Knox Shamrock Fest to Feature Irish Festival and Lucky Kidney Run

The East Tennessee Kidney Foundation invites families, runners and volunteers to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and support local dialysis patients by participating in its Knox Shamrock Fest on March 16-17, 2018 in downtown Knoxville. The event includes a two-day Irish festival on Market Square and the 7th annual Lucky Kidney Run.

“Whether you plan to run or walk in the Lucky Kidney Run or celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with friends or family, Knox Shamrock Fest promises fun for the entire family,” said ETKF Executive Director Katie Martin. “Locals and tourists along with anyone whose life has been touched by kidney disease are welcome to participate in the celebration, while supporting a great cause.”

The highlights of Knox Shamrock Fest presented by Fresenius Kidney Care include:

Friday, March 16, on Market Square:

• Family friendly festivities, 3-8 p.m. The festival will feature live entertainment, cultural performances and children’s activities, including face painting, midway games, a bounce house. Admission is free; tickets for children’s activities are available online during race registration and at the event.
• Raven & Red concert of Americana and folk music, 8-10 p.m. Free.

Saturday, March 17, on Market Square

• Lucky Kidney Run, 10 a.m. The 6K run and 6K/2K walk starts from Market Square and progresses from downtown to the Fourth and Gill neighborhood and back. Registration is open at http://www.etkidney.org and will be 7-9 a.m. on race day in Market Square. The cost is $40 for ages 13 and older and $25 for ages 9-12. The Lucky Kidney Run is sponsored by WATE-TV 6 and Q100.3 FM.
• Family friendly festivities: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The festival will feature live entertainment, cultural performances and children’s activities, including face painting, midway games, a bounce house. Admission is free; tickets for children’s activities are available online during race registration and at the event.
• The Magills concert of Celtic music, 5-7 p.m. Free.
• Way Sneaky Eddie concert of Irish rock and cover tunes, 8-10 p.m. Free.

More information about all events is available at http://www.etkidney.org.

The East Tennessee Kidney Foundation (ETKF) helps more than 1,800 local kidney patients annually in 16 East Tennessee counties with costs for transportation to and from dialysis treatments as well as provides nutritional supplements and blankets to make dialysis treatments more comfortable for patients. ETKF supplies patient and caregiver education; facilitates prevention, detection and awareness of kidney disease; and promotes organ donation. Funds raised and contributions to ETKF support patients in the East Tennessee region.

Individuals or community service groups interested in volunteering to assist at Knox Shamrock Fest events may contact https://www.volunteeretn.org/etkidney to review opportunities and sign up.