It’s interesting: Knoxville has a tremendous Irish heritage. According to a recent book, Knoxville: Holidays and Festivals, written by Jack Neely and published by the Knoxville History Project, the group held an important place in local leadership: ” . . . at least three of the first seven members of Knoxville’s first Board of Aldermen in 1816,” were Irish. He states the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade of record was held in 1869. The Irish had arrived in Knoxville in large … Continue reading Knoxville Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in Style