Plus, NASA-acclaimed astronomer to give solar eclipse insight.
 
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Today’s Forecast

60º | 6% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:21 a.m. | Sunset 8:05 p.m.

 
🩺 Picturing Hamilton County’s health
Picture of our health graphic for 2024 showing chronic disease risk numbers
What is the overall picture of Hamilton County’s health in 2024? | Graphic provided by Hamilton County Health Department
The Hamilton County Health Department’s “A Picture of Our Health” assessment has been published for 2024, showing a snapshot of the state of health for the Chattanooga area.

This report is updated every 4-5 years, so we’re taking a look back at the 2019 findings to compare some of the highlights.

Insurance
9% of the population was uninsured in 2019 + 8.1% is currently uninsured.

Access to care
In 2019, there was a 910:1 ratio of primary care physicians and 550:1 ratio of mental health providers. In 2024, the provider ratios changed to 920:1 for primary care + 390:1 for mental health.

Risk factors for chronic diseases
Factors include food insecurity, physical inactivity, and current smokers in the county. In 2019, 14% of the county faced food insecurity, 28% wasn’t active in their free time, and 20% smoked. In 2024, the numbers decreased with 10% noting food insecurity, 23% not physically active + 17% being current smokers.

Life expectancy
The county’s average life span was 77.5 years in 2019. In 2024, it has stayed roughly the same at 77 years — higher than the state average of 75.3 years.

Drinking water quality
There were no health-based drinking water violations in either report. Notably, the water system serving Soddy-Daisy has added back its fluoridation program (which all other systems in the county use).

Note: You’ll see additional topics + data on the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2024 assessment. See more of the highlights.

Why do these findings matter? They will be used to help the Health Department + Regional Health Council to develop strategies over the next few years to address the needs identified.
 
Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board
 
Events
 
Friday, April 5
  • The Tannahill Weavers | Friday, April 5 | 8-11 p.m. | The Woodshop, 5500 St. Elmo Ave., Chattanooga | $25 | See a show performed by a renowned Scotland Celtic group as they blend “the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms.”
Saturday, April 6
  • Swing Into Spring | Saturday, April 6 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | McDonald Farm, 16705 Coulterville Rd., Sale Creek | Free+ | Come out to the farm for live music, food trucks, an egg hunt, and more family fun.
  • Chattanooga Outdoor Festival | Saturday, April 6 | 12-7 p.m. | Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens, 1400 Market St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Enjoy a full day of outdoor activities for all ages, demos, live music, a beer garden + food.
  • Save Water, Drink Wine | Saturday, April 6 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center, 200 River St., Chattanooga | $35-$75 | Those 21+ can celebrate WaterWays’ 20th anniversary with global wines, local brews, and an auction + learn about the watersheds the nonprofit protects.
  • Free Movie at Miller Park | Saturday, April 6 | 6 p.m. | Miller Park, 850 Market St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Bring your blanket + chairs for a screening of “Space Jam” under the stars.
  • “The Last Five Years” | Saturday, April 6-Sunday, April 7 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga | $25-$35 | Watch this intimate musical about two New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over the span of five years.
Sunday, April 7
  • Ayla Nereo | Sunday, April 7 | 9-11:55 p.m. | Barrelhouse Ballroom, 1501 Long St., Chattanooga | $0-$40 | Hear “one of the most poignant voices currently floating about” while enjoying live painters, herbalists, and more.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
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Festival
 
Nooga’s biggest arts fest is back and better than ever
Two people posing with an art piece of a skull at an arts festival outside.
Find your next conversation piece at this year’s 4 Bridges Arts Festival. | Photo by Jonathan Adams
Calling all art lovers. The 4 Bridges Arts Festival — aka Chattanooga’s biggest fine arts fest — returns to the Scenic City Saturday, April 20-Sunday, April 21.

The highly-anticipated 24th annual event will exhibit the work of 140+ artists from across the county at the First Horizon Pavilion.

Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or just starting your gallery, you can be sure to find one-of-a-kind pieces in a wide range of media, styles, and prices, including:
  • Paintings
  • Sculptures + ceramics
  • Basketry
  • Jewelry
  • Digital art + mixed media
  • Wood and furniture
  • Photography
  • And more
Beyond the art, the weekend event will feature live music, food trucks, and fun activities for the whole fam. General admission is $5 for adults and free for kids under 18.

Want a first look? Attend the Preview Party on Friday, April 19 to enjoy delicious food and drinks, meet the artists, and be one of the first to explore each booth. This elevated, ticketed fundraiser supports the Association for Visual Arts.
 
News Notes
 
Real Estate
  • The Mountain City Club, located at 729 Chestnut St., was recently sold for $9 million. The sale was made to Ken + Byron DeFoor, who have been developing properties in the West Village area, such as the former Gilman Pain Co. and BlueCross Gold buildings. (Chattanoogan.com)
Learn
  • Chattanooga State Community College will welcome NASA-acclaimed astronomer Dr. Charles Law to provide insight on the solar eclipse during a watch party on Monday, April 8. Bonus: Dr. Law will also give a free + open-to-the-public lecture on Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m.
UTC
  • UTC’s Artificial Intelligence Initiative will host a panel discussion on AI applications for classroom + research purposes on Wednesday, April 10. The free and open event will begin at 12 p.m. at the Raccoon Mountain Room. Bonus: Attendees can have an AI-enhanced profile portrait photo taken.
Community
  • The Better Business Bureau will host its bi-annual Shred Day on Saturday, April 13 at the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., folks can bring documents for on-site shredding, recycle electronics, and dispose of unneeded prescription drugs. Note: Be sure to check item limits.
Biz
Plan Ahead
  • The We Make Festival will return to the Chattanooga Green on Saturday, May 4 featuring art, music, a youth showcase, and the International Market & More. Note: Those interested in reserving a booth space for the market can register to participate online.
Number
Eat
  • Get ready to fire up your tastebuds: Hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country, the Southeastern BBQ Showdown is happening Friday, June 14-Saturday, June 15 at Segra Park. Sample world-class barbecue, groove along to beats by the Band of Oz, and catch a spectacular fireworks show. See details + snag tickets.*
Wellness
  • BetterHelp creates a safe, stigma-free space where you can be your authentic self and explore your concerns. Get 25% off your first month of therapy.*
 
 
Outdoors
 
Wander wildly for native plants
Folks shopping at the Plant Nursery at Reflection Riding
Spend a weekend learning about and shopping native plants like ones found at Reflection Riding’s Native Plant Nursery. | Photo by Reflection Riding
Folks can join the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones for its Wild Wander: Plant Natives Weekend on Friday, April 12 through Sunday, April 14.

This three-day event highlights the group’s mission of connecting the community with native plants through programming like educational talks, hikes around the city, and a market. You can expect:
  • Friday, April 12 | Mini symposium | 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Finley Stadium | Discussions on invasive species management, bees + trees, parasitic management, and more.
  • Saturday, April 13 | Marketplace and expo | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion | Shop from local nurseries and vendors, meet with experts and conservationists + enjoy kid-friendly workshops.
  • Sunday, April 14 | Workshops and hikes | 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. | Various locations | Take part in activities like a hike at Stringer’s Ridge, a field trip to Little Cedar Mountain + a botanical illustrations workshop.
Note: You must pre-register for the events on Friday + Sunday.
 
The Buy
 
Eco-friendly self-care options. Parrotfish has shampoo, conditioner, soap bars, and shower steamers that will level up your night in.
 
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The Wrap
 
Haley Bartlett.png Today’s edition by:
Haley
From the editor
Looking to plan ahead even more for next weekend’s adventures? You might want to save the dates to Creekside Flower Farms’ Spring Plant Festival on Saturday, April 13 + Sunday, April 14. With a $5 entry per car, you’ll get access to the flower fields, a plant market, and 17 local vendors.
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