KNOXVILLE (Feb. 13, 2012) --  The first-ever "Knox Cash Mob" was a big success, with an estimated 700 to 800 people taking part in the event all day Friday.  The inaugural cash mob was held at Emery's 5 & 10, a longtime local business that holds the distinction of being the oldest family-run 5 & 10 in the country. (See photos below)

"The show of support from this community was unbelievable," Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett said.  "Knox County is full of people willing to step up and help out, and I am proud to have been a part of this effort to help promote local business."

Mayor Burchett organized the "Knox Cash Mob" after hearing about a similar event that took place in Ohio.  While driving home from work one night, he heard Alan Jackson's song "Little Man" playing on the radio, and his mind was made up.  He decided to put together a cash mob to support locally-owned businesses.  With the impact of the recent Henely Street Bridge closure, and following the mayor's tour of several affected businesses, South Knoxville became the obvious choice to plan the first mob.

After organizing the first few cash mobs to benefit South Knoxville businesses, Mayor Burchett plans to hold cash mobs in various areas of Knox County.

You can keep up with latest "Knox Cash Mob" information by following @KnoxCashMob on Twitter or by "Liking" the "Knox Cash Mob" Facebook page.