Although he's been gone 15 years, Roy Acuff's name still sparks significant interest.

Photo Caption: Dr. Bill Acuff, of Knoxville, holding "Cuzzin" Roy's crown received from the Grand Ole Opry when Roy and Minnie Pearl were crowned the King & Queen of Country Music.

On June 1st and 2nd, country music fans can enjoy a rare opportunity to view the crown Roy received from the Grand Ole Opry when he and Minnie Pearl were named the King & Queen of Country Music.

The crown, now owned by retired Knoxville physician, Bill Acuff, is a treasured family artifact. "I had to bid against members of Roy's band at the estate auction, but I wanted this memento of my good friend and distant cousin," Dr. Acuff said.

Roy's crown will join several other unusual and historic items on display at the Antiques & Collectibles Show & Sale being held at Knoxville's Kerbela Shrine Temple this week.

The event, which has garnered international recognition, draws thousands of visitors annually. "We will have about 75 dealers from across the region with a tremendous variety of antiques and collectibles for sale," said registrar Gary Lawson.

"With free admission, kid-friendly activities, and free parking, we're hoping to encourage families to come check us out," said Lawson. "Adding items that aren't usually available for the public to view makes this a real treat."

Other informational displays will include rare medicine, liquor, and poison bottles, Southern Railway and the New Market Train Wreck, Civil War artifacts, tombstones and Victorian mourning customs, Knoxville's Appalachian Exposition, Fountain City memorabilia, Knoxville General Hospital Nursing & Lincoln Memorial University Medical School artifacts, and old maps, books, photos, and postcards from East Tennessee.

A display of skateboards spanning fifty years and three continents will be a highlight, especially for younger collectors.

Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites.

Food and drink concessions will be available both days. Proceeds will benefit Knoxville's Inner-City Churches' ministries.

Hours for the Show & Sale are 10-5 Friday and 9-5 Saturday. For more information, visit the club's Web site at or call Gary Lawson at (865) 933-6137.