by Martha Rose Woodward
More excitement from the racehorse I’ll Have Another, winner of the Preakness Stakes. Who came in second? Bodemeister did, just like in the Kentucky Derby. Will we see I’ll Have Another win the Triple Crown? There is a huge possibility that we will.
Congratulations to Robin Flourney’s 5th Grade Class at Knoxville Christian School on Synder Road for completing a successful year. Many thanks for inviting me to speak to the class the last day of school. The students were awesome and, even though the time was ticking bringing forth their last day at school, they were attentive and asked great questions. I talked to the students about being a reporter and the importance of writing. Happy summer to those students and to all students who are on vacation.
The Knoxville Sunsphere turned 30 years old this week. It surprises me that there are still thousands of people who have lived here since the structure was built who tell me they have never been inside it. For your information, the 4th floor is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. as an Observation Deck. Admission is free and there are historic items there from the 1982 World’s Fair as well as an awesome 360 degree view of this area. The 6th floor is available for event rental for reasonable rates according to the kind of event you want to plan. Call Sara Spangler at 865 363 9538 for details.
Did you know? The Sunsphere was the theme structure for the 1982 World’s Fair.
Work began on it in January 1981 and was completed April 1982.
The tower is 192 ft. while the ball is 74 ft.; making a total of 266 ft.
Community Tectonics was the architectural firm that designed it.
Rentenbach was the General Contractors.
It cost $6.6 million to construct and install all equipment and furniture.
The tower is 192 ft. while the ball is 74 ft.; making a total of 266 ft.
It has never revolved.
The Sunsphere is owned by the city of Knoxville.
It was purchased in 1986 from private investors for $750,000.
The Sunsphere is managed by the Public Building Authority,
and is a part of World’s Fair Park.
