up something special as a fundraiser that is part of the Hunter Museum's Celebration of Impressionist Art.
That's a busy night.
LISA: And if you're a fan of Atlanta Braves baseball, you might want to get a ticket for the Times Free Press' Best of Preps banquet, featuring Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz. The event's not until June 1, but ticket sales will end Wednesday at timesfreepress.com/BOP, unless it sells out before then.
Get event details every Thursday in ChattanoogaNow or online anytime at www.chattanooganow.com.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281. Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.