Jim Lane and his grandson Cobey Teems decided to spend their Saturday at the Man Xpo.
Lane said he had never been to the Man Expo, presented by the Times Free Press, and thought it would be fun to take his grandson and see what was going on.
"We looked at all the guns and they were pretty awesome," Lane said. "And the motorcycles they have on display over there are really impressive."
The Xpo took place at the First Tennessee Pavilion, sponsored by Dr Pepper and Comcast Xfinity. Booths were packed with things appealing to manly interests, from fine cigars to beer, along with displays of cars, motorcycles and dirt bikes. Men walked around in packs, some with kids and dogs. Women also braved the event and were caught enjoying the live music and watching their kids ride the mechanical bull.
In the center of the pavilion a portable lake stocked with catfish was set up and kids tried to hook the finny prey with poles. An inflatable paintball game was set up at one end of the pavilion, and in Finley Stadium a variety of games and inflatables were set up for kids.
The White Oak Barber Shop was offering haircuts and had a long waiting list most of the day, according to Sarah Platt, who has been a barber-stylist there since March.
"I did not expect this many people to want cuts," she said, standing in front of a barber chair. "A few of the people are our regular clientele, but most of the guys are new to us."
Platt said being at the Xpo was great advertising, and that she expects many of the people who got haircuts will return to the barbershop on Dayton Boulevard in Red Bank next time they need a trim.
Michelle Ibester works with Chattanooga Whiskey and agreed that the Xpo was great for advertising.
She said Chattanooga Whiskey was not allowed to sell any of its product, but they were giving away samples.
"So many people are coming over and trying the whiskey, and they see that this is one of kind and doesn't taste like other whiskeys they've had," she said as she poured samples into little plastic shot glasses. "I bet a lot of people will come to the store and pick up a bottle or two."
A group of college friends sat at a table at the end of the pavilion snacking on foods from the numerous vendors and sipping on beer. Jake Groenendyk said he drove to Chattanooga for the weekend to see his friends and they happened to stop by and see what was going on at the pavilion.
"The soul food, lawn mowers and good whiskey makes me feel at home," he said.
Contact staff writer Kendi Anderson at kendi.anderson@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6592.