Special Events - Smoky Mountains - July 2010
Calendar of Events Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge - Sevierville - Cherokee - Townsend - Maggie Valley
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST
SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER
Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg
"Ghostwalk of Gatlinburg" is a walking night-time tour of Gatlinburg's most historic and "haunted" places which takes about one hour, and is approximately one mile in length. The walk is lantern-led and guided by a local storyteller dressed in costume. "Ghostwalk" is not a haunted-house tour. It is a storytelling experience with a twist of murder and mayhem. We get your attention, but we don't chase you around with chainsaws. The stories feature a combination of local legends, history, superstition, folk tales and fiction. The tour's purpose is to revisit many historic and forgotten stories of murder and chaos that took place during the past 100 years in Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tours leave nightly at 9, 10:30 and midnight. Reservations required. 865-556-0674
www.ghostwalkofgatlinburg.com
June 12 - August 8
Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales®
All summer long hear tales, mountain music, and learn the lore of the Smoky Mountains on the sidewalks of downtown Gatlinburg. Fourteen acts nightly. 5 - 10 p.m.
Back by popular demand, Gatlinburg's 4th annual run of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™ begins in downtown Gatlinburg on June 12 and will run Friday and Saturday nights until June 26, when it begins nightly performances through August 8. Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800. During 2009 numerous characters will embellish upon the 75th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
A collection of personalities and performers arrive nightly at 5 p.m. via horse-drawn wagon in the center of town. Visitors witness a magical transformation of sidewalk to stage as the characters disperse along the downtown Parkway for an evening of entertainment and storytelling until 10 p.m. As many as 14 nightly acts perform throughout the evening. This popular eight-week event truly highlights one of Gatlinburg’s greatest assets – the walkability of the community – and provides guests with an interactive, educational and entertaining experience the whole family can enjoy.
“Each night at 5 p.m., a horse-drawn wagon carries the performers down the Parkway to their designated locations for the evening,” said George Hawkins, Gatlinburg Department of Tourism Special Events Manager. “The rotating cast of twenty acts including storytellers, musicians and crafters will share their stories and skills during the eight-week event.”
As part of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™, visitors can stroll along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg and catch a toe-tappin’ performance by "The Back Porch Cloggers," a group showcasing the original dance of the Appalachians.
In addition, guests can meet Whittlin’ Joe as he demonstrates his craft and shares his stories of living in the Smokies, and Miss Nan the school marm shares her experiences and fun stories as a pioneer teacher.
Zeno the Gatlinburg BearTM also makes nightly appearances during this popular summer special event, dishing out hugs and waving to his new friends.
Other popular returning Appalachian characters include Hammer and Strings, the dulcimer duo, and Animal Mac, who sings about his four-legged friends from the Great Smoky Mountains.
“Our intent is to take what we feel is one of Gatlinburg’s greatest assets – the walkability of the community – and provide something that is fun and somewhat different than what most places are doing,” Tourism Director David Perella added.
Visitors also get a chance to hear traditional mountain music by the Spring Lizards, a musical husband and wife team, who plays the music of the 1800’s. The pure and rustic music and folk-like lyrics tell stories of the joys and tribulations of life of the early pioneer families.
Folks will enjoy hearing from Annie the Quilter as she shows off her family’s quilt noting that each square has its own story. She even gives tips and show how quilts are made to any would-be seamsters.
Tune &Tales features traditional bluegrass bands each night such as the Tennessee Mountain Boys, Mountain Mike & the River Road Ramblers and White Oak Flats playing favorite bluegrass standards. All performances are free and happen all along the Parkway, seven nights a week until August 8 making every evening a special event in Gatlinburg.
June 5 - August 29 (daily except Sunday)
Unto These Hills . . . a retelling
Outdoor drama portraying the history of the Cherokee from the entrance of DeSoto in 1540 up to and through their removal to the West in 1838. America's most popular outdoor drama is the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee. Set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, the drama is presented under the stars on three stages in the beautiful Mountainside Theater in Cherokee, NC. Since opening on July 1, 1950, "Unto These Hills" has been seen by over five million people. The compelling story opens with the arrival of the Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto in 1540 and builds to a stirring climax with the cruel removal of all but a remnant of Cherokee on the infamous "Trail of Tears." This powerful drama recreates the inspiration of the great Sequoyah, the wise leadership of Junaluska, and the heartbreaking sacrifice of Tsali, who gave his life so a handful of people might remain on the land of their heritage. Cherokee descendants, whose ancestors were forcefully driven out of the mountains and marched 1,200 miles to Oklahoma, play important roles in the drama and in the many dances, highlighted by the colorful and world-famous Eagle Dance.
After 56 years of captivating performances - and over five million patrons - this spectacular show has been reinvented, now told from the Cherokee perspective. Renowned playwright Hanay Geiogamah wrote and directs the new play. A new script, cast, director, costuming, choreography, sound and lighting system provide for a completely immersive experience with more Native American performers than ever before. 2007 will mark the second year of performances of the new show.
www.untothesehills.com
June 12 - August 2
Dollywood KidFest
The South's Largest Children's Festival. You have to see it to believe it at Dollywood’s KidsFestsm. Go wild this summer at Dollywood’s KidsFest with Creature Adventures starring the Kratt Brothers, the original creature adventurers, and all of their amazing animal friends! See Chris and Martin Kratt, stars of PBS’ popular Zoboomafoo series, as they introduce a fascinating cast of creatures.
www.dollywood.com
July 2-4
July Powwow
Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds
On the first full weekend in July our special brand of fireworks happen as a three-day explosion of authentic Indian dancing, drumming and tribal regalia. Dance competitions kick the excitement up even higher.
July 2-4
4th Annual Cherokee Art Market
Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. Get ready to say Wow! A showcase of the best Native American artists from across the country, the annual Cherokee Art Market is the perfect opportunity to marvel at and purchase prize-winning art in all mediums directly from the artists. Sponsored by the Oconaluftee Institute for Cultural Arts and funded by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, the art market has grown steadily each year, and this year more than 100 artists are expected to participate.
July 3
An Appalachian Evening featuring Paul's Creek Band
Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. An Appalachian Evening is an award-winning concert and dinner series that takes place in a restored 1926 schoolhouse. Paul’s Creek Band mixes stories from the banks of Paul’s Creek with traditional mountain sounds, originals, folk, bluegrass and more. With a focus on singing and harmonies, Carol plays guitar and dances, Jamie’s on upright bass, Troy’s on banjo and special guest Tim Gardner (High Windy Band) plays fiddle. This group loves fun, with the crowd shouting requests and singing along. Plan to come early for a traditional Appalachian Dinner served family style in our dining room (reservations required). Tickets go on sale June 1.
www.stecoahvalleycenter.com
July 3-4
35th Annual 4th of July Midnight Parade
Downtown Gatlinburg. Enjoy lighted floats, marching bands, and giant helium balloons. Parade begins at 12:01 a.m. on the 4th of July, which is one minute after midnight on July 3rd. For the 31st consecutive year, Gatlinburg will kick off America’s Independence Day celebration with the nation’s first parade, which will lead off at midnight to the cheers of 70,000 to 100,000 spectators. A tribute to the five branches of military service will be one of the many highlights. As soon as the street is closed, the parade route will come alive with pre-parade entertainers that will begin the excitement of what is to follow. Giant helium balloons will soar through the skyline of downtown Gatlinburg, from red, white, and blue Stars to Alphonso the dragon, Humpty Dumpty, and a giant patriotic Eagle and All-Star Train. More than 100 volunteers will be signed on to help the balloons navigate the streets of Gatlinburg, with more than 100 entries of all types scheduled to appear. National entries such as Schwann Foods and Red Baron Pizza will bring in their Blaine Kern-designed floats.
July 4
"Stand Here" Fireworks Finale
“Stand Here” will be the best advice for visitors as Downtown Gatlinburg’s skyline will transform into a flood of brilliant colors on the night of Saturday, July 4, 2009 when the sights and sounds of a spectacular fireworks display will fill the night sky in commemoration of America’s independence. The fireworks show, scheduled to begin shortly after sunset, will be a twenty-minute production with visibility throughout the downtown area.
Numerous segments of the show will feature spectacular rocket bursts 500 feet overhead. “The downtown Parkway will be the best place to watch the show,” stated George Hawkins, Special Events Manager for Gatlinburg’s Department of Tourism. “Between traffic lights #3 and the sky lift, our visitors will have great views, as will the businesses and accommodations that overlook the downtown area." “By staging the fireworks in this manner, spectators can enjoy the attractions, shops, nightlife, and restaurants throughout downtown prior to the display, with no worry about finding a good viewing spot as the fireworks begin,” Hawkins added. “The display should make for a perfect finale to Gatlinburg’s Fourth of July Celebration.”
July 4
Gatlinburg's River Raft Regatta
12:00 noon, Gatlinburg. Starts at Christus Gardens bridge and finishes at the Aquarium bridge. Enjoy a fun, unmanned, floatable object race for the whole family. Unmanned, floatable objects are launched in the river and they compete for prizes. Arrive by 11:30 to enter and be eligible for prizes. River Road. FREE event. For more information please contact Special Events at 800-568-4748.
July 4
19th Annual Patriot Festival
Pigeon Forge celebrates America’s Independence Day on July 4, 2009, with fun, food, fireworks and entertainment in Patriot Park. Admission is free. Activities begin at 5 p.m. with a performance by the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus and a salute to our veterans and active duty military personnel. Performances by special musical guests will be followed by a spectacular Smoky Mountains fireworks display.
July 4
4th of July Fireworks Display
Cherokee Indian Reservation, Cherokee, NC.
Fireworks start at 10p.m.
July 4
4th Fireworks Celebrations
Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton & Clyde - North Carolina.
July 8-11
TN Smokies Baseball vs. Montgomery
Smokies Stadium - The Tennessee Smokies, Sevierville's very own AA minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and managed by Ryne Sandberg, plays Montgomery at TN Smokies Stadium. – 865-286-2300 www.smokiesbaseball.com
July 8-12
SEAA Girls Slow Pitch World Series
City Park; For more Information call (865) 717-4932 or visit www.seaayouth.com
July 12-15
KIDABRA! The Association of Family & Kidshow Performers Annual Convention
Music Road Hotel & Convention Center; Registration required; Grand Finale Public Show, August 15th at 8:00 p.m.; For more information call (336) 492-7870
July 13
TN Smokies Baseball All Star Night
Tennessee Smokies Baseball All Star Night – Smokies Stadium 865-286-2300 www.smokiesbaseball.com
July 16-17
5th Annual Festival of Native Peoples & Cherokee Art Market
Location: Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds
Contact: Welcome Center (800) 438-1601,
Vendors: John Grant (828) 497-4496
Gates open at 10 a.m., Show begin at 6 p.m.
The Festival of Native Peoples is an exposition of non-competitive dance, storytelling and song performances expressing the collected history, culture, tradition and wisdom of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Along with the Festival, the first Cherokee Art Market with all Native American artists will display and sell their handmade traditional and contemporary artworks. Juried artists and artisans will also display, show and sell their beautiful work.
*This event is a “Top 20 event” as determined by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS).
July 17-26
Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
Over 200 of the finest Craftspeople gifted in woodcarving, pottery, broom making, stained glass, metal work, basket weaving, calligraphy, jewelry and much more gather at the Gatlinburg Convention Center to offer their unique art for sale. Plus Country and Bluegrass music performed daily by Keith Longbotham and band. 10 AM - 7 PM daily; 10AM - 5 PM Sundays. Adults $6.00; Children 12 & under Free
www.craftsmensfair.com
July 18
Tanger AAA Shopping Day
Discounts for AAA Members at Tanger Five Oaks Factory Outlet Center www.tangeroutlet.com 865-453-1053.
July 21-25
TN Smokies Baseball vs. Mississippi
Smokies Stadium - The Tennessee Smokies, Sevierville's very own AA minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and managed by Ryne Sandberg, plays Mississippi at TN Smokies Stadium. – 865-286-2300 www.smokiesbaseball.com
July 22-25
Belz Outlets Truckload Sale
|
