itive actions with the goal of helping Knoxville grow and thrive as a community .
“ I ’ m so thankful that there are so many people in the community who have stepped up to help do things to make it as big as it has become ,” says Mott .
An event of this scale takes about nine months to prepare ,
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and a new theme is introduced each year . “ Christmas Carols ,” “ Christmas Books ,” “ The Colors of Christmas ,” “ Christmas Movies ” and “ Christmas Trees of the World ” are only a few of the many diverse themes that have filled the windows of downtown Knoxville .
“ I always prefer the windows that have kids in them , because I think they ’ re a great draw ,” says Mott . “ When I first started this , my plan was to have kids in the windows , because people love seeing kids enjoying themselves by decorating Christmas cookies in the window , or building gingerbread houses , or bagging up food for the needy . It makes for a super sweet experience .”
This year , THRIVE Knoxville still plans to host the event but will have safety precautions in place due to COVID-19 . Festivities will kick off with the annual tree lighting ceremony on the Marion County Courthouse lawn at 6 p . m . on Nov . 19 . The ceremony will be available to view virtually , and Santa will be making “ Santa Stops ” at various locations around town .
Whatever your age or political affiliation may be , Knoxville ’ s annual tradition always brings the community together .
“ I think the entire experience really warms everybody ’ s heart ,”
D . P . PLUMBING
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6 Senior Resource Guide 2020