September 2008 Gatlinburg Special Events

1-30

Old Fashioned Wagon Rides – As fall begins in the Smoky Mountains, take this fun-filled wagon ride and enjoy breath-taking views of our beautiful mountains. Departure is from traffic light #6 at Mountain Mall from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, leaving approximately every 45 minutes.

11

Library Luau – Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies hosts its third annual fall fundraiser benefiting the Anna Porter Public Library construction project at 5:30 p.m. Entertainment and refreshments included.

18

11th 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.

19-30

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – A countywide celebration of harvest season in Gatlinburg features festivals, special events and displays.

21

Gatlinburg Run For The Hills 10K Road Race – This demanding sanctioned course begins and ends in the early morning in downtown and includes the challenge of Dudley Creek Bypass, ending at Mynatt Park. Men’s and women’s age divisions will be contested and prizes will be awarded. The “Run, Forest, Run” 3K Kids Run is also planned. Event sponsored by Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Mountain Lodge, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and The Village. For an official entry form, visit http://www.ci.gatlinburg.tn.us

27

Great Gatlinburg Shark Race – Festivities start at Ripley’s Plaza with live entertainment, food & fun and opportunity to win fantastic grand prizes. Rubber sharks are released into the Little Pigeon River, first one to cross the finish line wins! Proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County.

October 2008 Gatlinburg Special Events

1-31

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – A countywide celebration of harvest season featuring special events, festivals, craft shows, displays and more.

Old Fashioned Wagon Rides – As the glorious colors of fall sparkle in the Smokies, enjoy a unique wagon ride with family and friends. Departure is from traffic light #6 at Mountain Mall from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, leaving approximately every 45 minutes.

9-26

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.

November 2008 Gatlinburg Special Events

1-30

Old Fashioned Wagon Rides – As fall peaks in the Smokies, enjoy a unique wagon ride with family and friends. Departure is from traffic light #6 at Mountain Mall from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, leaving approximately every 45 minutes.

5

Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm Kickoff and Chili Cookoff – The City of Gatlinburg kicks off Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm from 5 to 8 p.m. by turning on over three million lights including new displays making their debut in 2008 For a small donation, sample chili recipes from local restaurants and businesses and vote for your favorite. Event includes live entertainment by the Carnell Gunther Costers. Downtown Gatlinburg.

5-Februrary 28

Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with over three million spectacular lights, including displays new for 2008.

5-30

Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm 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.

11

Veterans Day Celebration – Join the City of Gatlinburg in saluting the men and women of America who have served in our Armed Forces. Sixth annual program at 11 a.m. includes stirring musical tributes, ceremonial words and recognition of Veterans in attendance. Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza.  Stay at either Best Western Twin Islands or Crossroads Inn and request your Military discount!

25-December 7

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.

28-29

Winter Magic Tunes & Tales tm – Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling and entertainment along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings during this holiday event!

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.

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.

December 2008 Gatlinburg Special Events

1- 7

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

1-20

Winter Magic Tunes & Tales tm – During the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling and entertainment along the Parkway on Friday and Saturday evenings as part of this second annual event!

1-30

Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm 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.

1-31

Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with over three million spectacular lights, featuring LED displays. Snowmen and children are new for 2008!

5

Gatlinburg’s 33rd 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 and as one of the Top Twenty Events in the South by the Southeast Tourism Society. Features lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units and giant helium balloons. Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. at Traffic Light #1A and continues through downtown to Traffic Light #10.

6-7

Christmas on Ice – Enjoy the spirit of the holiday season as local skaters display their talents on ice to a wide variety of holiday music in a two-day performance at Ober Gatlinburg’s ice arena. Visit www.obergatlinburg.com

31

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show & Ball Drop on Historic Nature Trail at the Parkway – For the 21st straight celebration, the Space Needle area at traffic light #8 comes alive at the stroke of midnight with a fabulous fireworks show. Features live entertainment and party favors. “Best New Year’s Eve Show in the South.”

January 2009 Special Events in Gatlinburg

1-31

Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with over three million spectacular lights. Special lighting displays are added in mid-January for “Smoky Mountain Romance.”

3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of spectacular Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm 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.

5-February 27

Night Magic Skiing – Purchase a $15 Lift Ticket Monday through Friday (non-holidays) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Ober Gatlinburg (865) 436-5423.

February 2009 Gatlinburg TN Special Events

1-27

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

1-28

Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with over three million spectacular lights. Special lighting displays for “Smoky Mountain Romance” in February.

2-3

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

6

Southern Exposure 2009 at Ober Gatlinburg – Skiing and snowboarding competitions include slalom races (giant and parallel), jumping, and awards ceremony. Event also includes the unique Cardboard Sled Classic Race featuring homemade sleds constructed of cardboard, paper, tape and adhesive. (800) 251-9202.

TBA

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. 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.

TBA

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.

TBA

Anna Porter Public Library Murder Mystery – Locally produced and cast theatrical performance is a library fundraiser. (865) 436-5588.

March 2009 Special Events in Gatlinburg

11-June 7

Smoky Mountain Springfest – A countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more.

16-18

Celebrate Santa – Santa Claus is coming to Gatlinburg! Join hundreds of Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause 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, regardless of experience, affiliation or interest. For more information or to register, visit www.celebratesanta.com

TBA

Music of the Mountains – In association with the City of Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains Association, Great Smoky Mountains National Park presents its fifth annual event highlighted. This year’s begins at Sugarlands Visitors Center with free, limited-seating performances by a series of acts.

April 2009 Gatlinburg TN Special Events

1-June 7

Smoky Mountain Springfest – Join in a countywide celebration of the season, featuring special events, local craft shows and much more.

4

Mountain Man March – This second annual 26.2-mile march starts in Downtown Gatlinburg at 7 a.m. as a 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 was killed in the line of duty in Iraq in 2007. Pre-registration is required, with Military Heavy, Military Light and Civilian entry categories. Visit www.mountainmanmarch.com

8-11

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.

12

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 6:15 a.m. Service begins at 7 a.m. Breakfast buffet available. (800) 251-9202

TBA

Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon – The third annual triathlon at the Community Center starts at 8:15 a.m. and 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

22-26

59th Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage – Celebrate the 75th anniversary 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. For more information, call (865) 436-7318 ext. 222 or visit www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org.

23

Ribfest & Wings – Enjoy the area’s best ribs and wings as well as free entertainment during this eighth annual event. One admission allows sampling until the ribs and wings run out on River Road and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza.

24-25

Gatlinburg’s MountainFest: A Celebration of Our Heritage - Enjoy two fun-filled days of bluegrass and genuine mountain music along with crafters and demonstrations. Local crafters demonstrate their skills passed down from generation to generation. On Saturday, get a taste of some of the local talent with the Mountain Strings Competition. Fiddles, banjos and guitar players are invited to compete for awards and cash prizes. Festival runs from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday in downtown Gatlinburg.

May 2009 Special Events in Gatlinburg

1-Jine 7

Smoky Mountain Springfest – Join in a countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more.

15

Gatlinburg Scottish Festival Grand Parade – All Scots are invited to march or ride in the parade as a kickoff to the 28th Annual Gatlinburg Scottish Festival & Games. Parade begins at 6 p.m. at traffic light #10, downtown Gatlinburg. For more information visit www.gsfg.org.

16-17

Gatlinburg Scottish Festival & Games – 28th 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. For information visit www.gsfg.org

Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival – A family oriented fine arts festival at Ripley’s Plaza and River Road featuring juried artists from around the country, delicious cuisine and music. Proceeds benefit Arrowmont School of Art and the Sevier County Arts Council. (GSE) (888) 240-1358 or www.gfaf.net

June 2009 Gatlinburg TN Special Events

1-7

Smoky Mountain Springfest – Join in a countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more.

12-August 8

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales tm – 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 perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this fourth annual event!

19-21

Living History Civil War Reenactment at Mills Park – Visitors can witness artillery and cavalry demonstrations as Civil War period performers gather in authentic encampment. Historical portrayals, a cannon drill and music along with the recreation of the “Battle of Burg Hill” are among the festivities at this second annual event. (800) 568-4748.

July 2009 Special Events in Gatlinburg

1-August 8

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales tm – 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 fourth annual event!

3

4th of July Midnight Parade – Saluting our valiant military services, this 34th annual showcase is the “First July Fourth Parade in the Nation!” Parade starts at the stroke of midnight to begin July 4th. Floats, balloons, and marching bands pay tribute to our country.

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 Christus Gardens bridge. Race begins at noon and ends at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies bridge where prizes will be awarded in several different categories.

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 10:00 p.m. with this grand display.

17-26

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair at Gatlinburg Convention Center – Art, crafts and music lovers can find 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.

August 2009 Gatlinburg TN Special Events

1-8

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales tm – 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 fourth annual event!

October 2009 Special Events in Gatlinburg

8-25

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.