old city warlock, plus: christmas bonus!

as i prepared to make my first 'weird knoxville' post, one great figure of knoxville came to mind. no doubt many of you have seen him numerous times. his typical garb includes a ruby studded chalice and wizard's staff (or shepherd's cane?). i don't know his name, but i prefer to think of him as the old city's resident warlock. the attached picture of our wizard friend was captured in the urban bar a few weeks ago. i apologize for the quality of the image, i had to snap the picture on the fly and without a flash (its rude to take a picture of someone without their knowing, but apparently, its not rude to blog about them). i've never talked to the mage himself, but i do have an anecdote. a friend once saw him in the downtown vicinity and, quite naturally, asked to hold his chalice. he refused her this simple act of community and joy because my friend "did not really believe." now, that's what i'm talking about! i can think of no better candidate for 'weird knoxville.' my hat's off to you, warlock of the old city.

also, i'm reposting my favorite picture from the christmas parade. the only thing that might put me more in the spirit of the season is a few ghouls on christams eve!