There’s a new bus in town, and catching it has never been so groovy. Move over Knoxville Area Transit.
Meet the Big Love Bus.
Brightly painted with art inspired by albums of the ’60s, the Big Love Bus is impossible to miss as it carries partying passengers around the streets of Knoxville. Featuring indoor and outdoor stereo systems, coolers and televisions, the series of three psychedelic buses are used for everything from tailgating to dancing.
“I think it’s perfect for Knoxville,” Renee Sprouse, owner of the Big Love Bus, said. “I think it’s great for these people and just our community. It’s just something different – something to smile about.”
Originally from New Orleans, Sprouse has lived in Knoxville since 1994. She was first inspired to purchase the buses after her two sons, now 7 and 4, started school. Suddenly left with more time on her hands, Sprouse went on a party bus excursion with her step mother-in-law in Dallas. A few months later, she had purchased and renovated three school buses, and the Big Love Bus craze was born.
Caden Montgomery, 19, played a major role in this renovation as the Big Love Bus artist. Montgomery said he hoped to create something that would suit various age groups and fit a ‘60s inspired theme.
“It’s a sense of accomplishment that Knoxville is up-and-coming in the arts,” Montgomery said. “It brings a sense of freshness and it’s almost like a throwback for the older community. While painting them I had people come up and say it brings back memories, which I think is really awesome.”
Once the designs were on the bus, UT students helped paint the colors. The messages Montgomery hopes people will derive from this art are simple.
“Happiness, of course,” he said. “Love – that’s what the buses are about.”
With rates of $200 per hour, the buses are in use multiple times a week, hosting events as diverse as children’s birthdays, bachelorette parties and bridge clubs. The passengers aren’t the only ones to find happiness in the buses, though.
Carlene Doig-Collins, one of six Big Love Bus drivers, is part of the party from beginning to end.
“I just want to make this atmosphere as much fun as possible,” Doig-Collins said. “I think if I’m having a good time, they’re going to have a good time … I have a blast.
“I like to work and I like to have fun. And this is the best of both worlds.”
Doig-Collins said she loves every group she drives, but the kids’ parties stand out among the rest.
“When I start blowing all the animal horns and all the sirens, their eyes get as big as half dollars,” Doig-Collins said. “They’re so excited and that just tickles me to death. I love that.”
Aside from renting out the bus, Sprouse uses it to give back to the community. The Big Love Bus has been donated to different charities and purposes in Knoxville, such as mobile meals, charity auctions and teacher appreciation events. Soon, Sprouse hopes to have Christmas light tours as well.
Doig-Collins said the public has received the quirky company with “open arms.” Sprouse agreed, saying the success of these buses is the result of a truly collaborative effort.
“Everybody we have met from the beginning who has helped us has gone way out of their way (and) done so much more than they needed to,” Sprouse said. “It’s just one of those things that’s fun and everybody has just been great.”
In the midst of starting up her vibrant business venture, Sprouse has even learned a few things about herself along the way.
“I know a lot about generators and air conditioning units. I’ve learned a lot.” Sprouse said with a laugh. “I’m proud of how far we’ve come in a short time … It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s been well worth it.”
For more information or to rent a Big Love Bus, visit biglovebus.com.
