Water adds so much to the lifestyle of East Tennessee – and it complements a myriad of outdoor activities.

A big event this weekend is the Clinch River Regatta, hosted by Clinch River Brewing in Norris. Participants will slow-float down the Clinch River before enjoying a beer and food festival, then camping at Norris Dam State Park. Sounds like heaven! The fun starts Saturday morning, and the event benefits Project Healing Waters.

Also this weekend, Powell will have the Powell Station Flotilla on Beaver Creek Saturday morning, and Ijams Nature Center will host an evening wildlife watch kayak program Saturday night.

On Wednesday, Aug. 14, River Sports Outfitters is offering a free kayak fishing demonstration at The Cove at Concord Park. There will be many different makes and models of fishing kayaks to check out, and staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Back on dry land, it’s election season, and what better way to get to know your current and hopeful leaders than a Walk With Elected Officials? Bike Walk Knoxville is hosting the walk at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, along the Northwest Greenway, from Northwest Middle School to Victor Ashe Park and back.

The Harvey Broome Group of the Sierra Club will hold its annual picnic 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, at Tyson Park’s Shelter 1. The group will provide hot dogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers, and everyone is welcome. It’s a great opportunity to find out what the HBG is doing and consider getting involved.

For more details on these and other upcoming outdoor activities, check out the Outdoor Knoxville calendar.

Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to ensuring that our community enjoys exceptional recreational opportunities, natural beauty and open spaces, and that those assets exist for generations to come.