The Mountain Madness Film Festival

The Mountain Madness Film Festival begins October 7 in Gatlinburg, Tn. Get information on the region’s up-and-coming film festival, showings, events, and exhibits right here!

The Mountain Madness Film Festival (Oct. 7-10) bills itself as a celebration of the people, products and passions involved in the art of motion pictures.  And while it is geared at providing the community with a cultural outlet to inspire, while at the same time educating and entertaining through screenings and events, the Mountain Madness Film Festival is a local movie-lover’s dream come true.

PERFECT pre-SHOWEAST DESTINATION
The Mountain Madness Film Festival will present the best in independent features, shorts, documentaries and trailers from veteran masters, up-and-coming directors, and first-time filmmakers from around the globe.  With ShowEast running October 11-14 in Orlando, FL (less than 700 miles away) – the Mountain Madness Film Festival is the ideal pre-ShowEast destination for filmmakers, press, buyers, exhibitors, sponsors and attendees.

SOCIAL ISSUE DOCUMENTARIES
The Mountain Madness Film Festival will feature short length documentaries that speak to such issues as social justice, public education, native tribes, government policy, grassroots advocacy, media literacy, civic pride and engagement, youth, sex, politics, substance abuse, violence, learning, love, and life in America.  Particular attention will also be given to earth and nature conservation issues.


FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILMS
The number of films produced outside the U.S. has been growing steadily over the years.  Gatlinburg, Tennessee is home to many foreign born residents from Honduras, India, Argentina, China, Canada, United Kingdom, Philippines and Russia.  At the Mountain Madness Film Festival, there will be a wonderful selection of some of the best independent Foreign Language films on the planet.

NATIVE AMERICAN FILMS
Celebrate the creative energy of Native American directors, producers, writers, actors, musicians, and cultural activists, and all who support their endeavors. Showcasing the best in films by, about, and starring Native Americans and other North American Indigenous peoples, the Mountain Madness Film Festival will include feature films, documentaries, and short films.

TEASER & TRAILER SCREENINGS
The Mountain Madness Film Festival will be showcasing teasers & trailers for books, films and comic books from around the globe. Teasers, unlike typical theatrical trailers, are usually very short in length (between 30–60 seconds) and usually contain little, if any, actual footage from the film.  A book trailer is a video advertisement for a book which employs techniques similar to those of movie trailers.

SCHOLARSHIPS / GRANTS
A commonly held belief is that college scholarships and artists’ grants are only available to the most active, most brilliant, and most talented of individuals, and that there are no scholarship opportunities for average students or artists. This year, the Mountain Madness Film Festival is offering several grant and scholarship opportunities for students and non-students of all walks of life with all sorts of skill sets.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS / SPECIAL EVENTS
The Mountain Madness Film Festival will host a series of entertaining and informative panel discussions and special events. Discussions and events are subject to change leading up to the festival.

10-10-10 PARTY
The Mountain Madness Film Festival will hold a closing ceremony on October 10,  in order to commemorate the first ever Mountain Madness Film Festival. Filmmakers, press, staff, volunteers and audience members are encouraged to come mix & mingle and talk about Mountain Madness Film Festival 2011!!!

Weeki Wachee Mermaids are back!

Weeki Wachee Mermaids return to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

With a show that stretches over a half-a-century, the Weeki Wachee Mermaids know how to delight a crowd.

And they’ll be bringing their underwater act back to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Aug. 6, 7 & 8 for an end of summer performance sure to bring people in from across the country.

Originating from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Florida, the mermaids will perform 4 shows daily at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm & 5pm.

The mermaids will be available to meet and greet guests at the aquarium following the show.

For ticket information, contact Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Reservations are not available, and Aquarium officials are urging people to arrive early for the shows.

Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales

Of course, the best part, is that these performers come to you. They will be speaking, singing and performing on the streets of Gatlinburg TN.

016lgGatlinburg, Tennessee has a reputation for a being a quaint mountain town. People walking the sidewalks and window shopping; everything lit up like the Fourth of July. The activity and the friendliness make it easy to just spend time with your family and friends as you stroll down the sidewalks.

This aspect of Gatlinburg gets a boost starting June 11th, with the 5th annual Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales event. Tunes & Tales brings characters, performers and crafts people to the streets of downtown Gatlinburg to tell stories, sing, dance and make hand crafts. The performers arrive by wagon and the excitement builds from there. This is one time where you don’t have to go to the show, the show comes to you.

The cast of Tunes & Tales arrives at the center of downtown at 5pm nightly June 11th through August 8th. The show runs up until 10pm. During the show, the cast portrays characters dating back to the early 1800s and their collection wit, charm and knowledge is sure to captivate everyone. You will be able to take in cloggers, musicians, crafters, Whittlin’ Joe, Miss Nan – the school marm, Annie the Quilter, Animal Mac and even some bluegrass bands from the region.

Of course, the best part, is that these performers come to you. They will be speaking, singing and performing on the streets of Gatlinburg TN. They will be walking in the shoes of the people they are there to represent. This is educational entertainment at its best. Make sure to plan your trip to Gatlinburg with enough time to take in these great performers as they walk the streets with you.

Gatlinburg Scottish Festival & Games

Gatlinburg’s 29th annual Scottish Festival & Games is set for May 14-16, 2010.

Local Scots will be kicking up their tartans hoisting and tossing such things as logs, stones, and even haggis, during Gatlinburg’s 29th annual Scottish Festival and Games, May 14-16 at Mills Park.

The event, which carries a small daily fee, has become a local favorite for its cultural uniqueness will begin with a parade down the parkway in Gatlinburg at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 14. All Scots are invited to participate in the parade, which is followed by a gala reception at the Quality Inn Creekside.

On Saturday and Sunday beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Mills Park, the Scottish Games will feature professional and amateur athletes competing in many different events including tossing the Scottish haggis, turning the caber, Highland wrestling and the manhood stones.

On Sunday, beginning at 1:45 p.m., the festival will commence with its first ever Scottish dog parade and talent show. The parade and talent show is open to anyone who purchases a ticket and brings their dog on a short leash.

Cutthroat Shamrock, Colin Grant-Adams, Albannach and Thistledown Tinkers are among the entertainment during the popular two-day festival.

There will be an assortment of pipe and drum bands competing in individual and band events for prize money, competition of dozens of Highland dancers from across the country and border collie demonstrations. More than 30 Scottish Clans will be on hand to assist visitors in finding their heritage. At least 20 vendors will offer wares ranging from Scottish clothing to a sampling of Scottish foods.

For more information or the schedule of events for the Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games, visit www.gsfg.org or call 865-368-2543.

Celebrate Santa 2010

Largest Professional Santa Gathering and Major Motion Picture Join Forces

The Celebrate Santa Festival to be held March 13 – 17, 2010 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee will feature over 600 professional Santa and Mrs. Clauses celebrating the life and times of Santa Claus. This year, the event is closely tied with the upcoming epic motion picture, Nicholas of Myra, the story of the life and times of St. Nicholas, the original Santa Claus.

The movie’s writer/director, Gerald Hartke and the lead actor, Matthew Mesler are the Grand Marshals of the Holly & Shamrock Parade on March 13th. They also will be the guests of honor at a premiere party Sunday night the 14th called “An Evening with St. Nicholas” honoring the movie and what it means to the overall Santa community.

“This movie will have a tremendous impact on how the public views today’s Santa Claus,” said Joe Moore, the event’s co-coordinator and a nine year Santa Claus. “People will come away with a better understanding of who Santa really is and that there is much more to us then taking toy lists.”

Hartke is also excited at the prospect of being with hundreds of Santas. “We were a little unsure of how the Santas would react to the movie and the history behind the character,” Hartke said. “Celebrate Santa is a tremendous affirmation for us that we are on the right track, and that it was long past time to tell this wonderful story.”

The two events will be promoting each other in order to gain as much exposure as possible prior to Celebrate Santa and afterwards.

Since the Celebrate Santa Festival is an annual event in Mid-March, we see an ongoing promotional opportunity for both entities,” Moore said.

There will be a great many opportunities to talk about both events as they dovetail each other so well,” Hartke said.
According to the Moore, Santas will be coming to Gatlinburg from more than 30 states, Canada and Australia.

We have also been in touch with Santas from Costa Rica, Italy, Sweden and other countries about attending,” he said.

More information can be found about Nicholas of Myra at www.nicholasofmyra-movie.com.

2010 Gatlinburg Calendar of Events

From Winter Magic light festival and Night Magic Skiing in February to the town’s 35th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in December, Gatlinburg isn’t lacking for things to do and places to go in 2010.

Depending on the season, you could probably guess what was going on in Gatlinburg last year. It’s very similar for 2010 as the time of year directly impacts the events happening throughout town that month. Whether it’s the Winter Special Olympics and the Winter Magic Lighting Festival in February, the Great Smoky Easter Arts and Craft show in April, the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival in September or Christmas on Ice in December, there’s something for everyone for every season.

*PLEASE NOTE* These dates are subject to change. Please contact the numbers listed for each event to receive official information. If you discover something is different than what we have listed, please post it in the comment section at the bottom of this page.

JANUARY 2010

January 1 to 31 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of spectacular Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. (GSE) (865) 436-0535 ($)

January 4 to 31 – Night Magic Skiing – Purchase a Lift Ticket Monday through Friday (non-holidays) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Ober Gatlinburg (865) 436-5423 ($)

January 28 – Rock Gatlinburg – Aspiring high school and middle school band performers and individual musicians get the opportunity to meet and receive guidance from professional musicians during this event hosted by the Gatlinburg Recreation Department at the Community Center on five consecutive Thursdays through February. Participants can learn about computer recording, explore professional work opportunities and walk away with a CD recording. For information, contact Laurence Evans or Dave Anderson (865) 436-4990 ($)

January 31 – Tennessee Winter Special Olympics – Winter sports competitions including ice skating, snowboarding and snow skiing. Ober Gatlinburg (800) 251-9202

FEBRUARY 2010

February 1 & 2 – Tennessee Winter Special Olympics – Winter sports competitions including ice skating, snowboarding and snow skiing. Ober Gatlinburg (800) 251-9202

February 1 to 28 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

February 1 to 26 – Night Magic Skiing – Monday through Friday (non-holidays) 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ober Gatlinburg (865) 436-5423 ($)

February 4, 11, 18, 25 – Rock Gatlinburg – Performers and individual musicians get the opportunity to meet and receive guidance from professional musicians during this event hosted by the Recreation Department at the Community Center on five consecutive Thursdays through February. Participants can learn about computer recording, explore professional work opportunities and walk away with a CD recording. For information, contact Laurence Evans or Dave Anderson (865) 436-4990 ($)

February 12 & 13 – Anna Porter Public Library Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Enjoy the performance of “The Last Dance of Dr. Disco”. This annual locally produced and cast theatrical show is presented at W.L. Mills Auditorium. The performance is a fundraiser for APPL and includes dinner. (865) 436-5588 ($)

MARCH 2010

March 11 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – A countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more. (800) 568-4748

March 11 – Pirate’s Ball – Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, Inc. presents its fourth annual Pirate’s Ball fundraiser sponsored by Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies. Guests can enjoy a “tropical climate” and live music, dancing, food and drink, with a special party for the kids. For more information, call Elaine Miller at 865-774-7684. ($)

March 12 to 14 – Gatlinburg Screenfest – Independent Film Festival at the River Terrace Resort with the goal of creating, connecting and sharing a film festival with anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of the independent movie industry. The focus is on “Bringing movies to the Mountains.”

March 13 – Holly and Shamrock Parade – St. Nicholas Meets St. Patrick – If a gathering of more than 750 Santa Clauses, Mrs. Clauses, elves and even reindeer won’t be enough to mesmerize you, how about a parade? The second annual parade starts in the early evening and features floats, carriages, decorated wagons, bands and singers to help these happy St. Nicks to party with the Irish! For more information, call (800) 568-4748.

March 13 to 16 – Celebrate Santa – Santa Claus is coming to Gatlinburg! Join hundreds of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus as they gather at the Convention Center for their convention, trade show and gala. Imagine a town filled with Santas, Mrs. Clauses, Reindeer Owners and Breeders and even Elves. Real-bearded and designer-bearded Santas and even those who have never donned the red suit (but think they might like to) are welcome. For more information or to register, call (865) 244-5231

March 31 – Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show – Unique handcrafted gifts and products produced by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are placed on display and offered for sale as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Demonstrations are part of the show. For information, visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748

APRIL 2010

April 1 to 30 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – Join in a countywide celebration of the season, featuring special events, local craft shows and much more. (800) 568-4748

April 1 to 3 – Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show – Unique handcrafted gifts are made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community and placed on display as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. For more information, visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748

April 4 – Easter Sunrise Service at Ober Gatlinburg – Early morning Easter Service at Ober Gatlinburg includes complimentary tram service to the top of the resort begins at 6 a.m. Service begins at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast buffet available. (800) 251-9202

April 10 – Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon – The third annual triathlon, which is headquartered at the Community Center and starts at 8:30 a.m., is open to anyone 15 years and older capable of swimming one-half mile, biking twenty kilometers, and running five kilometers consecutively. Awards will be given in multiple age categories (men’s and women’s division), plus a mixed team relay event, plus a mixed team relay event. Pre-register is required. (865) 436-4990 ($)

April 10 – Music of the Mountains – In association with the City of Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains Association, Great Smoky Mountains National Park presents its sixth annual event. This year’s activities begin at Sugarlands Visitors Center with free, limited-seating performances by a series of acts. The event culminates in an evening concert at W.L. Mills Conference Center. For more information, visit www.eventsgatlinburg.com. ($)

April 17 – Mountain Man Memorial March – This third annual 26.2-mile march starts in downtown Gatlinburg at 7 a.m. as a challenging tribute to our men and women in uniform. The course includes highway and rural road stretches in addition to rugged terrain and mountain slopes. The event honors 1LT Frank Walkup, a University of Tennessee-Knoxville alumnus who in 2007 was killed in the line of duty in Iraq. Pre-registration is required, with Military Heavy, Military Light and Civilian entry categories. Call 865-974-8858 for more information. ($)

April 21 to 24 – 60th Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage and Greener Living Expo – Celebrate and enjoy the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with over 150 different programs, including hiking tours, motorcades, demonstrations and classroom lectures centered on the flowers, plants and wildlife in the great outdoors. New for 2010, the exposition features sustainability themes. For more information, call (865) 436-7318 ext. 222 or visit www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org. ($)

April 22 – Ribfest & Wings – Enjoy the area’s best ribs and wings as well as live entertainment during this popular ninth annual event. One admission price allows sampling until the ribs and wings run out as the Parkway transforms into a Street Fair. (GSE) (800) 568-4748 ($)

MAY 2010

May 1 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – Join in a countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more. (800) 568-4748

May 14 – Gatlinburg Scottish Festival Grand Parade – All Scots are invited to march or ride in the parade as a kickoff to the 29th Annual Scottish Festival & Games. Parade begins at 6 p.m. at traffic light #10, downtown Gatlinburg. For more information, visit www.gsfg.org.

May 15 to 16 – Gatlinburg Scottish Festival & Games – 29th Annual Scottish clans meeting at Mills Park featuring Highland athletics, bagpipe competitions, Highland dancing, border collie demonstrations, haggis hurling, entertainment and whiskey tasting, along with food & merchandise vendors Visit, www.gsfg.org for more information. ($)

May 15 to 16 – Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival – This sixth annual family oriented fine arts festival at Ripley’s Plaza and River Road features juried artists from around the country, delicious cuisine and music. Proceeds benefit Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts and Sevier County Arts Council. (888) 240-1358 or www.gfaf.net

JUNE 2010

June 1 to 6 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – Join in a countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more. (800) 568-4748

June 11 to 30 – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers performing along the Parkway every evening during this fourth annual event! Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

JULY 2010

July 1 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smoky Mountains on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this fifth annual event! Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

July 3 – 4th of July Midnight Parade – Saluting the valiant men and women of our military services, this 35th annual showcase is the “First July Fourth Parade in the Nation!” Parade starts at the stroke of midnight to begin Independence Day. Floats, balloons, and marching bands pay tribute to our country during this Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

July 4 – River Raft Regatta – Visitors can enjoy a fun, unmanned, floatable object race for the whole family. Free registration begins at 10 a.m. at bridge beneath chair lift. Race begins at noon and ends at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies bridge where prizes will be awarded in several different categories. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

July 4 – 4th of July Fireworks Show – Join the celebration in downtown Gatlinburg to mark our nation’s “Independence Day” with a magnificent fireworks show. The City of Gatlinburg lights up the mountain skyline downtown at 10 p.m. with this grand display. Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

July 16 to 24 – Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair at Gatlinburg Convention Center – Art, crafts and music lovers will discover over 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (865) 436-7479 or visit www.craftsmenfair.com ($)

AUGUST 2010

August 1 to 7 – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – Through early August, visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this five annual event! (GSE) (800) 568-4748

SEPTEMBER 2010

September 17 to 30 – Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – A countywide celebration of harvest season in Gatlinburg features festivals, special events and autumn-themed displays. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

September TBA – Library Luau – Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies hosts its fifth annual fall fundraiser benefiting the Anna Porter Public Library at 5:30 p.m. Entertainment and refreshments included. (865) 436-5588 ($)

September TBA – Great Gatlinburg Shark Race – Festivities start at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza with live entertainment, food & fun and opportunity to win fantastic grand prizes. Rubber sharks are released into the Little Pigeon River at the Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens bridge to race downstream, first one to cross the finish line wins! Proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County. (865) 453-4261 ($)

September 23 – 13th Annual Taste of Autumn – Sample signature dishes from the area’s finest restaurants. Enjoy live entertainment, live auction with a cash bar. Proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County. Doors of the Gatlinburg Convention Center open at 5 p.m. (GSE) (800) 568-4748 ($)

September TBA – Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament – The 11th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children – and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies. All Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations will be observed. For information, call 865-661-3474, or visit www.rockytopoutfitter.com. ($)

OCTOBER 2010

October 1 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – A countywide celebration of harvest season featuring special events, festivals, craft shows, autumn-themed displays and more. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

TBA October 2? – “Vintage Views” Film Premiere – Featuring classic film clips gleaned from family home movie collections, this nostalgic film produced by the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound (TAMIS), debuts at 7 p.m. at the historic Riverside Motor Lodge. The montage will be Bradley Reeves and Louisa Trott. A reception featuring artists and authors of the Smoky Mountain region is part of the festivities. For more information, call (865) 436-0500 (GSE) ($)

October 7 to 23 – Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair – Art, crafts and music lovers will find over 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Sunday until 5 p.m. at Gatlinburg Convention Center. Call (865) 436-7479 or visit www.craftsmenfair.com ($)

NOVEMBER 2010

November 10 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff – The City of Gatlinburg kicks off Gatlinburg Winter Magic from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Downtown Parkway by turning on over three million lights. Enjoy live entertainment, sample chili recipes from local restaurants and businesses and vote for your favorite. (GSE) (800) 568-4748 ($)

November 10 to 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

November 10 to 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of spectacular Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. (GSE) Tickets on sale October 15. (865) 436-0535 ($)

November 11 – Veterans Day Celebration – Join the City of Gatlinburg in saluting the men and women of America who have served in our Armed Forces in this special ceremony on Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza. This eighth annual program begins at 11 a.m. and includes stirring musical tributes, ceremonial words and recognition of Veterans in attendance. Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

November 23 to 27 – Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees – Dozens upon dozens of ornately decorated Christmas trees await visitors in this winter wonderland at Gatlinburg Convention Center’s W.L. Mills Conference Center. Event benefits Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

November 23 to 30 – Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show – Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748.

November 26 & 27 – Winter Magic Tunes & Tales – Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings during this fourth annual event! (GSE) (800) 568-4748

November 26 & 27 – The Nutcracker “Sweet” – Presented by the Smoky Mountain Dance Theater Company, enjoy this holiday classic presented in Gatlinburg, with performances at 7 p.m. in the W.L. Mills Auditorium. (GSE) Call (865) 680-7369 for information and reservations.

DECEMBER 2010

December 1 to 19 – Winter Magic Tunes & Tales – Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling and entertainment along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings during this fourth annual event! (GSE) (800) 568-4748

December 1 to 31 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

December 1 to 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. (GSE) Tickets on sale October 15. (865) 436-0535 ($)

December 1 to 5 – Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show – Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual holiday show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748.

December 3 – Gatlinburg’s 35th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade – This popular Christmas parade in downtown Gatlinburg is recognized as one of the very best by the International Festival and Events Association. Parade features lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units and helium balloons. Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. at Traffic Light #1A and continues through downtown to Light #10. Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

December TBA – Christmas on Ice – Enjoy the spirit of the season as local skaters display their talents on ice to the sounds of holiday music in a two-day performance at Ober Gatlinburg’s ice arena. Visit www.obergatlinburg.com or call (800) 251-9202

December 31 – New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show & Ball Drop on Historic Nature Trail at the Parkway – For the 23rd straight year, the Space Needle area at traffic light #8 comes alive at the stroke of midnight with a fabulous fireworks show. Features free party favors and live entertainment. “Best New Year’s Eve Show in the South.” (GSE) (800) 568-4748

Living History Civil War Reenactment

During the Civil War there was a battle between Confederate and Union soldiers in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. June 19th through 21st re-enactors will take the field again to fight the “Battle of Burg Hill.”

During the Civil War there was a battle between Confederate and Union soldiers in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. June 19th through 21st re-enactors will take the field again to fight the “Battle of Burg Hill.” Hosted at Mills Park just outside of Gatlinburg, this historical reenactment tries to retell the events that happened during the Battle of Burg Hill. The soldiers from both sides will be represented and it promises to be a great educational experience.

Here is a brief history of the battle: With gunpowder ingredients being mined at Alum Cave the Union forces from Knoxville and Sevierville came to take the fort at Burg Hill. The two sides clashed and over 200 men were involved in the battle that ranged all over the mountainside and through the town of Gatlinburg. Luckily no one was killed in the battle and though some were wounded only one Union soldier was taken captive. Colonel Thomas the Confederate leader was forced to withdraw back over the mountains as the fighting ended near Kodak, TN.

The reenactment is expecting to have more than 150 soldiers at the event to reenact the battle. These soldiers will be in replica uniforms of the time and visitors will get to see what camp life and battle conditions may have been like during that turbulent time period in history. You will hear the call of battle, the famous/infamous Rebel yell and of course the rifle fire. Make plans to come out and root for the North or the South.

Gatlinburg Old Timer’s Day – The Park Was Our Home

People sometimes forget that there was a time before the Great Smoky Mountain National Park existed. In that time in this mountainous area there were small communities and towns that thrived as farmers, trappers and those that helped support the logging communities went about their daily work.

People sometimes forget that there was a time before the Great Smoky Mountain National Park existed. In that time in this mountainous area there were small communities and towns that thrived as farmers, trappers and those that helped support the logging communities went about their daily work. The towns and communities are now gone and very little of their existence is still seen in the park itself, but some of the people are still here. At the Gatlinburg Old Timer’s Day those people that remember the time some 75 years ago before the Park was founded will turn out to tell stories and share pictures about the communities in which they once lived.

The Gatlinburg Inn, one of the historic lodging venues in Gatlinburg, is playing host to this event. The Gatlinburg Inn has its own unique place in the area’s history, so there is not a better place in town for this event to occur. It was built between 1937 and 1940 and was the site of the first large newspaper, the city’s first dentist, and has played host to many famous people. Most notably it was the site where the song Rocky Top was written–in room 338. Rocky Top, of course, became the state song.

On June 6th, when these old timers show up to swap yarns, they are going to tell about the times before the national park. They are going to talk about growing up and being part of the communities that made up this corner of east Tennessee. They lived in places like Sugarlands, Cades Cove and Greenbrier. Today these areas are a campground, visitor’s center and picnic area, but 75 years ago they were homes and towns. It will be nice to be able to look back through the eyes of locals as they tell stories and explain what it was like to watch the National Park become a reality; what it was like to move from the park to a new community. Come listen to the oral tradition being handed down from one generation to the next .

Music of the Mountains

Music is the glue that holds a community together. On March 28th, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park presents its fifth annual Music of the Mountains celebration.

Music is the glue that holds a community together. On March 28th, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park presents its fifth annual Music of the Mountains celebration and it promises to be quite an event. Live music all day at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, culminating in the “Jimbo Whaley and Friends Reunion Show” at the W.L. Mills Conference Center. This celebration focuses on and is a celebration of the music traditions of the southern Appalachian Mountains. This is one of several special events that the Park has developed to tell the story of the hearty people that called these mountains home.

Music of the Mountains kicks off Saturday, March 28th at 10 am and runs until 5pm at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The performances will be held in the Sugarlands Visitor Center Theater which seats 160 people. Seating is on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. Here is the list of the amazing acts that you will see at Sugarlands this year:

10-11 a.m. – Lost Mill String Band (perennial mountain favorites)
11 a.m.-noon – Tony Thomas (Old time fiddle and banjo tunes)
12-1 p.m. – Dr. Ted Olson (presentation on the origins of Appalachian mountain music)
1-2 p.m. – Boogertown Gap (perennial mountain favorites)
2-4 p.m. – Matt Morelock and Brian Volmer (claw hammer banjo and old-time fiddle)
4-5 p.m. – Roger Howell and Friends (string ensemble from Mars Hill, NC)

Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson had this to say about the event: “We’re pleased to again partner with the City of Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains Association to offer the public a variety of musical styles for this year’s ‘Music of the Mountains’ festival. Our staff has lined up a wide spectrum of old-time, traditional, and bluegrass music performers. With the change to an all day festival we hope to allow more of our visitors to experience the rich traditions of mountain music.”

At 7pm, in the W.L. Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg, the Jimbo Whaley and Friends Reunion Show keeps Music of the Mountains rolling. Whaley is a popular bluegrass and gospel musician from Sevier County. He traces his roots back to the residents of what became the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and has played events around the nation and with groups such as Greenbrier. The concert will feature founding members of bluegrass sensation, Pine Mountain Railroad (Jimbo Whaley, Kipper Stitt and Mike Gwinn) plus other current and previous PMR members. Tickets for for Jimbo Whaley and Friends Reunion Show can be purchased online.(http://www.jimbowhaley.com/products.htm)

So come out, listen to and learn about the music of the mountains. You are sure to go away with a song in your heart, whistling a tune.

Santa’s Showcase and the Holly & Shamrock Parade

Come see Santa Claus in March along with St. Patrick at the Santa’s Showcase and the Holly & Shamrock Parade in Gatlinburg, TN! Get details on what you will see, when to be there, and where to go for this Santa Claus convention and St Patrick’s Day parade in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Santa Claus Convention in Gatlinburg TNIf you love St. Patrick and St. Nicholas, or you just miss Christmas, you shouldn’t miss out on the Santa’s Showcase and the Holly & Shamrock Parade. The 2010 Holly and Shamrock Parade will be taking place on Saturday, March 13 in the middle of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The parade starts mid-afternoon, and can be watched along the town’s main Parkway between lights six and eight. There’s no charge to view or attend, and it’s the perfect combination of Christmas and St. Patrick’s day.

Also occurring during this period is Santa’s Showcase (also known as the Celebrate Santa Convention), a unique Christmas in March convention and shopping experience. You can enter for just three dollars and purchase anything from hand made sculptures by local artists to pumpkin butter, salsa, and fresh roasted nuts. Plus, you can find absolutely everything Santa here. From the perfect Santa suit for next Christmas to decorations and items that can’t be described, the Santa Showcase has it all.

You’ll see real live reindeer and sleighs, as well as the incredible Cyber Sleigh. Its onboard lighting systems and incredible sound system make it a show stopper. It won the special honors award at the Kansas City Autosound Exposition and Competition two years running, and now it’s come to the Holly and Shamrock Parade. You’ll also get the chance to see floats from the biggest resorts and entertainment venues in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.

This parade is setting out to be one of the biggest St. Patty’s Day events in the country, combining Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day in a way you just won’t believe. Featuring leprechauns and elves, holly and shamrocks, and winter greeting the coming spring, the Holly and Shamrock Parade is something you’ll have to see to believe.

Santa, his elves, and Mrs Claus will all be there – you just have to decide which one is real. After all, Santas will be arriving from all over the world for the Santa Central convention and the Holly and Shamrock Gala. While these events aren’t open to the public, you’ll still get the chance to see almost a thousand Santas, as well as some truly amazing costumes, even before the parade begins. When the Santas aren’t busy with their convention, many of them will be willing to sign autographs and take photos.

The Holly and Shamrock Parade and Santa Showcase are worth seeing. If you only attend one St. Patrick’s Day celebration, make sure it’s this one. The Holly and Shamrock Parade and Celebrate Santa Convention in Gatlinburg, Tennessee are like no other!

If you are looking for a place to stay in Gatlinburg, be sure to check out our list of Gatlinburg, TN cabins as well as a list of the best hotels in Gatlinburg. Also check out the full calendar of events in Gatlinburg, TN to see what’s happening all year long!